Sinn Fein candidate says thanks for support

Despite losing his seat in East Antrim, Mr. McMullan said that it was “an exceptional vote” for Sinn Fein.

In a statement, he said: “We have put our figures up by nearly 1100 votes in ten months, that is 41 per cent. We just failed at the last lap to take the seat.

“I would like to congratulate all five East Antrim MLAs on their success and I hope that as they carry out their work, they remember that East Antrim goes right down into the Glens.

“I would like to thank my supporters very much. We only failed by a few hundred votes. I believe those votes would have been there if we had got better transfers from other parties. The seat is still obtainable.”

Mr. McMullan went on to say that the Sinn Fein office remains open in Carnlough and normal service will continue.