The DUP won 91 seats in 1997 - but they now have hit 119 with more likely. David Trimble's Ulster Unionists won 185 seats at the last election, but look like falling short of that target this time. However, they are still the largest party, based on results to date. The SDLP could well come close to winning back their 120 seats, but the rise of Sinn Fein is giving the party cause for concern. After being overtaken by Sinn Fein in the Westminster election, the SDLP leadership will be desperate not to let it happen again.
Elections are all about winners and losers.
In Derry City Council, Donncha MacNiallais of Sinn Fein has missed out on a seat. And two veteran unionists have lost out - Ernie Hamilton and Jim Guy. However, the final picture across the 26 councils will not emerge until counting finishes on Tuesday afternoon. As the parties weigh up how they have fared, the Ulster Unionists are preparing for talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair. The UUP say the Downing Street talks on Tuesday afternoon will centre on the current difficulties in the peace process.