One hundred hopefuls

With nominations now closed for the Westminster Election, BBC NI's political correspondent Mark Simpson examines the list of 100 candidates in Northern Ireland.

The only surprise on nomination day was that more people did not decide to put their names forward.

Speculation about dramatic last-minute moves in East Belfast, West Belfast and Fermanagh South Tyrone proved to be false.

The final total of nominations in Northern Ireland - 100 - was 25 less than the last general election.

So much for this being the most important election in the province's recent history...

The SDLP came out on top at the 1998 assembly election. The other parties want revenge

But, of course, the significance of the poll cannot be judged by simply adding up the number of candidates.

A quick glance at the list of runners shows the parties mean business.

Sinn Fein and the DUP are standing in more constituencies than ever before - 18 and 14 respectively.

The Ulster Unionist Party are standing in 17 seats, the exception being Mid-Ulster, while the SDLP are contesting all 18 constituencies.

The motto shared by all parties is that "every vote counts".

This election is not just about winning seats, but gaining the highest overall share of the vote.

The SDLP came out on top at the 1998 assembly election. The other parties want revenge.

The list of candidates includes:

seven Stormont Ministers

43 assembly members

19 women

16 outgoing MPs

Ulster Unionists Ken Maginnis and John Taylor are the only two MPs who decided to retire.

That means there will be at least two new faces at Westminster.

"Vote for Yourself" says Rainbow George

The same face will be on the hustings in four different constituencies - Rainbow George of the Vote for Yourself Party. He is running in all four Belfast seats.

The average number of candidates per constituency is six. But in West Tyrone, there are only three runners.

It is the first time since 1987 that such a small number has contested a single seat in Northern Ireland.

West Tyrone is one of eight areas where the Alliance Party has decided not to field a candidate. The party is contesting only 10 seats. Also running are:

Workers' Party (6 seats)

Conservative Party (3)

PUP (2)

NI Unionist Party (2)

UK Unionist Party (1)

Women's Coalition (1)

Four independents are also contesting the election.

In 1997 candidates' lost deposits added up to £28,500

For all candidates, the first aim to make sure they win 5% of the vote, otherwise they lose their £500 deposit.

In the last Westminster election in Northern Ireland, 57 candidates lost their deposit - which meant a £28,500 pay-day for the powers-that-be.

A poor performance on polling day can be expensive, in more ways than one.