Candidates battle it out for crucial votes
THE FIVE candidates hoping to become the island’s next Member of Parliament were grillied at a series of hustings over the past week.
One of these was held at Mona Showground last Wednesday, where the five candidates for what is widely reported as being one of the UK’s most marginal seats provided a strong debate.
Many in the audience were keen to get their questions across and to challenge the candidates.
The staple topics of securing strong trade deals, maintaining support for agricultural production and securing equal support for Welsh farming, were flanked by a raft of local issues.
These included the future of nuclear power generation and its possible effects on food production, the challenges of carrying the power to the mainland via a network of pylons, and securing good quality employ- ment for the island’s youngsters.
Plaid’s Ieuan Wyn Jones confirmed he’s standing once again, “mainly due to Brexit and its implications for the island.”
He added he could “offer valuable experience” and that tariff-free access to the single market was “vital” for island farmers.
Liberal Democrat Sarah Jackson was concerned that the Tories’ “hard Brexit” would have ramifications and could be “catastrophic for farming.”
James Turner of Ukip said tha party would bring in a UK single farm payment system to make up the shortfall, and ending EU ‘discrimination.’
Conservative Tomos Dafydd Davies said he has a “deep affinity” for rural Wales and a proud record of promoting the farming sector in Whitehall.
The incumbent, Labour’s Albert Owen, said he wanted to promote “one Anglesey with one voice”, with farming an important part.
He also spoke in favour of improved connectivity.
There was some disagreement, however, with Mr Davies’ determination that a strong voice within a Conservative government would benefit Ynys Mon, with Mr Jones stressing the importance of an independent figure to fly the flag.
There were laughs when Mr Jones remarked, “who is the fourth?” when Mr Davies accused Plaid and its “3 or 4 MPs” of “shouting from the sidelines.”
All except Mrs Jackson were supportive of Wylfa Newydd, though there was consensus against more National Grid pylons among all five.
The Mail will be providing full coverage of the Election results in next week’s edition.
You can also follow us through the night on Thursday, from the count at Plas Arthur in Llangefni from 9:30pm, via @ holyheadmail on Twitter.