Speaking from the Count Centre, Carla Lockhart said:

“The DUP vote in Lurgan of 3265 was a tremendous success. This is a significant achievement for both Peter Haire and Stephen Moutray, and I am absolutely delighted that they have both been returned to serve the people of Lurgan for the next four years.

I know that Stephen will continue to be an exemplary public servant, with a wealth of experience to call on, and Peter as a new Councillor will bring new energy to the DUP team in Lurgan. It is a very welcome boost for the DUP to regain our second seat in Lurgan. We are deeply grateful to the electorate for entrusting the DUP with two seats, and we will repay that trust with ongoing work in the community, on the ground, and further delivery for Lurgan.

I want to thank Louise McKinstry for her service as Councillor and wish her well in her future endeavours. Politics can be cruel and we must always be mindful that behind the title there is a real person with very real feelings. 

The work continues and our Councillors, MLAs and I will ensure the needs of the Lurgan people are met, through strong and effective representation. On the bigger politics, we will use our mandate to engage with the Government to seek solutions to the problems posed by the Protocol. We have the mandate now to bring to the negotiating table, and the Government should sit up and take notice that it is for them to take steps to address Unionist concerns.”