Durkan makes victory speech

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan said: "I am very proud to have received a new mandate as the MP for this city.

"I am proud to be elected as an SDLP MP. I also make no apologies for having served, and will continue to serve, as a cross-community MP.

"This successful result in Foyle is down to excellent teamwork by an excellent campaign team. We ran our campaign as a tight fight – that is how we will always respect the people of Derry – we take nothing or no-one for granted.

"I received very clear messages on the doorsteps that people were worried about jobs and the economy, disappointed at parties messing over education, angry at cuts already hitting our frontline services and anxious about more severe cuts to come.

"People are also less than impressed about what the Assembly is doing to improve performance and productivity.

"There is a clear message that we can all take out of this election. As the newly-elected MP for Foyle I will be doing all that I can to address those issues.

"I believe the people of Derry have shown that they very much appreciate the value of a committed and effective MP, working the seat, making their case and fighting their cause.

"Politics has been damaged in recent years. It is important then that people take part in the democratic process and that those of us involved in that process reward that good faith.

"It is also important that we respect the mandates of everyone else. I have consistently respected the mandates of every other political opponent I have ever dealt with. Unfortunately, some others cannot respect my mandate. There is little point people preaching about equality and unity if, when it comes to elections, they do not respect the equality of every single vote and recognise the mandate that has been conveyed to all candidates.

"Finally, I would like to thank my wife and family. All of us in public life need to recognise the huge contribution that our families make. It is therefore important to remember not only their love, but also their support for our ideals and the causes we are fighting for. I would like to celebrate that today."