 | 'When the Scottish Parliament says, 'We believe that this is okay constitutionally,' and the English Parliament says, 'No, the legislation is dead,' there will be a terrible problem.' Sir Teddy Taylor, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, Hansard, 23 rd February 1998. |  |
The Greens have been in buoyant mood since the Scottish election last year saw Robin Harper become the first Green MSP. They are seeking to build on their position as Scotland’s fifth political party and claim that the Liberal Democrats are within their sights.
Gavin Corbett said:
"The voters of Ayr will quickly get fed up with pundits predicting a two-horse race between New Labour and the Tories. I am confident that they will see how pointless it is to send another party hack in a blue or red rosette to Edinburgh.
"The footnotes of history will record Ayr as the first ever Scottish Parliament by-election. On 16 March voters have a chance to make real history by recording the best Green vote Scotland has ever seen."
Green MSP, Robin Harper, added: "Since my election I have been overwhelmed by public concern about the environment. Many people are angry and worried that politicians appear not to care about their children's future. Across Europe people have been electing Green MPs to take decisive action on the environment. I am sure that the voters of Ayr will want to share in this exciting new movement.
In both Scottish and European elections last year the Greens outpolled the Scottish Socialist Party in Ayr. In the June Euro election the Green vote was less than 300 below the Liberal Democrats. The party set up a local group in Ayr last summer, which has been campaigning on GM food since then. They promise a lively campaign which will focus on basic green concerns like clean beaches, local jobs and safe streets. The much-praised Green election "battle-bike" will take to the streets of Ayr during the campaign.
CONTACT Gavin Corbett, 0131 337 5227 or 07980 499163
Ayr Office, 01292 283855, Robin Harper 0131 348 5927
Notes to Editor
1. Gavin Corbett is thirty-four and is the senior researcher with homelessness charity Shelter. He was born and raised in Cumnock, in the heart of Ayrshire, where his family still live. He has held a number of posts with the Scottish Green Party including Housing and Planning Spokesperson and Executive Convenor. He chaired the party's campaign team during the Scottish Parliament elections.
2. Further details of the Scottish Green Party can be found at www.scottishgreens.org.uk.
15 th February 2000
Return to home page