Quinn thanks voters and looks to future

The SDLP’s Mid Ulster candidate, Cllr Tony Quinn, has thanked all those who voted for him last Thursday (May 6)

Mr Quinn said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made the effort to use their democratic right to vote to register their support for the SDLP in Mid Ulster on May 6.

“While I am obviously disappointed not to have been elected this time the SDLP takes heart from the successful re-election of our three sitting MPs,” he said.

He pointed out that party leader Margaret Ritchie received an overwhelming seal of approval from the voters in South Down, comprehensively defeating the challenges of all other parties.

“In Foyle our former leader Mark Durkan put paid to any notion that his position was under threat.

“And, significantly, the electorate in South Belfast ignored attempts to turn that election into a sectarian head-count and returned Alasdair McDonnell as their MP with an increased majority,” he said.

And Cllr Quinn added: “The SDLP’s successes in this election show that our message is being heard, and our ability to attract votes from all sections of our society points the way to a better future for all.”