Returning Conservatives and Unionists MEP Jim Nicholson has welcomed his re-election to the European parliament. “I am delighted to see that the Ulster Unionist Party’s percentage has increased since 2004, and indeed since the last Assembly election“I would like to thank the solid core who have remained with this party, and also those who have come to us for the first time. “A lesson has been learned – the Conservatives and Unionists are now a political force to be reckoned with.“I will return to Europe with the full force of a national party behind me, offering Northern Ireland better and stronger representation.“To those who knocked a ‘vote for change’ this has been a salutary lesson. Through the rebuilding of the Ulster Unionist Party, side-by-side with the Conservatives, we have created a new, dynamic force.“The Conservatives are now the only party with representation in every region of the UK, and are committed to strengthening unionism across its parts.“Indeed the Conservatives and Unionists grouping will easily form the largest grouping in Europe, bringing UK issues to parliament and providing a real vehicle for change.“The DUP have hurled accusations of vote-splitting, when in fact they have been instrumental in bringing unionism to a dangerous place.“We as a party have always sought to work together for the good of unionism – they are now reaping the rewards of their dynasty-building.â€