Labour’s‘clear message’is getting through
I’ve got ideas but it’s just as important for me to be able to listen to people and be their voice
Ryan Smart feels Scottish Labour’s focus on grassroots issues has the potential to strike a chord with voters.
Carse of Gowrie ward member Alasdair Bailey is the party’s sole representative on Perth and Kinross Council.
Despite the lack of numbers locally, Perthshire North candidate Mr Smart said he believes the party – which recently appointed Anas Sarwar as leader – still has plenty to offer.
He said: “One of the key things in this campaign is getting across that clear Labour message.
“The people we’ve spoken to want to hear that message and are very supportive of Labour.
“Hopefully we’ll see that materialise into votes – not just within the constituency, but within the regional list as well.
“I think there is a Labour vote within Perthshire North but it’s just a case of getting them active, engaged and wanting to vote and I think that’s where the focus on local people and issues will come in.
“Labour has been through a lot in the last few years in terms of changes and we’re coming out stronger for it.
“I think we’re very clear on the issues and our focus nationally is on Covid recovery.
“That’s the message people are wanting to hear. Even staunch independence supporters understand that recovery from
Covid has to come front and centre.”
On conducting a campaign throughout the Covid-19 restrictions, Mr Smart continued: “The restrictions have been an issue in terms of the campaign.
“If we could’ve, we would’ve been out knocking doors and speaking to people, doing street stalls in what is an absolutely stunning constituency.
“One of my favourite things to do is to take a drive up to Aberfeldy because it’s just a beautiful drive.
“That side of it [the campaign] is obviously missing, but we’re using social media and papers such as yourselves to make sure people get as much access as possible.”