The failed case against Alistair Carmichael’s election was politically motivated and representative of an “unhealthy” political situation, the MP has said.
Reacting to the judgement that dismissed the challenge against him Mr Carmichael said he was pleased with the decision and vowed to go on representing Orkney and Shetland “to the best of my ability”.
Alistair Carmichael – a “difficult and stressful time” is over.
Mr Carmichael said: “Although I was always confident of winning, the last few months have been a difficult and stressful time for me and my family.
“We have been enormously grateful for the tremendous levels of support received from local people, in both Orkney and Shetland, regardless of which political party they normally support.
“This support has sustained us and we are very thankful for it.”
He added that the case was “politically motivated”.
“It was a deliberate attempt by nationalists to remove the last Scottish Liberal voice at Westminster, and is a mark of the unhealthy polarisation of Scottish politics since the referendum.
“I shall continue to represent Orkney and Shetland as a Member of Parliament to the best of my ability, as I have done for the past 14 years.
“These are very special communities, and it is where my wife and I have made our home and where we are bringing up our family. The interests of the Northern Isles have always been, and always will be my first priority. It remains an honour and a privilege to be their Member of Parliament.”
It was a deliberate attempt by nationalists to remove the last Scottish Liberal voice at Westminster, and is a mark of the unhealthy polarisation of Scottish politics since the referendum. ALISTAIR CARMICHAEL
Mr Carmichael also had praise for his legal team, which he said had been “professional and caring throughout”.
The Liberal Democrats’ Scottish Leader, Willie Rennie, said the Northern Isles would now be Mr Carmichael’s top priority.
“The Scottish judicial system has vindicated Alistair’s election as MP for Orkney and Shetland. In the face of this politically motivated and often ugly legal campaign it has been a difficult time for Alistair, his family and his friends. But it is now over.
“His top priority now, as it always has been, is doing what he does best; standing up for the people of Orkney and Shetland and being a strong Scottish liberal voice in Parliament.”
National leader Tim Farron echoed those sentiments and said, “despite the distraction of the case, Alistair has continued to be an incredibly strong voice for Orkney and Shetland.”