Lothians’ newest independent candidate, Ken O’Neill, has announced plans to hold an open meeting giving voters the opportunity to hear first hand why he is standing. The meeting will start with an introduction by the prospective MSP, where he will explain what he believes in and what he hopes to achieve if elected to Holyrood.
The meeting is on Tuesday 3rd May in the Forest Café’s Hall.
O’Neill said:-“During my campaign I have had limited opportunities to speak at hustings events. I can understand that as a new-comer organisers might not have heard of my campaign. I also appreciate that given the number of individuals and parties standing on the Lothian regional list, impartiality can cause organisers problems.
To ensure that the public do get the opportunity to hear me explain my ideas and introduce myself, I decided to turn a negative into a positive by hosting a meeting myself. In ‘Time for a Different View – A Manifesto for the Lothians’, I comment on the lack of coverage there is of the Scottish Government and Parliament. Speaking to my friends and colleagues, they often say they have no idea what is happening and what it means for them. Important legislation passed in Parliament rarely makes the headlines. I think it is up to the MSPs to explain to the voters what they’re getting for their money.
I have promised to produce regular summaries on what has happened at the Parliament and what I have done to keep voters informed if elected. However, that is only half the battle. Politicians need to encourage voters to engage more with their MSPs and the Parliament. I hope giving them this opportunity to quiz me on my beliefs and policies is the start of a more grown-up political debate in Scotland.”
