Political leaders in Northern Ireland had mixed reactions to the election of Donald Trump as US president.

The former president was elected to a second non-consecutive term in the White House after defeating current vice president Kamala Harris.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson congratulated Mr Trump.

“Elections may be divisive, as this election was, but the outcome was decisive,” he said.

“The American people have given President Trump a strong mandate to serve as the 47th president. I congratulate him, vice president-elect J.D. Vance, and their team for pulling off what has rightly been described as the greatest political comeback of all time.

“During President Trump’s final term, the door to the White House was open, and in fact many viewed his presidency as a time of balance and justice in our own domestic political divisions.

“45. I believe that he will take the same approach in his 47th term as he did during his presidency and that the ties between the USA and Northern Ireland will remain strong. I wish him good luck.”

But SDLP leader Claire Hanna said there were “serious concerns” about what Mr Trump’s election would mean for the US.

“My thoughts today are largely about people in the United States who are afraid of what this might mean for their future,” he said.

“Donald Trump has shown time and time again that he is someone who has little respect for most people or, once again, for the high office he holds.

“It is very disheartening that his divisive brand of politics is so widely supported, but we accept that the election result is clear.

“There are serious concerns about what this means for the United States, Gaza, Ukraine, and indeed the world. “In both cases, the most vulnerable will likely bear the brunt of the Trump administration’s decisions.”

But TUV leader Jim Allister said he believed Mr Trump was the better candidate.

“The American people need to make their own choice, and I envy that they have the right to choose those who make their own laws, unlike us in 300 counties where laws are made in a foreign parliament,” he said.

“Donald Trump was better than the alternative to Harris.

“On matters affecting Northern Ireland, I believe the historic proposition of the United States (no taxation without representation) may give it something to think about when it comes to us.

“As a man who respects borders, I suspect that when he reaches a deal with the UK he will be surprised that we have a divisive border in the middle of the UK and that that might eliminate the inclination to do trade deals.”