Greens announce candidate for Glasgow North East

The Scottish Green Party today announced that David Doherty will be the party's candidate in the Glasgow North East by-election, which will be held on 12 November. (1) Mr Doherty, 24, is on the board of a building renovation charity in Glasgow which promotes both hi-tech and low-tech ways for householders to save energy. (2)

David Doherty said:

"There is a lot of cynicism around about politics, and I can quite understand why given the behaviour of the parties already represented in Westminster. However, I believe green politics can help improve people's lives, protect our environment and support a truly sustainable economy.

"I am standing in Glasgow North East because I believe the area needs more investment, with housing in particular having been neglected in previous years and facing serious budget cuts. As a Green MP, I would work for a Green New Deal for the people of Glasgow, using government investment to boost affordable and low-energy housing, public transport that's both low cost and high quality, and supporting the innovation we need to deliver long-term sustainable jobs."

Patrick Harvie, the party's co-convenor and MSP for Glasgow, said:

"Having Greens elected to the Scottish Parliament has helped deliver real change on the environment and social justice, although there's obviously much more still to do. Westminster is crying out for a Green voice, and the people of Glasgow North East can be the first to deliver that historic breakthrough.

"Whatever the outcome, though, we're in this campaign to talk about issues the other parties ignore. We're the only party to put public transport in Glasgow ahead of new motorways, and the only party to understand that Glasgow's economic problems can't be fixed by refloating the same economic model which has now so clearly failed. We're also the only party in this election with a clear policy to end the benefits trap. I look forward to supporting David's campaign on the doorsteps of Glasgow North East."

Notes

1. David Doherty is an environmental protection graduate of Strathclyde University. He lives in Clydebank, and is Convenor of the Dunbartonshire Greens. He has a strong track record campaigning for people and the environment and writes a column on environmental issues. David campaigned in the 2009 Euro-elections where the Scottish Greens' vote overtook the LibDems and Tories in Glasgow North East. As a practising Catholic, David is also active in the Eco-Congregation Network, and his interests include cycling, hillwalking, cinema and travel.

A picture of David is available on request.

2. See:
http://www.eco-renovation.org/