Election 2010
Candidate election pledges -
My five pledges to the electorate of the Western Isles
1. If I am ever made aware of a threat to the jobs of my constituents, I will immediately share that information with the people most directly affected and their families. I will work with everyone, of all parties and none, to achieve the best possible outcome. I will think of party political advantage last, not first.
2. I will state my views on the difficult issues as well as the easy ones. I will respect the views of others while being entirely honest about my own position. I will not seek refuge in silence, in the hope that nobody will notice. I will never dodge debate, which is vital part of the democratic process.
3. I will work constructively with the local authority and all other agencies in order to advance the best interests of the Western Isles. I will deal equally with all elected representatives, rather than with cliques and factions. I believe that the Western Isles is too small a community for that kind of conduct and that everyone must bury differences and work together.
4. I will pursue my idea of a Western Isles Development Agency in partnership with anyone who will support it. I believe that the assault on the finances and powers of Highlands and Islands Enterprise by the Scottish Nationalists in Edinburgh is deeply damaging to the Western Isles and that the return of economic powers to the islands is our best defence.
5. I will be entirely open about all matters relating to Parliamentary expenses, by publishing details monthly. I will be constantly available to every part of the Western Isles and will pursue no interests other than those of my constituents, irrespective of their political allegiances. I will work tirelessly for the islands and subscribe to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and financial economy.
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