Statement by Richard Cairns, TUV candidate for South Antrim:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who put their faith in me by casting their vote for TUV on Thursday. I am humbled once again by the support shown and reiterate my commitment to work effectively for local communities in South Antrim.
“While it is encouraging to see such support the dominant telling of this contest by the media all through the campaign was very much about a two horse race. In this context, I feel voters understandably wanted to play a decisive role in choosing between the personalities, because in reality, there is very little to separate the UUP and DUP on policy. I would like to take this opportunity however, to wholeheartedly congratulate Danny on his success, pay tribute to the Rev. McCrea, and thank all democrats standing and the people of South Antrim for a courteous and dignified campaign.
“As I move TUV forward with our sights set on the 2016 NI Assembly election I would ask all those who lent their votes to other parties, and those that are considering voting TUV for the first time, to stay the course with me in seeking to return South Antrim’s first TUV assembly member. I suspect the people of South Antrim having made a change at Westminster will relish the opportunity to shake things up in at Stormont. Building upon a solid core vote and with the added freedom of a transferable vote in 2016, people can cast their judgment on the quality and competence of the Executive parties.
“I thank each and every one of you for the reception you gave me, and thank my team who have campaigned so hard.”