DONOHOE DISMISSES OUT OF DATE ELECTION MEETINGS

John Martin Fulton • Published 9 Apr 2010 16:49

OLD-FASHIONED election hustings have been dismissed as out-of-date by MP Brian Donohoe as he gears up for a month of campaigning.

The Labour politician's decision not to attend a debate in Irvine later this month was frowned upon by one of the event's organisers this week.

But Mr Donohoe was adamant that rather than spend time at dozens of meetings, he would use modern technology to fire up his campaign to be re-elected.

Rev. Neil Urqhart, of Fullarton Parish Church, told the Times: "In keeping with past General Elections CARE (Christian Action, Research & Education) are co-ordinating hustings up & down the land. We look forward to a friendly and stimulating sharing of views and debate over relevant issues, by the respective candidates!

"Alas, Brian Donohoe has indicated that he is only attending one hustings, in the 'new part' of the constituency (Tarbolton). It will be interesting to see how the general public interpret that."

However, the Labour member hit back, claiming that his use of modern technology had made a far greater impact than hustings in getting his message across.

He told the Times that his website www.votebriandonohoe.com had already received 10,000 hits.

Describing hustings as an "old fashioned way of communication" he said that he had taken a "conscious decision" to attend one meeting at the last election and was continuing this practice.

Mr Donohoe said: "The last time there were around 50 folk in attendance and I could tell you what party each and every one was going to be voting for.

"I don't think that they are necessarily obsolete and if I thought that I wouldn't be attending any."

He added that his website allowed people to get in contact with him and pose their questions to him.

"I can spend my time calling people and getting out and meeting people," he added, "At the 1992 election I attended hustings in every village and town in the constituency and there were only three people at some.

"There was no internet or email at the time, though. So I'm surprised someone as forward thinking as Neil Urqhart is relying on such an old fashioned form of communication."

Tweet

Follow @irvinetimes

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.