Newton Emerson - Large number of unionist parties increases unionism's overall share

In the Sunday Times of May 25 2014, Newton Emerson wrote of unionism:

"Unionism's overall share of the vote increased from 46.1% to 49.5%, boosted by the large number of unionist parties an their advice to transfer to all other unionists on the ballot."

Of nationalism:

"Nationalism lost out as a result, with Sinn Fein down to 24.1% of the first-preference vote from 24.8%, and the SDLP down to 13.6% from 15%."

And more:

"This continues the general trend in nationalism, where Sinn Fein has reached a plateau and is not benefitting from the SDLP's decline."