Political representatives from Sinn Féin, the Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance have paid tribute to the survivors of Jeffrey Donaldson's abuse following his sentencing to 15 years in prison.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said his thoughts were with the victims and their loved ones following the sentencing.

He said: "Today, my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones who have shown immense courage in coming forward and seeking justice.

"The 15-year sentence is another important step towards accountability and recognition of the victims' suffering. It is a significant moment for the victims and their families who have shown great resilience throughout.

"However, it cannot undo the abuse they endured.

"The focus must remain on supporting the victims in the time ahead.

"We must also increase our efforts to end the scourge of violence against women and girls in our society."

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA said the sentence reflected the gravity of Donaldson's crimes and the lifelong harm inflicted on his victims.

He said: "Jeffrey Donaldson has today been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the sexual abuse of two children. The sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and the lifelong harm he inflicted on his victims. My thoughts remain with the two brave women whose courage brought him to justice, and with their families. "No sentence can give back what was taken from them. But today's outcome is the clearest possible statement that no office, no status and no reputation places anyone above the law, and that the courage of victims who come forward will be met with the full weight of justice."

Mr Burrows also highlighted the impact of the survivors' decision to come forward on others who have experienced historical abuse.

He said: "Beyond this case, the example these two women have set has already reached other survivors of historical abuse. Charities and support organisations have reported an increase in calls from people who drew strength from their example to seek help and to report what happened to them. That is a profound service to the whole community, and one that will long outlast this case.

"The Ulster Unionist Party's own Independent Safeguarding Review into Donaldson's years within our party continues under Anne Marks, and the party will act on whatever it finds."

Alliance deputy leader Eóin Tennyson MLA also paid tribute to the survivors, praising their courage in coming forward and giving evidence.

He said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the two survivors at the centre of this case.

"The immense courage they have shown in coming forward and giving evidence, in the face of unspeakable pain and trauma, has delivered this important moment for justice. I am in awe of their extraordinary strength, dignity and resilience.

"Today's sentencing recognises the heinous abuse they have suffered and represents an important step towards accountability. While no sentence can undo the harm, I hope today will bring some comfort to them and their loved ones.

"We must ensure our focus remains on supporting the survivors, protecting and respecting their anonymity, while renewing our determination to end violence against women and girls in our society."