THE DUP remains the solid voice of unionism in South Down.
While its vote dipped by just under two per cent from 2019, the DUP is miles ahead of the UUP whose demise across the constituency continues to decrease at an alarming rate.
Five years ago Glyn Hanna was the DUP standard bearer in South Down but it was his daughter Diane Forsythe who contested the election on what was a bloody night for her party with the loss of three Westminster seats in traditional DUP heartlands.
The South Down MLA polled almost 300 less votes than her father in 2019, but despite the carnage the party suffered in other areas, the DUP remains strong locally. Ms Forsythe also increased her 2022 Assembly vote by 13%.
Ms Forsythe said it was “amazing” to receive 7,349 votes.
“This election had a low turnout of 59% in South Down with the overall Unionist vote ping significantly and to achieve an increase in the DUP vote demonstrates a strong endorsement of our team in this area,” she said.
“The result also demonstrates that divisions with Unionism and nasty campaigns on the doorstep do not win favours or support. The people of South Down have shown loud and clear what they think of the local TUV tactics and offering.
“The party’s diminished vote speaks volumes.”
Ms Forsythe said the TUV vote halved since the 2022 Assembly election and hoped this sent a loud and clear message to those who like to make unnecessary attacks.
Ms Forsythe, who was challenged by the TUV’s Jim Wells to a public debate on the Donaldson/Robinson deal throughout the election campaign, said the TUV vote showed that personal attacks did not work.
"I believe in strong delivery, positive unionism and looking towards the future,” she continued.
Ms Forysthe, who has a high profile role at the Assembly working with Education Minister Paul Givan, said her priority will be to continue working hard ahead of the next elections.
"At the last council election in Newry, Mourne and Down we had some of the best results across Northern Ireland for the DUP, gaining two extra seats
and growing our vote share. We work hard together as a team and want to consolidate that and to do the best for South Down because we actually care about the area and the people we represent.
"I am pleased with my vote and the support people have shown me, It's a summer election, its a difficult time and people are away on holiday, but the DUP remains strong in South Down.”
She added: “People have come out and endorsed that and I am absolutely flabbergasted at that when it is very clear the difference strong MPs who take their seats in Westminster make and what can be delivered by good MPs.”