Thanks to electorate from candidates
Sir, I would like to express my thanks to everyone who voted for me in the recent general election.
It is a privilege once again to represent the people of Ross, Skye and Lochaber in Westminster and it will my pleasure to work for all in the constituency, ensuring that I am a strong voice on issues affecting this area.
In addition to maintaining offices in Dingwall and Fort William, where inquiries can be made, I will continue to hold regular surgeries where I can meet constituents in person to hear and act upon any issues or concerns raised. Ian Blackford MP, Ross, Skye and Lochaber.
Sir, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people of the Western Isles for the way they responded to my bid to seek election – not just those who voted for me, but also to those who reacted to me in a positive manner, even though their vote lay elsewhere.
I started the campaign with little recognition and I am proud to say that by the end people were approaching me in the supermarket to discuss the issues facing our islands.
I believe I made a strong case for change in the islands and I stand by the approach I took. I believe in our islands and our potential. Over and over again, on the doorsteps, people expressed concern about the impact talk of a second independence referendum was having on our communities and our country. I agree. I respect people who have a strong belief in a cause, even though I do not share their belief. However, sometimes we must set that to one side to ensure that our communities are not jeopardised.
The campaign was short and very difficult. The worst of humanity hit our islands which showed the very best of our islands. I don’t think any of us will forget this.
So, five weeks after starting, I found that 5,000 of my fellow islanders had put their faith in me and crossed the box next to my name.
I promised you that if you gave me your vote then I would fight for the islands. I was not elected, but I will carry on fighting. Please continue to come and chat in the supermarket, or anywhere else, because I am going to do everything I can to ensure our islands have a viable future. Ealasaid MacDonald, Labour candidate for the Western Isles.
Sir, I write to thank everyone who voted for me in the General Election, all those who worked for my campaign and all who helped run the election. I congratulate Brendan O’Hara on being re-elected as our MP and wish him all the best in his job of representing Argyll and Bute in the House of Commons. Alan Reid, LibDem candidate for Argyll and Bute, Fairhaven, Dunoon.