Cost cutting is priority for new government

'Now is the time to follow through with promises'.

That's the view of returning Malew and Santon MHK Graham Cregeen who held on to his seat in Thursday's general election.

The constituency was the first to declare a result, at around 9.20pm, and there was a 53 per cent voter turnout.

Mr Cregeen (pictured) says the new government needs to focus on cutting costs (listen to audio file below):

The unsuccessful candidates in Malew and Santon were Gareth Kelly and John Hanson.