Falkirk West By-election 2000

saltire shield'Two Labour MPs were battling for their political future last night after being told they were not acceptable as potential members for the Scottish Parliament. Others who failed to make the panel of eligible candidates condemned the procedure as a mockery and a sinister charade designed to centralise power. Charges of nepotism were also made after the daughter of selection panel convener Rosemary McKenna was successful, as was the son of Springburn MP Michael Martin.'
Robbie Dinwoodie and Murray Ritchie in the Herald, 14 th June 1998.		Lion Rampant

Martin is candidate for Falkirk West

By Frances Horsburgh, Scottish Political Writer in the Herald, 7 th December 1998

A LOCAL government stalwart from West Lothian, Mr Ross Martin, was chosen yesterday to fight the troubled Falkirk West seat which rebel MP Dennis Canavan hoped to contest for Labour in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Canavan, who represents the seat at Westminster, failed to get on Labour's list of approved candidates for the Holyrood elections and, after his appeal failed, said he planned to run in Falkirk West - it has been assumed as an independent.

Mr Martin is West Lothian Council's education convener and Cosla's education spokesman. He is a former chairman of Lothian Regional Council's police board and acts as agent for Lothians MEP David Martin. Among those he beat for the selection were former Glasgow Lord Provost Michael Kelly and economist Jim Stevens.

He inherits a seat riven with discontent where many activists have made it clear they will work for Mr Canavan, if he stands, and not for the approved candidate.

Also selected at a joint meeting at Grangemouth Town Hall was Cathy Peattie, who will be the candidate in Falkirk East.

She is director of a local organisation providing advice, information and training for local people, voluntary organisations and community groups. - Dec 7.

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