Bates urges heartland to ensure Liberal voice in next government

Release/Rhyddhau: 29/03/07

Contact/Cyswllt: Mick Bates
029 2089 8342/ 01686 625527/ mick.bates@wales.gov.uk 

Mick Bates is set to be formally adopted as Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Montgomeryshire at a meeting in Newtown tonight. In a speech to party members, he will encourage them to get out and make people turn out, to retain Wales’ traditional Liberal heartland

“Welsh Liberal Democrats are the party of Wales’ future, building on our strong tradition in mid Wales. By getting a strong turnout in Montgomeryshire, and ensuring that people double their vote, on the list as well as in the constituency, we will be ensuring that our party have a strong voice, when it comes to forming the next Assembly Government.”

Mick will reflect on why he first became a Liberal, and why he remains committed to the cause.

“As a young man, I was a bit of a rebel. My experiences taught me that social justice, compassion and fair trade meant I became a Liberal. I couldn′t support a party that was bankrolled by big business or the unions.

“It’s important to remind people of the principles which distinguish us from other parties. Labour are complacent in power. They do not listen to the people of Wales, and as a result, they are about to implode.

“The Tories are the same old people who will cut public service and in rural Wales access to services is one of the most important issues we face.

“Plaid Cymru – I don’t know where they are. They claim to be socialists and I’m not prepared to see the re-nationalisation of everything. They claim to be nationalists, and in a world where we need to co-operate more and more, I don’t think that’s the way forward either.

”Only the Welsh Liberal Democrats are offering a Fair Green Future for Wales. It is vital we maximise our vote, so that we can turn our strength in the heart of Wales in to a louder voice in the next Assembly.”

Lembit Opik, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and MP for Montgomeryshire will be proposing Mick at the meeting.