The Glenrothes By Election Hustings

What a hustings event that was! A hustings is a Question Time event during an election with all the candidates and an audience of party supporters and public. In the past rotten tomatoes were thrown. Nowadays it’s just curved balls in the form of really tough questions. And in Methil – part of the Glenrothes constituency -- they were in plentiful supply. No wonder – their by-election is just two weeks away. Should Peter Mandelson decide whether HBOS merges with Lloyds TSB? When will new schools be built in Fife? Will there be free school meals next year or not? What will Gordon Brown spend, spend, spend on to revive our failing economy? And should he have sent himself and not his wife to canvas in Glenrothes this week?p

We’re very grateful to the staff at Kirklands School in Methil for holding the event – in particular their fabulous sound guy Gareth – and a big thanks to local organisers, the Gingerbread group. And just as an encouragement to be a Feisty partner recording a debate in your neck of the woods – here’s what you get – a free plug! So here’s what Gingerbread want to see from this election:

Lone parents are due to be affected by the Welfare Reforms - and forced to switch from claiming Income Support to Job Seekers Allowance, therefore actively joining the labour market. In the current financial climate where thousands are predicted to join the dole queue can lone parents really compete with freshly skilled workers who do not have the complexities and responsibilities of sole childcare? Is it fair to put families under this pressure?

Lone parents are further disadvantaged by inadequate childcare provision. In England, the Childcare Act states a duty of childcare must be available to all parents who wish to study, train and work . Scotland's families do not enjoy this benefit -- the scale of provision is left to local authorities.

Families are caught in the crossfire between Westminster and Holyrood - We want this inequality addressed and resolved, ensuring all Scottish families have the same opportunities as those south of the border.

For more info contact e-mail: rhona@fifegingerbread.org.uk

www.fifegingerbread.org.uk

Comments

[Ally - Buckhaven]

Was good to hear that most questions from the audience were from Labour Cllr's who are doing themselves or their party no favors by continuing to bash the opposition rather than give any indication on what they stand for! What do they stand for these days? Lindsay Roy struggled to articulate anything other than attacks on council or Holyrood matters