ELAINE C SMITH TO HOST PUBLIC MEETING IN GORDON

LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO PUT QUESTIONS TO MSP AND CANDIDATE

Voters in Gordon are to have the opportunity to quiz Alex Salmond and SNP Westminster Candidate, Richard Thomson, at Inverurie Town Hall.

The meeting is one of a series of "Ask Alex" events being held across the country, where voters will have a chance to put questions directly to the First Minister and to local candidates in a town hall style meeting format.

The events, to be hosted by famous Scottish actress and comedienne Elaine C Smith, are a key part of the SNP’s election strategy as the party’s local and national champions put themselves before the public.

Four 'Ask Alex' events will take place over the course of the General Election campaign in Gordon, Livingston, Dundee and Glasgow.

Ms Smith said:

"Viewers and voters in Scotland will be shouting at the telly during the TV debates as London politicians talk about issues that just aren’t relevant in Scotland.

“I’ll be bringing the First Minister to the people so they can quiz him directly on the issues that matter to them.

“And where the TV stations won’t let you laugh or clap this will be the audience’s show as much as anyone else’s."

Mr Salmond said:

“I’m delighted that one of Scotland’s best known and best loved talents has decided to host these events. I’m sure Elaine won’t let me off lightly!

“While the London Parties are engaged in a phoney war the SNP are putting local communities first. These events present an ideal opportunity to speak to real people in real communities during the campaign.

“I want to hear what people have to say as I make the case for the SNP’s local and national champions.”

SNP Westminster Candidate for Gordon, Richard Thomson, said:

“Local people in Gordon are being given the chance to put their questions directly to the First Minister and myself, and to and have their voices heard in this election campaign.

“Scotland may have been shut out of the leader’s debates but the issues – particularly the London parties’ planned Thatcherite cuts – will hit their communities hard.

“Only the SNP is championing Gordon communities and giving the public the chance to openly discuss the real issues affecting Gordon and Scotland.”