Everything Ulster - Election 2005

SAMMY Wilson has taken East Antrim from Ulster Unionist Roy Beggs by over 7,000 votes. No big shock as his was one of their top targets.

Some good news in that Sean Neeson's Alliance vote has crept up by 2.8% to 4,869 (15.3%).

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I'm not a huge fan of Roy Beggs, but he was very magnanimous in defeat, wishing the DUP well and promising that the Ulster Unionists will take a long hard look at what's gone wrong and will be back for the next election. When asked if he would be calling for Trimble's resignation, he praised his party leader for being possibly the only politician who would take the risks he did to bring about this "imperfect peace" in Northern Ireland.

He also said he hopes to return to the North Eastern Education and Library Board and local council.