Electioneering

May 3rd, 2010

The only certainty in this election is that it will definitely go ahead on Thursday 6th May.

Your vote has never been more important in an election that will go down in history as the TV election with a focus on party leaders rather than party policies.  A big election that may well have an impact on your pension, your salary or your local health service.   

For some, engaged by the closeness of the contest, they look forward to an exciting finish.  

For others scunnered and exhausted by the extent of the political press and TV coverage they can’t wait for the 7th May and a return to normality.

While there will be little sympathy for campaign weary candidates, spare a thought for those hardworking foot soldiers from all parties.

You must have noticed them trudging up your path in the rain, climbing lampposts, being chased down the road by dogs, all in the search of your vote.    

These volunteers work throughout the year for the cause, raising funds, attending meetings, developing ideas, interviewing and selecting candidates and keeping elected representatives on their toes.  In short, our local democracy would not exist without them.

There is no doubt that you need to be committed to do this work but you also need a sense of humour.  

I still smile at the memory of stalwarts of my own party Tommy Murray & Sudgie (Jim Sutherland) who had a great line in banter and were renowned for their humorous campaign stories gathered over decades. 

Together laughter and hard work ensured successful campaigns.

So if you are not attracted by the candidates, the campaign leaves you cold, leadership debates don’t convince you to go out and vote, I ask you to turn out for those hard working foot soldiers whose only reward is that they get to do it all again next May for the Scottish Parliament election.