The Latest Breaking News from DUP

The NI Protocol, the potential for a border poll and the cost-of-living crisis have all been raised repeatedly by political parties.

London (AFP) - Local and regional elections were being held across the UK on Thursday that could prove historic in Northern Ireland and heap further pressure on embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Polling stations will remain open until 10pm on Thursday to allow voters to cast their ballots across Northern Ireland’s 18 constituencies.

In today’s newsletter: As voters across the country head to the polls, much more is at stake than who collects the bins. Guardian correspondents share their conclusions from the campaign trail

The DUP and Sinn Fein are vying for the top spot in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said the Government is focusing on resolving issues with an agreement with the EU.

Stormont parties have published many social media ads in a final pitch to persuade voters

The leaders spent the final day of canvassing across Northern Ireland’s 18 constituencies.

University student Ryan McMullan joined the DUP after the 2017 Assembly election and says the cost of living crisis and the Northern Ireland protocol are key issues for this year's elections

The outcome of the elections could accelerate moves towards a border poll on a united Ireland. Michelle O’Neill, SF Stormont leader, predicts it could come 'within this decade' - by 2032

May 5 sees a big set of elections across the UK. In England, there are contests across 146 councils. In London, every council seat is up for election across all 32 boroughs. Elsewhere where there are elections, at least one-third of the council seats are being contested, with some authorities…