 | 'No-one here quite understands why Mr Canavan is being shunned by Labour. He has been an excellent constituency MP and has always fought our corner with great zest. People are suspicious of Labour's treatment of him. I have voted Labour in the past but will support him if he stands as an Independent.' John Smith, of Bonnybridge, 11 th November 1998. |  |
UFO sightings in the Bonnybridge area, which has become a mecca for spotters from around the world in recent years, have remained largely unexplained.
Yesterday, the consensus among constituents in Falkirk West suggested that the MP's exclusion by Labour presented a puzzle of equivalent proportions.
No-one spoken to by The Herald could understand why the MP of 24 years' "loyal standing" to his constituents should be sidelined by the Scottish Labour Party.
They spoke of their "suspicions" at Labour's actions and expressed concern at the party's attempts to impose a "yes man" to replace the former assistant headteacher who has earned the reputation of being a "rebel MP" since beginning his parliamentary career in 1974.
Bookmaker William Hill, which intends to open "a book" on the constituency contest within the next 10 days, appeared to lend weight to their argument.
Mr Ian Price, regional director (Scotland), told The Herald: "The media are already saying that Dennis Canavan is a very popular constituency MP. He will be a very strong candidate under an independent banner."
Retired brickmaker, Mr John Smith, 68, from Bonnybridge, said: "No-one here quite understands why Mr Canavan is being shunned by Labour. He has been an excellent constituency MP and has always fought our corner with great zest.
"People are suspicious of Labour's treatment of him. I have voted Labour in the past but will support him if he stands as an Independent."
Mr Thomas Silverton, 77, and his wife, Margaret, 73, from Bonnybridge, who have been life-long Labour supporters and became party members before the last General Election campaign to assist the push for Government, have written to the party's Scottish hierarchy to express their "total disgust" at the treatment of Mr Canavan.
Mrs Silverton, a retired nurse, said: "Dennis Canavan is as good a constituency MP as you could get. Someone has to speak their mind. We don't just want a 'yes' man."
Her husband, a retired postman, said: "We have always voted Labour in the past but will definitely support Dennis under an independent banner."
The mood was reflected in Denny where Mr David Christie, 39, said: "Everyone I have spoken to believes Mr Canavan has done an excellent job. I voted for him in the past and will continue to do so."
His views were supported by part-time support worker, Mrs Agnes Kennedy, 47, from Longcroft, near Denny. She said: "People here don't really understand why he has not been selected. I think he is doing the right thing standing under the Independent banner. He will definitely get my vote."
Retired nurse, Mrs Winnie Smith, 71, from Denny, said Labour's treatment of the MP had been disgusting.
She added: "He has shown compassion for people. He is always available to help. I think people here understand the grief he experienced when his son died from leukemia in Strathcarron Hospice."
Staunch SNP supporter, Mr Willie Cordiner, 55, from Camelon, predicted that Labour's "abominable treatment" of Mr Canavan would ensure they would pay the "ultimate penalty" at the ballot box. The bricklayer said: "I have no doubt he will win the Scottish Parliament seat, even running as an Independent." - Nov 12
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