Taoiseach Enda Kenny is "the most important person on this island" in deciding Northern Ireland's future with the EU, according to SDLP leader Colum Eastwood.

He says the Irish government "wields significant influence" in the UK's withdrawal negotiations and Mr Kenny "must now be a powerful voice on our behalf".

"The negotiation to come must ensure that any border is only operational around the island of Ireland and not across it," he adds.

How Leave won the referendum. 

A Church of Ireland canon says "it's not a time for panic" after the UK voted to leave the EU. 

"It's important special arrangements are reached swiftly to protect businesses that rely so much on cross-border trade and on trade between the Republic of Ireland and the UK as a whole," Church of Ireland Gazette editor, Canon Ian Ellis said. 

How Northern Ireland's 18 constituencies voted!

Politicians and business leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic are among those reacting to the UK's decision to leave the European Union.  

People have been hitting the net to see if it is still possible to get an Irish passport!

Image source, Google

The editor of 'Ulster Business' magazine has his say on the EU referendum result. 

The UK will not leave the EU immediately - that's the first thing to stress.

Image source, Reuters

But the process of leaving will begin, and this is what is likely to unfold over the coming hours, days and years.

Check out how individual constituencies voted in Northern Ireland here.

The Green Party says the consequences of the UK leaving the EU will have "severe" consequences for Northern Ireland. 

Party leader Steven Agnew says he's now worried about "border controls, human rights and how we will treat immigrants, who contribute to our economy in so many ways. This is a sad day."  

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry says that the aftermath of the referendum will require a rapid response from government.

Image source, Thinkstock

Its chief executive Ann McGregor says: "We have moved into a new era for the UK economy", and adds that there will "undoubtedly be an impact on business".

The deputy first minister says the UK's decision to leave the EU will have "profound implications" for Northern Ireland and that there is now a "democratic imperative for a border poll".

Martin McGuinness says David Cameron's resignation comes as "no surprise".

The Foyle constituency is in the top five areas that voted to remain in the European Union.

Some 78.3% of voters in that region wanted to stay in the EU.

David Cameron says he will resign as prime minister.

Image source, AFP/Getty Images

Speaking at Downing Street, he says the country "needs fresh leadership" after voters chose to leave the EU.

He adds that he will remain in place for the moment due to a need for stability in the wake of the referendum.

Northern Ireland's farming industry shouldn't "panic" after the UK voted to back Brexit, the Ulster Farmers' Union says.

Its president Barclay Bell says: "CAP support is guaranteed to 2019... we also have a UK farm unions' team in Brussels that will work closely with the European Commission and the UK government as it makes the transition to exit the EU."