 | 'The Conservative Party is in a total shambles. Its behaviour is reminiscent of the darkest days of John Major's demise. Senior peers are openly contradicting their own leader. It was always hard to regard William Hague as a plausible candidate for prime minister. This morning it looks virtually impossible.' Scotsman editorial, 3 rd December 1998. |  |
Local Scottish Parliament List MSP Phil Gallie will not be the Tory Candidate in the forthcoming Ayr Constituency By-election. Mr Gallie has set his target on regaining the Westminster Parliamentary seat and his name will be included amongst candidates who seek the Ayr nomination early this year.
Mr Gallie admits to being sorely tempted following the unexpected resignation of the Labour constituency MSP last month. Phil Gallie reduced the General Election Labour majority of over 6000 to a meagre 25 votes in last May's Scottish Parliament Election.
Rather than make an immediate statement of his intent Mr Gallie took the holiday break to assess the overall situation, in particular the level of interest displayed by others who showed interest in taking up the cudgels on behalf of Ayr constituents. He expresses satisfaction "at the high level of interest of quality candidates from the local scene and further afield". He considers that in selecting a candidate local Conservative Party members will be "spoilt for choice".
"Whoever is selected will have 100% support from me in the campaign and I am convinced that another Conservative voice will be elected strengthening both the Tory group in the Scottish Parliament and local representation".
Mr Gallie has enjoyed the wider role offered by his List position having picked up interest particularly in those areas lost to him by the pre 1997 boundary changes. "That role will continue whilst my interest in Ayr Constituents will be maintained in co-operation with the new Tory MSP elected for Ayr Constituency", he says.
In making his decision Phil does not play down the importance of the Scottish Parliament, rather the reverse. He emphasises that the Parliament is here to stay and that only total commitment by Unionist MSPs to its' success will bring benefit to Scotland whose interest is best served through maintaining the United Kingdom.
He expresses concern at the absence of Scottish Conservative MPs at Westminster. He states "there is a need for a Party link to ensure an understanding of what devolution has meant. There is a need to strengthen bonds rather than weaken them".
Phil says, "My commitment to Ayr Constituency and Scotland is such that I would like to provide such a link whatever role the electorate determines. That was my intention before Labour's abandonment of Ayr Constituency. I admit to being tempted to change course but I believe my longer term objective to be in the best interest of those I seek to represent and of my Party".
ENDS
5 th January 2000
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