The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Gethins buzzing and raring to go despite lack of sleep
As the general election approaches, Gayle Ritchie goes on the stump with some of the candidates
Stephen Gethins hasn’t slept for three days.
He and his wife Anya are just back from hospital with their newborn son, Patrick, when I show up at their house.
“I’ve been off the campaign trail for three days because I’ve been in a labour suite at Ninewells,” says Stephen, who was the MP for North East Fife until a couple of weeks ago. “It’s been pretty exhausting. “We didn’t plan for a general election nine months ago!”
Despite the lack of sleep, Stephen is buzzing with energy and enthusiasm.
But there’s no denying he’s got a tough job ahead.
The Liberal Democrats are confident of winning back a constituency they held for 28 years. Meanwhile, the Tories claim they have a fighting chance.
“I’ve no doubt there’s a strong challenge from the Tories – there’s been a big surge in support for them recently,”
“The SNP has been described as the effective opposition because of Labour’s troubles, and the Lib Dems are a small group.
“People feel strongly about a wide range of diverse issues, from healthcare and education to local issues like better broadband and building a new Madras College in St Andrews.
“I’m happy to deal with anything and everything – any concerns that people may have.”
Inside, there’s a flurry of activity as volunteers help fold leaflets and prepare election materials.
Leafing through the SNP literature, I notice there’s no mention of independence.
“People know we’re in favour of independence and there’s no doubt the independence question is a big one,” says Stephen.
“It’s important to remember that people want to know my views on issues beyond independence, such as freedom of movement, pensions, benefit cuts and foodbanks.
“Some folk have pretty strong views and don’t always favour the SNP but the overwhelming majority of people are actually quite glad someone’s come round to chat.”