Pledge to be‘voice of common sense’

Bob Shields this week pledged to be the“voice for common sense”after storming to victory in the South Ayrshire elections.

The pub landlord and Ayrshire Post columnist swept to a comfortable win in the Ayr West ward.

His election as an independent candidate – at stage one of the vote – promises an intriguing spell at County Buildings.

And Shields, 66, insists his commanding vote should send a loud message to his new colleagues.

He said:“What this shows is that people are disappointed by the big parties who’ve done nothing for Ayr over these past two administrations.

“I’ll be in there battling for everything I put in my manifesto and I’m not there to make friends.

“I said I was the vote for common sense and that’s how I’ll approach my role as a councillor. “As an independent, I am willing to work with anyone. “But my biggest challenge will be to try and stop the cabal nature of the previous council.

“I don’t know what agreements will be struck up either in front of my eyes of behind my back.

“But I’ll be in there fighting for the people of South Ayrshire – so bring it on.

“I will approach everything on an issue by issue basis...if it makes sense for the people of South Ayrshire and it’s what they want, I’ll put my hand up for it.”

Shields polled 1,909 first preference votes – beaten only by Conservative leader, Martin Dowey, who topped the ward vote with 2,271 ballots.

Lee Lyons (Con) and George Weir (SNP) were the other councillors to be elected from Ayr West.

A total of nine new members were elected to sit on South Ayrshire Council at the vote.

The SNP are now in line to form a minority administration following the break down of talks with Labour.