Leishman scores with sporting chance pledge

The SNP boosted its councillors from eight to 12 in Argyll and Bute, and was looking for partners last night to grab control.

Confidence was high the party could team up with the three Argyll Firstmembers and some independents to overthrow the previous ruling group – an administration comprising an alliance of independents, Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. While the SNP suffered a setback when Ron Simon lost his seat in the Cowal ward, three new SNP candidates won seats – William Blair in Cowal, Fredhall inoban South and the Isles and Richard Trail in Helensburgh and Lomond South.

The shock of the day was Lib Dem Alison Hay losing her seat after 20 years on the authority. The former leader of the council and candidate for the Scottish Parliament managed to poll only 312 votes.

Mrs Hay said: “I thought it was going to be between Donniemacmillan and me for the third seat. I should have campaigned more in Lochgilphead, where Donnie is strongest.”

Making a bid for power last night, SNP leader Roddy Mccuish, of the Oban South and the Isles ward, said: “Hopefully the SNP can form an administration with some other backed by former prime minister and Labour MP Gordon Brown and former first minister Henry Mcleish in his election campaign, and was also named Fife Labour’s “sports champion” to promote sport in the region.

On launching his campaign he told voters: “I want to begin a sporting revolution thatwill giveour young people better chances, deal with social problems, help our young people feel part of communities partners. We will be holding negotiations over the next couple of days.”

Former council leader Dickwalsh was hopeful his alliance could hold on to power.

He said: “I don’t think there will be a new administration formed until after the Dunoon result is in.”

The Dunoon ward election was postponed until Thursday after the death of SNP candidate Alister Macalister, and there are and build on Fife’s great sporting tradition.”

Mr Leishman is a wellknown figure in the region, having played for Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath before moving into football management.

Also elected in the Dunfermline Centralwardwere Lib Dem Joe Rosiejak, SNP candidate Neale Hanvey and Mr Leishman’s fellow Labour candidate Bob Young. The ward was contested by seven candidates. three seats being fought over by six candidates, including Mr Walsh.

The number of independent councillors has reduced to 11 from 13. even are members of the previous administration’s of independent alliance.

The Lib Dems have dropped one seat to four,

The Conservatives boosted their two seats to three and Argyll First kept its three places on the council. Dems. To be honest, as a party I think the Lib Dems could be finished. They should get more active in communities if they want to get more votes.

“I think it has a lot to do with national politics and Nick Clegg’s compromises – they will have to look at this and learn a lesson.”

Mr Ferrigan, who lives in Edinburgh, carried out his entire campaign dressed in the penguin costume and even promised to go to every full council meeting dressed as Professor Pongoo.

Mr Ferrigan said: “I thought that if I dressed like a penguin I might have been able to show them how to walk the walk – sadly not this time.”

The three seats werewon by SNP Bill Henderson, Labour’s Ricky Henderson and Conservative Dominic Heslop.

ELECTED: Jim Leishman was selected in the first stage of counting

Mike Ferrigan, alias Professor Pongoo