By Michael McHugh
Gerry Kelly has said it "takes two to tango" as he challenged the DUP to step on to the negotiating dance floor.
The senior Sinn Fein member topped the poll in North Belfast and said he was aware of the problems facing the talks, but none were intractable.
"As my wife Margaret said to me as we were dancing around the dance floor quite recently, when I was not in a crocodile suit, it does take two to tango."
The DUP's former culture minister Nelson McCausland lost out in a constituency in which one of the six incumbents was bound to succumb due to the reduction in seats.
Mr Kelly said it was a historic day after three nationalists were returned, including his colleague Caral Ni Chuilin and the SDLP's Nichola Mallon.
But in a constituency marked by the violence of Ardoyne, he said progress in community relations had been made and pledged to work for all.
Woman escapes injury following arson attack in Derry/Londonderry
Motorcyclist in critical condition following collision with van
Court of Appeal affirms ruling on public inquiry in Sean Brown case
Victims urge boycott of new Troubles legacy body during protest at its office
Kneecap investigated by counter terrorism officers over ‘kill your MP’ video