Letters / Easily the most trustworthy and reliable candidate
As we get closer to the May election, I would just like to put across a noteworthy point which I think needs to be made.
In her recent letter for Shetland News, Sarah Stove from Lerwick rightly emphasises the importance of Shetland having a strong MSP for Shetland, who deeply cares about their community. I completely agree with her that it should be someone who “understands the needs of Shetlanders”.
However, I do not agree with her that this person is Hannah Mary Goodlad. This is because she does not seem to understand one of the key needs of Shetlanders, which is to always project clear and consistent messaging to the electorate.
I am making this insinuation because of one of Hannah Mary Goodlad’s claims that she has just made. One of her recent assertions has been the one that in this five-way campaign, she states that this upcoming election “is a very simple two-horse race in May, between Emma Macdonald and myself”.
But not too long previously to this, the same Hannah Mary Goodlad pointed to the Liberal Democrat campaign leaflet that was making a similar claim about the state of affairs in this election, and she was then describing it as “presumptuous”.
As a result, I think that Hannah Mary’s contradictory statements make her less trustworthy.
It certainly displays a stark contrast between the SNP’s candidate and Emma Macdonald, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats. One message that she is “hearing loud and clear on the doors is that people want someone to represent them who has an understanding of how difficult life can be”.
Emma acknowledges that this is “particularly important when the cost of living is such a day-to-day worry”. I firmly believe that Emma Macdonald is the best person to fulfil that vital duty of ‘understanding the needs of Shetlanders’.
She has “had the same challenges as everyone else.” Like far too many people, she knows how it feels to have to worry about being able to afford the essentials, such as food, clothing, and bills.
She understands that to speak and to represent Shetlanders, elected representatives must use their own life experiences to shape an ever-changing world. I know that she would continue with it as our MSP.
This makes her the most trustworthy and reliable candidate, in my opinion. And that is why I will be proud to cast my own vote for Emma Macdonald in May of this year, and I would strongly encourage you to do the same.
Bertie Summers
Stirling
