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'A survey of voting intentions by the Ipsos MORI organisation revealed a massive swing to the SNP in both the constituency and list sections of the Holyrood voting system. In just three months, Labour has slipped from a 14-point lead over the SNP to being two points behind them. Just 28 per cent of voters said they would back Labour in a Holyrood election compared with 30 per cent who opted for the SNP.' Peter MacMahon in the Scotsman 1 st July 2006. |
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1. Alex Neil MSP (Also standing in Hamilton North & Bellshill constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Alex Neil was born on the 22 nd August 1951 in Irvine and educated at Ayr Academy and Dundee University where he graduated with an MA(Hons) in Economics. From 1979 until 1983 he was Marketing Manager with Digital Equipment Corporation, from 1983 to 1987 the Director of Cumnock and Doon Enterprise Trust, from 1987 until 1989 an Executive Director of The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT), from 1987 until 1993 the Chairman of Network Scotland Ltd and from 1987 until 1999
he was an Economic consultant. Alex Neil was Labour's Scottish research officer but resigned with Jim Sillars to found the Scottish Labour Party in 1975 due to Labour's lack of committment to devolution. Like Jim Sillars, he later joined the Scottish National Party and was elected vice-convenor for policy. His electoral debut was in the 1989 Glasgow Central by-election, which helped to firmly establish the SNP as the second party of Scottish Politics. In September 2000 he was a candidate for the SNP leadership, polling 262 votes (32.4 %) compared to 547 (67.6 %) for John Swinney. In the parliament he is Convener of the Enterprise & Culture Committee, Co-Convener of the Cross-Party Group in the on the Scottish Economy and Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament for Construction. He was Convener of the Enterprise & Life Long Learning Committee from September 2000 - April 2003.
Shadow Ministerial Posts: May 1999 - September 2000 - Shadow Minister for Social Security (reserved matter) Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Hamilton North & Bellshill, 4,907 votes (20.28 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, First on SNP on SNP Central Scotland list, 59,274 votes (22.53 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Kilmarnock & Loudoun, 14,585 votes (37.07 %) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, First on SNP Central Scotland list, 91,802 votes (27.78 %) (elected) 1997 Westminster Parliament election, Kilmarnock & Loudoun, 16,365 votes (34.52 %) 1992 Westminster Parliament election, Kilmarnock & Loudoun, 15,231 votes (30.71 %) 1989 Westminster Parliament by-election, Glasgow Central, 8,018 votes (30.22 %) | ||
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2. Michael Matheson MSP (Also standing in Falkirk West constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Michael Matheson was born on the 8 th September 1970 in Glasgow and educated at St John Bosco Secondary School in Glasgow, Queen Margaret College wher he graduated with a B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy and the Open University where he graduated with a B.A. in Applied Social Sciences and a Dip. in Applied Social Sciences. He worked as a Community Occupational Therapist with
Highland Regional Council from 1991 to 1993, with Central Regional Council from 1993 to 1997 and with Stirling Council from 1997 until his election in 1999. He is single, a Roman Catholic and is a State Registered Occupational Therapist and a member of the Health Profession Council. In the parliament he is Co-Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Malawi and Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Cuba.
Shadow Ministerial Posts: May 1999 - April 2003 - Shadow Deputy Minister for Justice & Equality May 2003 - September 2004 - Shadow Deputy Minister for Justice September 2004 - Shadow Minister for Culture & Sport Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish Parliamentary election, Falkirk West, 4,703 votes (17.81 %) 2003 Scottish Parliamentary election, Third on SNP Central Scotland list, 59,274 votes (22.53 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish Parliamentary election, Falkirk West, 5,986 votes (17.78 % %) 1999 Scottish Parliamentary election, Third on SNP Central list, 91,802 votes (27.78 %) (elected) | ||
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3. Linda Fabiani MSP (Also standing in East Kilbride constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Linda Fabiani was born on the 14 th December 1956 in Glasgow and educated at Hyndland Secondary School in Glasgow, Napier College in Edinburghwhere she obtained a SHND Sec Studies and Glasgow University where she obtained a Diploma in Housing Studies. From1975 until 1982 she did Secretarial work and then worked in Administration for Yoker Housing Association in Glasgow from 1982 to 1985. From 1985 to 1988 she was an Administration and Housing Officer with Clydebank Housing Association and from 1988 to 1994 a Development Manager with Bute Housing Association in Rothesay. From 1994 until her election in 1999 she was the Director of East Kilbride Housing Association Limited. She lives with her partner and is a member of the TGWU and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing of Scotland. Linda joined the Scottish National Party around 1990 whilst living in Argyll & Bute. Naturally, due to her career she is particularly interested in Housing and Social Policy, and having lived and worked in both urban and rural areas, has a keen interest in issues of Land Reform and Use. Linda's paternal grandfather settled in Scotland after the 1st World War. He travelled to Glasgow amongst the first wave of Italian immigrants, from his home in La Spezia, Northern Italy. Along with her surname, Linda has inherited from her grandfather a love of opera, particularly the tenor voice, and of good food and wine. The Scottish/Irish influences in her background explain her love of company and conversation, traditional music and dance. When not politicking Linda can be spotted at one of the many folk festivals or events around Scotland. In the parliament she is Convener of the European and External Relations Committee, Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Sexual Health and Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party International Development Group.
Shadow Ministerial Posts: May 1999 - September 2000 -Transport & the Environment September 2000 - April 2003 - Shadow Deputy Minister for Social Justice May 2003 - September 2004 Deputy Business Manager & Whip September 2004 - September 2005 - Shadow Deputy Minister for Housing & Voluntary Sector September 2005 - Shadow Deputy Minister for Communities Parliamentary Posts: Member of the Conveners Group Substitute Member of the Parliamentary Bureau Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish Parliament election, East Kilbride, 8,544 votes (25.07 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Third on SNP Central Scotland list, 59,274 votes (22.53 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, East Kilbride, 13,488 votes (32.65 %) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Fifth on SNP Central list, 91,802 votes (27.78 %) (elected) | ||
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4. Jamie Hepburn (Also standing in Cumbernauld & Kilsyth constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Jamie joined the SNP aged 18 and became active in the party's student wing as well as in his home city of Glasgow. During his time as a student he was involved in the campaigns to elect Ian Hamilton and Alasdair Gray as rector of Glasgow University. He also served as Senior Vice President of Glasgow University Students' Representative Council and as convenor of the SNP student wing, as well as representing them to the party's National Executive Committee for two years. Jamie has also served as convener of the SNP youth wing and secretary of the SNP's Glasgow Regional Association. He is currently employed by Alex Neil MSP as his research assistant. Election Agent to Alex Dingwall, SNP candidate in Glasgow Maryhill at the 2001 general election, and a council candidate for the Firhill ward in Glasgow in 2003, and Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East at the 2005 Westminster election. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East, 8,689 votes (22.23 %) 2003 Glasgow City Council election, Firhill, 480 votes (22.40 %) | ||
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5. Christina McKelvie (Also standing in Hamilton South constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Christina McKelvie is the current secretary and campaign coordinator in Glasgow Baillieston, she is a long standing member of the NOC. She is the mother of two sons one in primary and one in secondary school. She has worked in various frontline roles within Glasgow city council social work services for over 18 years and is currently a Learning and Development Officer with the Training section. She is also an elected community councillor and the health and social care spokesperson for the Community Council. Her proactive involvement in the Commnity Council and local community resulted in her being one of the speakers and workshop leaders at the Community Council conference in Glasgow Royal concert hall. The subject being electoral reform and diversity. She is also an elected Unison Steward and she sits on the branch committee. This has given her direct experience representing people and winning cases on behalf of workers. Christina has been an active member since 1999. She has been a committed Nationalist since the age of 8 and has campaigned tirelessly for the cause. Recent electoral experience Elected Community Councillor | ||
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6. John Wilson (Originally also candidate for Hamilton South constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| John Wilson was originally selected for Hamilton South but has stood down in order to contest a council seat in another area. Born and raised in Falkirk John moved to Coatbridge in 1982 when he married Frances. They live in Glenboig with their 15 year old daughter. After schooling John became a coachbuilder and after redundancy went on to Glasgow University where he graduated in Politics and Economic History. He then entered the voluntary sector and currently is the Director of the Scottish Low Pay Unit. John is, and has been, involved in a number of community organisations including the school board. John has been actively involved in politics since leaving school and previously served as a councillor. He has been a member of the SNP since the eve of the Scottish Parliament elections in 1999 and currently holds the position of branch convener. Since joining the SNP he has stood at the general election and Holyrood election in Hamilton South. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, Lanark & Hamilton East, 7,746 votes (17.77 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Hamilton South, 4,722 votes (23.01 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Seventh on SNP Central Scotland list, 59,274 votes (22.53 %) 2001 Westminster election, Hamilton South, 5,190 votes (19.40 %) District councillor in Falkirk Council from 1980 to 1984 for the Labour Party. 1978 Regional Council candidate. | ||
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7. Marion Fellows (Also standing in Motherwell & Wishaw constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| The local SNP Constituency Branch of the party unanimously adopted local campaigner Marion Fellows at a meeting in Netherton. Marion has a long record of winning local campaigns. She has successfully fought the plans of the Labour council to close classrooms in her children's school, and was previously Secretary of the Community Council in Bellshill. As a college lecturer, Marion is an active member of the EIS at a local and national level and is the previous branch chairman at West Lothian College. Marion lives in Wishaw, and is married with three children, who all attended local schools. Speaking following her selection, Mrs Fellows said: "I'm delighted to have been chosen to represent the SNP in the election in my home town of Wishaw. I have lived in Lanarkshire for over thirty years, so I know the issues that matter to people in this community. Only the SNP can beat the Labour Party here. With the anti-Scottish Tories in terminal decline and Labour's little helpers the Lib Dems in sixth place here at the last election, it's a straight choice between me and the Labour candidate. According to this week's Sunday newspapers, even Jack McConnell believes that he'll be beaten by the SNP next year. "Labour has had their chance at changing this area for the better and have failed. When I moved to Wishaw we had a local cinema, a thriving market and a bustling town centre. Now our town centre is a disgrace and people are leaving to shop in places like Hamilton and East Kilbride. "Despite the new hospital on our doorstep, local people are still waiting too long for treatment on the NHS, especially for accident and emergency care where some patients have had to wait for up to twenty hours for treatment. Unlike local Labour politicians I support a full range of services at all our local hospitals." Recent electoral experience | ||
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8. Frances McGlinchey (Also standing in Coatbridge & Chryston constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party (Save Monklands Hospital) | ||
| Frances has lived all her life in the Coatbridge & Chryston Constituency. The daughter of a former miner and steelworker she became involved in politics at the tender age of 15. Educated at St Ambrose high in Coatbridge she went on to Queens college then Bell College gaining a Post graduate qualification in Personnel. Frances has worked on environmental matters, anti nuclear and peace issues since the eighties. Involved in the SNP trade union group and Unison Frances has in the past been involved in trade union forums at a national and international level. Married to John Wilson since 1982 they have a 16 year old daughter and now live in Glenboig. Frances graduated with a BA(hons) in 1996 and since has worked in the field of employment and disabilitiy. Currently Frances manages a service that supports people with mental health issues for a local mental health charity. Frances has been involved in the Save the Monklands A&E campaign and recognises the need to ensure that the people of Coatbridge & Chryston have A&E available locally and only a SNP administiration at Holyrood can now save essential health services for the area Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster parliament election, Stirling, 5,503 votes (12.60 %) 2003 North Lanarkshire Council election, Blairpark, 641 votes (41.44 %) | ||
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The late Douglas Henderson (Candidate for Falkirk East & number 4 on Central Scotland list) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Douglas Henderson passed away on the 15 th September 2006. Douglas Henderson was a lifelong nationalist. He was President of Edinburgh University Nationalist Club in his student days and subsequently held virtually every office at branch and constituency level in the years that followed. He was a Vice-Chairman of the Party and eventually Senior Vice-Chairman (now described as Depute leader). He was MP for East Aberdeenshire from 1974-79, having won two elections to the seat in 1974. During his five and a half years in the House of Commons he was SNP Chief Whip and then Spokesman on Employment and Industry, to which he brought his extensive experience as a management consultant. He fought the seat again in 1983 losing by less than 1000 votes. A prolonged period of misdiagnosed illness sidelined him from active politics until he had a major operation in 1998 for cancer. After several months of chemotherapy he was given the All Clear and since then he has resumed active duty for the Party. In September 2005, following the retirement of Dr Winnie Ewing, Douglas Henderson stood for the post of SNP President, polling 129 votes (30.00 %) compared to 235 votes (54.65 %) for Ian Hudghton MEP and 66 votes (15.35 %) for onetime president Billy Wolfe. Douglas Henderson is an elected member of the SNP National Executive Committee. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, Dumfries & Galloway, 6,182 votes (12.15 %) 2004 European election, Fourth on SNP's national list, 231,505 votes (19.67 %) 1983 Westminster election, Banff & Buchan, 15,135 votes (37.4 %) 1979 Westminster election, Aberdeenshire East, 16,269 votes (41.4 %) October 1974 Westminster election, Aberdeenshire East, 16,304 votes (48.5 %) (elected) February 1974 Westminster election, Aberdeenshire East, 18,333 votes (50.8 %) (elected) | ||
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