The Ulster Unionist Party’s Mike Nesbitt MLA said:

“We obviously need to examine the Census findings closely and give them the detailed analysis they deserve.

“Our initial assessment is that the evidence vindicates the stance taken by the Ulster Unionist Party since 1998, recognising that we need to build a Northern Ireland in which everyone has a stake and can see a future for themselves and their families.

“Northern Ireland is changing and a modern pluralist society is developing here. We are confident that the Union with GB offers the best future for the people of NI and the task in hand now is to continue to make that case.   

“Whilst much of the focus will be on the religious headcount, it has been obvious for many decades that not all Catholics are nationalists or republicans, and not all Protestants vote for unionist parties.

“The situation regarding identity and nationality is more complex than some like to portray and the Ulster Unionist Party is focused on increasing the number of people who support and vote for the Union, regardless of religious affiliation or background. That is the challenge for the future.”