evidence: The results have been described as "a seminal moment" by leaders of Irish republican parties – who favour the reunification of Ireland and draw most of their votes from the Catholic population, and have caused disquiet in unionist camps – who want to remain in the United Kingdom and are supported mostly by Protestants. [...] However, caution is required when interpreting the results and their political applications, Peter McLoughlin, a senior lecturer in political history at Queens University Belfast, told Al Jazeera. [...] It was noticeable that both main unionist parties briefed the media to downplay the significance of the results before they were even announced.