Lots Of Words, Now Time To Decide

Last night we had our hustings evening in Stranraer.


Thanks to the High Kirk for the use of their hall and to Ian Munro for setting up the PA.

We had more questions submitted this year than in any of the previous two hustings events I've organised. There was a good turn out of interested voters and I hope the evening was helpful for them.

Four of our five candidates were present, the fifth (a UKIP candidate) was on holdiay (or so I was told), make of that what you will.

I think the candidates from the two bigger parties did better, Russell Brown (Lab) and Peter Duncan (Con), but then both have been MP for our constituency and that gives you an experience and confidence in responding to questions.
Andrew Wood (SNP) did well, but I think suffered because the SNP are not really seen as a major player in Westminster elections. Richard Brodie (Lib/Dem) did ok on some of the questions, but the time for thinking about ethical/moral issues like euthanasia is before you run for election, not after.

John awarded Richard best response of the night, when on a question about expenses Richard said, "When I go into the local pub I always get asked Is that going on your expensies? I always say, 'Yes'".

I hope that the turn out in Stranraer and district will be good, and also across the nation. It is important for us to vote and take part in the political process.