Ryan Cleary says 7 seats 'good news' for PCs despite own loss

Ryan Cleary says even though he lost Monday night to Liberal incumbent Cathy Bennett in the district of Windsor Lake, he is pleased with how the PC Party fared in the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial election.

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"It's disappointing, obviously. Everybody that runs wants to win," he told CBC News after leader Paul Davis gave the party concession speech.

"At the same time I look at our numbers...as good news."

Cleary, who just six weeks ago lost a federal election race as a member of Tom Mulcair's NDP, said the negative media attention surrounding his switch to the provincial PCs, as well as a formidable opponent, likely led to his defeat on Monday.

"It was a long shot for me to win, but I gave it my best effort," he said.

"There were questions that I faced out of the gate as to why I went from federal New Democrat to provincial Progressive Conservative. Then on top that off, my opponent Cathy Bennett had more time, more money and more time to establish herself."