General Election 2010 – Voters consider the bigger picture in Glasgow North-East
April 7, 2010 by localnews · Leave a Comment
Ruth Davidson: 'The choice is between Labour and Conservative'.
Labour’s Willie Bain was elected MP for Glasgow North-East at last November’s by-election following the resignation of House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin. Willie was a law lecturer in London till then. He spends much of his time at his parents’ house in Springburn, where he grew up and attended St Roch’s Secondary.
He said: ‘When you bring a social mix into a constituency it changes it. Compared to the demographics of maybe 12 years ago, Robroyston shows a massive expansion. Dennistoun is now, effectively, an overspill of the West End. The constituency, in many parts, is becoming a bit more middle-class.’
Bain admitted his victorious night in November was slightly soured by the low turn-out – 20,595 people – ie: less than one in three of those who could have voted. But he got 12,231 votes – 59.4% with a majority of 8,111 and he expects a better response this time round.
‘When we get to a general election, people see the bigger picture and a national choice, and I think they will consider coming back.
‘If it is seen to be close, then that will boost the turn-out. Realistically, if we get about 50% that would show progress.’
Bain’s main challenge will come from SNP’s Billy McAllister whose selection was exclusively revealed by www.localnewsglasgow.co.uk. Speaking then, he said: ‘We need more jobs, better housing, increased investment and a crackdown on crime. This city and its people are wonderful. We have great potential. But, after 13 years of ineffectual UK New Labour rule and decades of a heartless New Labour City Council, the people of North East Glasgow are crying out for change.’
Also standing is Ruth Davidson, Conservative Party. An intelligent, new-generation Tory, she said: ‘This is a straight choice between the Conservatives and Labour. Only we can sort out the debt, the jobs and the NHS. Only we can get this country’s house in order and the people of Possilpark, Dennistoun and Springburn are responding to that.’
Others candidates include: Eileen Baxendale – Lib Dem, Charlie Baillie – BNP , Graham Campbell – STUSC and Kevin McVey – SSP.
