Alliance share of vote up in Antrim Town by-election

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 16th May 2002

Alliance's share of the vote in Antrim Town has increased by 2 percent, the party revealed following today's by-election.

Alliance candidate - Pete Whitcroft - has thanked the voters in Antrim Town for increasing the party's share from 6.4 percent last year to 8.4 percent today.

Mr Whitcroft said: "This was something of an achievement for Alliance, as many had predicted our vote would go down. Instead, we have shown that support is actually growing for non-sectarian politics in Antrim Town.

"With fewer resources than the other parties, the Alliance team - which I want to thank wholeheartedly - fought a strong campaign on the doorsteps, and that paid off on the day. I also want to thank party leader David Ford for his total support throughout this tough campaign."

Mr Whitcroft said the by-election result would not dent his interest in local politics.

He said: "I will continue to campaign for more play facilities for children in the town's estates, and look forward to the day when the Antrim area has its first integrated secondary school."

"I also intend to continue Alliance's ongoing work for the further development of Antrim town centre."

"I have been encouraged by this result, and it bodes well for the future. If this current trend continues, I am optimistic that Alliance will regain a Council seat in Antrim Borough at the next local election."

ENDS.