Wilson 'deeply honoured' to secure re-election

It may not have been a great surprise when it was finally confirmed that the DUP man had topped the poll, but Mr Wilson and his supporters were delighted with their victory nonetheless.

The expected challenge of the TUV’s Sammy Morrison failed to materialise, and the Ulster Conservatives and Unionists candidate, Rodney McCune, was never going to overhaul the sitting MP’s huge majority.

After being re-elected, Mr Wilson thanked all of those who cast their votes for him.

“I am deeply honoured to have been chosen again to represent the people of East Antrim in Parliament and I look forward to continuing to work for everyone in the constituency whether they voted for me or not,” he said.

“Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole face many challenges over the coming years and I intend to be a strong advocate for East Antrim in Parliament as I have always sought to do.

“As well as solid representation at Westminster, it is important that you have an MP who works hard for you on the ground and I intend to fulfil these responsibilities to the best of my abilities.

“While the campaigning may be over, the work continues and I, as always, am here to serve the constituents of East Antrim.

“Over the duration of this Parliament I commit myself to helping East Antrim move forward and I thank voters once again for giving me the opportunity to do this,” said Mr Wilson.

Mr McCune, who came second in the poll, has vowed to stand in future elections, stressing that his party “will continue to offer real and meaningful change in East Antrim.”

The Alliance Party candidate, Gerry Lynch, managed to hold on to third place in the poll, but his vote was down significantly on the number secured by Sean Neeson in 2005.

Reflecting on their results, the TUV’s Sammy Morrison said he was “disappointed”, while SDLP man Justin McCamphill said that he was pleased to have “made a strong impact and built a solid foundation for the future.”

Sinn Fein candidate Oliver McMullan, who polled over 2,000 votes, described his personal tally as “phenomenal”, adding that the result provided a strong foundation for the party ahead of next year’s Assembly election.