Interesting times ahead!

Posted By: Keith Swift
Date Posted: 05/04/2007

Well, can I say how delighted I am to see the opportunity for every person in the Borough to vote Liberal Democrat in May.  These elections are crucial and no matter what bluffing we see from the Labour Leader - it is clear that we have a great opportunity. 

I am standing in Milnrow and Newhey and wish to continue the active work that we Liberal Democrats do. My colleagues Irene Davidson,  Denis Whittle and I are available all year round and do not just every April when the Labour Party suddenly realise there is an electorate out there that they should have been looking after all year.

People have asked me why the Liberal Democrats are doing so well in this Borough, sometimes bucking national trends.  That's easy, we keep in touch all year round and not just at election time.  We do this in a variety of ways - through Rochdale Online, our website and through our regular Newspapers and FOCUS Leaflets. 

I have been a Councillor for 11 years and I can honestly say hand on heart that I have never seen the Labour Party so inactive.  They have done NOTHING in the last 11 months - probably stung by yet another failure last year. They have not kept in touch with residents and I think it's pretty cheeky to suggest otherwise.

There is a debate on the amount of leaflets a political party should do - the fact remains that a leaflet lets residents know where, when and how to contact you.  Labour, like in so many other areas have failed on this.  Take Councillor Brett for example - no leaflet for 10 months and then BANG last month one comes out.  You don't need to be a magician to work out that Labour take the people of Rochdale for granted.  Well not any more - we Liberal Democrats will work hard to build on the positive hard work of the past 11 months.

The list of Labour Candidates is a mixture of the same old failures - four FAILED Councillors who have done nothing since losing their seats.  It just goes to show that it is personal interest that motivates them - NOT the interests of the residents of this Borough!

We Liberal Democrats have a really positive list of candidates with a balance of experience and younger new candidates who are bringing with them energy and enthusiasm to lift the Borough of Rochdale to become the place we can all be proud of.