IN the race to be Fermanagh and South Tyrone's next MP, there was only one winner, and five candidates were forced to admit defeat.

Arguably, the biggest loser in the contest was the UUP's Diana Armstrong, who despite polling an impressive 20,273 votes, was unable to see off advances from main rival, Pat Cullen.

"I am disappointed, but overall I am very happy with my campaign," said Mrs. Armstrong,

 "The boundary changes obviously had a negative impact, and we were starting on the back foot. But, to get 20,000+ votes, I am more than satisfied with that."

Mrs. Armstrong rejected claims that the seat is now lost to Unionism for good, despite being surpassed by 4,571 votes.

"I wouldn't say that. It really depends on the next mandate. Pat Cullen has indicated she will work for all. I will be holding her to her words."

The Councillor was also asked if a previously mooted Unionist Unity candidate, which was blocked by UUP, would have led to a better election performance for Unionism.  

"I am really not looking backward, I am looking forward," Mrs. Armstrong said. "Yes, I was pleased with the DUP and TUV supported me as the single Unionist candidate, but let's just see how we can move forward. That's really all I can say."

Third in the race was Alliance Councillor, Eddie Roofe, who polled respectable 2,420 votes. He said that passing the SDLP was a major victory.

"It was clear early on that it was going to be two-horse race, so to not only hold our vote from last time, but to actually pass the SDLP, is a great result for us.

"This is something we can really build upon, and really symbolizes the changing of the guard in the modern wing of Northern Irish politics."

A mere 34 votes behind Alliance was the SDLP's Paul Blake, who didn't mask his disappointment.

"Awk, I have mixed feelings, I suppose," said the former Enniskillen Councillor.

"I was disappointed that we are in the position we are in. We are in fourth place, and Alliance squeezing in against us. That is disappointing, there's no doubt about it."

However, Mr. Blake added that there were many positives for the SDLP - but just not in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

"We can see so many positives in retaining South Belfast, and Colm (Eastwood) retaining in Foyle," he said. 

"I was also glad to see a change happening in London, change that's long overdue, change that will be better for Northern Ireland."

He added: "I am disappointed, however, that people have voted for four more years of abstentionism at Westminster."

Fifth in the race was Cross Community Labour Alternative (CCLA) Gerry Cullen, who polled a total of 624 votes.

"Look, I am happy enough with the result," he reflected. "This gives Cross Community Labour a platform to build on within the constituency. 

"I enjoyed the election campaign, and I would always want to stay positive. I took no negativity from the campaign.

The recent election was the Mr. Cullen's seventh election, but he indicated that won't be his last, despite finishing second from bottom.

"Of course, I am always enthusiastic and optimistic, you know," he continued. "I felt very privileged to represent CCLA, and if asked to do so I would have no hesitation.

"I'd like to thank the people for their courtesy and respect as a candidate and my team."

Last, but not least, was Aóntu's Carl Duffy. He claimed a one per cent share of the overall votes, with 529.

"I think its a respectable return," said Mr. Duffy, reflecting on his first election.

"I was within a hundred votes of an established candidate, Gerry Cullen, who has been elected before. I can't complain about that."

Mr Duffy added: "Of course, if I got a bit more, I would have been happier. But there's over 500 people in the constituency that got an option that they didn't have before."

When asked if he planned to stand in another election, Mr. Duffy said: "I feel I have a responsibility to those people (529) who voted for me. I don't believe they would have a voice if I didn't stand. I don't think I will be stepping out just yet."

Interestingly, Mr. Duffy was the only candidate in the constituency who wasn't in attendance at the count. He said this was because of "prior commitments".

When asked if he felt he missed out by not being there in person, Mr. Duffy said: "Certainly yes. But with it being a snap election, a lot of things are bit rushed. You want to be putting several months of planning in. We didn't have that option."