Baroness Annabel Goldie, West of Scotland MSP, was the guest speaker at a lunch held by
North Ayrshire and Arran Conservative and Unionists in the Village Inn, Fairlie, on Saturday
last, 8th November. Baroness Goldie is the Conservatives' representative on the Smith
Commission considering recommendations on further devolution to Scotland.
Annabel opened her remarks by commenting on the outcome of the recent by-election in the
North Coast and Cumbraes ward for North Ayrshire Council. She congratulated the
Conservative's candidate, Toni Dawson, on achieving a 3.1 % gain for the Party in the
percentage share of votes cast and reminded the audience that there had been a 4.7% swing
from SNP to Conservative. That was a remarkable achievement, she said, and could be built
on for future elections.
Annabel went on to say. “ There is no room for tactical voting for the SNP next year by
Conservatives in the General Election to stop a Labour Government. That is a high risk move
and voting SNP will simply hasten another Referendum. Scottish Conservatives are part of
the future political debate in Scotland and if you think that Conservative policies are right for
the country then vote Conservative. The only way to get a Conservative Government is to vote
Conservative.
Speaking on a range of Conservative policies, Annabel said “The number one factor is the
Economy. The Coalition Government faced the challenge of massive debt and a stagnant
economy on coming to office. David Cameron had said that it would not be easy and that
tough decisions would be necessary. Now, we must not squander this Government's economic
legacy of reduction in debt by a third, employment rising, unemployment dropping and the
country on the move again”.
Annabel concluded by saying that with Ed Milliband and Ed Balls in charge of the economy,
the country would face bigger spending and yet more debt.
Among those attending the event was Marc Hope, recently adopted General Election candidate for Central Ayrshire pictured with a group of Irvine supporters.