Cllr Haughey said, "A big congratulations goes out to my party colleagues: Margaret Ritchie, Alasdair McDonnell and Mark Durkan who retained the SDLP's 3 Westminster seats with substantial majorities. This victory reflects the ongoing efforts of the SDLP to regain lost ground and to rebuild the party. Margaret Ritchie as the new SDLP Leader is key to that work and I have no doubt in the months ahead of us that this work will continue.
"I also commend my colleague Dominic Bradley is maintaining the SDLP vote in Newry and Armagh Constituency.
"It is very clear that the issues that people care about are the bread and butter issues that impact on people's lives everyday of the week.
"I believe the people of South Down, South Belfast and Foyle will continue to benefit from strong representation at Westminster and I will also use our MPs to raise important issues at the decision making table that concern the Newry and Armagh Constituency.
"A big thank you must be extended to the many dedicated workers who helped out during this election, their efforts are very much appreciated."