Tuesday, 30 March 2010

A Consensus for Cable

Although the Chancellors' debate on Channel 4 last night was a bit of a cagey affair and never really set the heather on fire, it was interesting to see how the three candidates related to one another.

Polls after the programme indicated that Liberal Democrat Vince Cable came out on top (36%) against 32% for each of the others.

More significantly, of the 4-5 times that there was spontaneous applause from the audience, all but once was for Vince, especially when he said that "Some of us DID see the financial crisis coming......." and again when he suggested that the Conservatives "wanted to get their snouts back in the trough again...". The BBC's Nick Robinson described Vince Cable as the clear winner and on Breakfast this morning, 4/5 of those questioned after leaving the event thought that Vince Cable came out on top easily.

That all sounds like a bit of a consensus. Methinks we could do quite well in this election.......well done that man!!! A great start.......

Monday, 29 March 2010

Chancellors Debate tonight at 8 pm on Channel 4

For those of you who are interested, there will be a live debate this evening at 8pm on Channel 4 between the would-be Chancellors, Liberal Democrat Vince Cable, Labour's Alistair Darling and Conservative George Osborne. Krishnan Guru-Murthy will be asking the questions.

Vince Cable had his finger on the pulse well before the financial crisis broke, so it should be interesting to see how he comes across in comparison to the current Chancellor and the boy from the Tory party.

Sunday, 28 March 2010

A little story.......

Recently, one of our many supporters, 95 years young, was out delivering leaflets in a certain Highland Perthshire town. Having delivered to one house, an SNP- leaning lady came out and shouted after her "The Lib dems must be really desperate in Perthshire if they are asking some-one your age to help them...!!"

"They did'nt ask me," our well experienced deliverer retorted quietly, " I VOLUNTEERED........"

No-one can beat the Liberal Democrats for committment and perseverance and for coming up with a good put-down when the occasion asks for one.

Saturday, 27 March 2010

In Good Heart for the General Election Campaign


Perth & North Perthshire Liberal Democrats completed our fundraising activities today with a coffee morning at Oaklands Community Centre in Perth. After six months of community events like this, we have an excellent budget for the General Election campaign ahead, which is likely to be called in a week or so. This will give us around 6 weeks for campaigning before the expected general election date of 6th May.
Very well done to all those who have contributed thus far. We have a very positive and confident team in place, and who knows what the outcome will be when the day comes.
One thing is certain, the Scottish Liberal Democrats are certainly going to be in the race.

Ready to go


With all the necessary fundraising behind us, Peter Barrett and his team can spend the next 6 weeks or so campaigning and getting Liberal Democrat messages across.
We will be campaigning on four key themes, all based around the central principle of fairness for all. With Liberal Democrats in office:
1 No-one will pay tax on their first £10,000 of earnings, giving the average wage-earner £700 extra in their pocket
2 We will introduce a "pupil premium" to create greater educational opportunities for everyone, so that not only those who can afford a good education will get one.
3 We will build a modern economy based around new technology and especially new green jobs
4 We will work hard to clean up politics, including introducing mechanisms that will allow voters to recall errant MPs, and introducing Proportional Representation which will deny complacent career politicians the chance of a nice secure seat where they do not have to try too hard.
When you're ready Gordon.........!!

Oaklands Community Centre Coffee morning.......


Having a laugh.......


Councillor Ann Gaunt entertains.......

Closer.....


Willie Wilson, Liz Barrett, Russell Auld & Peter Barrett

Mrs & Mr.......


There will be a council by-election on the same day as the general election, following the very sad death of Strathallan ward SNP councillor John Law.
Neil Gaunt will be contesting the seat for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. His wife Ann is already a Councillor for the ward

A fine spread.....


All Liberal Democrat fundraising in Perth & North Perthshire involves raising money at local community events like this, we have no big donors like others and have to build our support and campaigns from the grass roots up..........hard work but a good discipline nonetheless and it keeps us in touch with the needs and concerns of ordinary people.
Well done to all for the work that they put in to organizing these events.

Lib dems deliver jam today........


Hungry anyone.......?


Browsing the stalls at the Oaklands coffee morning


Catching up.....


Neil Gaunt (left) has a chat with Peter Barrett.....

Happy and ready to go......


The scary version......!!


Look out Nats & Tories, here we come......

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

An evening out at Perth College


Cllr Peter Barrett, Connor the chef, and Depute Provost Willie Wilson at Perth College Gourmet Dinner, themed on the last gala dinner served on the Titanic before it sank. The students prepared an excellent 5 course dinner, and served it with flair and selected wines. Peter was particularly interested to hear from the students their plans for the next stages of their careers in hospitality. Connor plans to go to Glasgow to join the Social Work department in teaching young people to cook at home.

Monday, 22 March 2010

Away Day in Grantown-on-Spey


Perth Lib dems went up to Grantown-on-Spey last week to help current MP Danny Alexander with his campaigning. As usual, these trips are a great opportunity to catch up and find out how others are getting on. We managed to deliver material to over 700 houses. Danny and his team will be coming down to Perthshire to re-pay the favour in due course, and Perth Lib-dems will be having another trip north before the general election as well.
Here, Danny Alexander MP (right) has a chat with Peter Barrett, our parlimentary candidate for Perth and North Perthshire.

"Now off you go Peter........."


........"you can do all the houses between here and Inverness before lunchtime..."

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

On the campaign trail in Dunfermline with Willie Rennie MP


"Whats that? You want to be an MP too?"
On the campaign trail in Dunfermline with sitting MP Willie Rennie. Peter Barrett (right), our local Westminster candidate has made a point of taking time out from his own campaign to help in neighbouring constituencies. Willie Rennie runs a very effective team in Dunfermline and being part of a confident, winning team is excellent for generating momentum in Perth and North Perthshire as well.

Lib Dem Spring conference in Perth


Peter Barrett slams cuts in the SNP affordable housing budget during the Perth spring conference recently.

Time out....


Peter involves himself in a wide range of community and local initiatives.

Who's this?


Peter Barrett chats with former Party Leader Charles Kennedy...a very popular and easily recognized politician still throughout the country.

Local champion


Peter Barrett by the Tay in Perth.

Flying the flag in Perth


The Lib dems had a very successful spring conference recently in Perth.

Lib Dem duck derby


Careful guys...!! The dividing line between a good PR photo and a scandalous photo is very fine!!

Fundraising in Alyth


Clearing the January snow


During the very bad weather after Christmas, Perth and Kinross Council were widely praised for their handling of the very difficult situation. Our local Councillors made a point of setting a good example from the outset.