Dup takes East Derry

Democratic Unionist Gregory Campbell today hailed another party victory in the Westminster election, wresting control of Derry East from hard line Ulster Unionist MP William Ross.

A jubilant Mr Campbell took the seat with a majority of just under 2,000, increasing his vote by around 30%.

He said: ‘‘There are many people in the past month who declared East Derry could not be won for the DUP.

‘‘But there is a God in heaven and the British Government has got to understand the votes of the people.

‘‘I have said for many months, for years the Unionist community have been betrayed.

‘‘They now have someone to represent them in this constituency.’’

His voice cracking with emotion Mr Campbell, also Northern Ireland Regional Development Minister, said: ‘‘This constituency has given a message to Tony Blair and David Trimble and it is still ‘No Surrender’.’’

After Mr Campbell’s supporters sang God Save the Queen a dejected Mr Ross, an MP for the past 27 years, thanked Party workers and his wife and family for their support over the years.

He added: ‘‘This is a sad day for me.

‘‘I think that I and other members of this party will go away and reflect on the outcome and see what the future will bring.’’