Angus Brendan MacNeil has been Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP for the last few parliamentary terms has today lodged his nomination papers to stand at the upcoming General Election on July 4th, offering the voters the opportunity of continued parliamentary representation from Mr MacNeil and his team.
Speaking after lodging his nomination papers Angus Brendan MacNeil said:
“As MP for the last number of years, where I have always been on the side of constituents, representing them at the highest levels, I have seen a lot in politics and every election is very different.
“Firstly, you don’t have to be Nostradamus to see that Labour is coming in with a majority, in fact, it has been termed as a super majority and the next government at Westminster will be Labour regardless of how Scotland or Na h-Eileanan an Iar votes.
“Every time there is a big majority at Westminster, MPs from the governing party are ironically sidelined due to the size of the party machine.
“Indeed, it was a big majority that enabled Labour’s Tony Blair to start the Iraq war.
“Therefore, what is going to be more important in the coming parliament and what is essential for any good democracy are opposition MPs and especially quality opposition to keep the government in check and accountable.
“I believe I have the experience to do just that and over the years, be it ‘cash for honours’ or Gaza I have not been afraid to raise my voice and show some backbone.
“I am very fortunate in this campaign to retain my good campaign team as I had in previous elections when I stood for the SNP.
“I am standing as an independent candidate with the expectation of winning to continue to fight the corner of islanders at Westminster for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, as I have done for the last 12 months or so.
“And have represented all voters in Na H-Eileanan an Iar regardless of their political affiliation.
“To the many SNP voters who are lending me their vote at this election, I would say, that one of the best services you can do the SNP is to jolt the leadership back to being on track for independence which is why a good number of SNP supporters and party members have told me that they are backing me at this election.
“My support for independence for Scotland is unwavering.
“As an independent MP for almost 12 months, I have been working and have been on the same wavelength as the SNP as regards votes at Westminster.
“Unfortunately the SNP have lost their way with many daft policies of late.
“The one thing I would say to the SNP is that I would appeal for no more expulsions/removal from their party for people who are backing me or they will suffer even more membership resignations.
“We should all work together in the independence movement.
“Finally, I would like to thank my excellent team for sticking with me and helping and supporting me in this campaign.
“I look forward to putting Na h-Eileanan an Iar very firmly on the map as my re-election would be the noticeable earthquake of Scottish politics on the 4th of July and a good thing for independence.”
