GAVIN Robinson last night admitted he should have been more gracious towards opponent Naomi Long in his election acceptance speech.
The newly elected DUP MP for East Belfast faced criticism following his triumphalist speech in Belfast in the early hours of Friday morning.
The former Belfast lord mayor was accused of delivering a "petty" speech in which he claimed the "the last five 'Long' years are over" and a "new day has dawned in East Belfast" after defeating the sitting Alliance MP.
"When people of East Belfast were asked to vote for a shared future, they chose to share that future with somebody they can trust, rather than back a party that are only interested in offering us a future if we share their view," he said.
Ms Long said Mr Robinson had not been "gracious" after the results were announced.
Alliance leader David Ford also accused the Belfast councillor of delivering the "nastiest" of all speeches across the UK constituencies adding that it showed "personal vindictiveness" towards Mrs Long.
Hours after his speech, Mr Robinson said he should have praised the outgoing Alliance politician and recognised her contribution to the constituency.
"I've found it difficult (the campaign) and I'm sure Naomi found it difficult, there has been an incredible focus on East Belfast," he told the BBC.
"Set party politics aside, I think Naomi Long is a formidable politician. I didn't say it in my speech last night, as I say, I'm reflecting this morning as it's been long and difficult.
"There should have been scope for me to recognise her contribution."
