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by Maria » 20 Apr 2011, 11:30
Did anyone else manage to get along to last night's hustings? There was a good turnout with a full hall and I felt the hour and a half from 7.30 to 9.00 pm went very quickly, so that's a good sign.
Labour's Ewan Aitken made reference to being a local candidate and his experience of being group leader on the council. He stressed the importance of listening to others and his commitment to education. Generally gave a very confident performance.
The Conservative candidate, Cameron Buchanan, was ill, so he was represented by the party's press officer and Scottish Conservative candidate for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Scott Douglas. Mr Douglas looked about 18, but gave a confident performance complete with Blairesque hand gestures. No surprise to find he studied Politics at University (or that he thinks prison is the answer to tackling crime). He asked that voters not discount voting for the Conservatives, citing their ability to work alongside other parties.
The SNP's Kenny MacAskill, also came across confidently. He asked to be judged on his own performance as the incumbent MSP and on the performance of his party overall, expressing his admiration for Alec Salmond's leadership. Stressed his support for the NHS and education.
The Liberal Democrat's Martin Veart (45) in comparison gave a rather nervous presentation. He told us he was nervous, as he stumbled through his opening 2 minute introductory speech and reaffirmed in his closing speech, that, yes, he was now, indeed, even more nervous. In between he managed to get into his flow at parts, but, overall, gave the least polished performance of the 4 candidates.
Questions to the panel were on tackling unemployment; caring for an ever aging population; tackling poverty; University tuition fees and tackling crime and over crowded prisons. Apologies if I've forgotten a topic, but I didn't take notes. Interestingly, there were no environmental issues raised.
A lighthearted moment came when Otto Inglis, UKIP list candidate for the Lothians, asked for advice from the panel. His party supported AV, he said, but he wasn't sure he agreed. Could the panel give him some advice? The reply came from the audience instead. Leave UKIP.
The only discordant moment came with a member of the audience, Robert Green, who (after interrupting the Chair demanding that he be allowed to put his question) wanted to draw attention to a campaign, which alleges a major cover up, at the highest level, of a paedophile ring. Mr MacAskill dealt briefly and firmly with the question.
Thanks to Andrew, Leo and Tom from the CC for organising a very successful event and for the welcome cup of coffee and chocolate biscuit afterwards.
Last edited by
Maria on 20 Apr 2011, 12:28, edited 1 time in total.
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