Lib-Dems are the party for rural matters
THOUSANDS of low-paid workers in the Westcountry would be better off under a Liberal Democrat government, Vince Cable, the party's economics spokesman, is to tell an audience in Cornwall today.
Mr Cable joined forces with party campaigners in the region this weekend ahead of the General Election, widely expected in May.
After door-stepping in Redruth on Saturday and meeting local people in Bodmin yesterday, the MP for Twickenham will today use a speech to Westcountry business leaders and countryside campaigners to outline why the party understands rural life.
In acknowledgement of the region's low-wage economy, he is likely to heavily promote tax plans that would mean 20,000 Cornish workers who earn less than £10,000 a year would no longer pay any income tax.
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He is expected to add that workers who earn more than £10,000 a year will stand to gain £700 a year under Lib-Dem plans.
Mr Cable, widely praised for his proclamations on the recession, will appeal to voters at the coalface of the Westcountry economy by promising to fight for a "fair deal" for Cornish farmers, fishermen and tourism businesses.
He is likely to underline the fact that as the Lib-Dems boast a parliamentary presence from the Scottish Highlands and the uplands of Mid-Wales through to Cornwall, it has the wherewithal to safeguard rural communities and their services.
He will also renew his party's pledges to complete the dualling of the A30, invest in affordable housing and build a green economy.
At St Mary's Parish Centre in Bodmin yesterday, Mr Cable signed copies of his autobiography, Free Radical, and his analysis of the global financial crisis, The Storm.
Dan Rogerson, Lib-Dem MP for North Cornwall, said: "Vince is credited by people in all parties, having made the right economic calls through this financial crisis.
"He predicted many of the problems and was first to come up with solutions.
"His analysis in The Storm is incisive and comprehensive in equal measure.
"And Free Radical gives a picture of a man who has experienced joy and tragedy, and whose expertise and credibility was fostered outside politics before he got elected in 1997."
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by Steph McWilliam, Callington
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 2:52PM
“Thelonius - Who was it said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result? I think our democratic system is a good example, isn't it? Still, we do have a choice down here and there are many people I've spoken to who are going to try something different this time. Cornwall does have a good track record of showing independence. Let's hope this election will be the start of a new era in politics.”
by Thelonius, Penryn
Tuesday, March 02 2010, 2:50PM
“The worrying thing about all of this is that I am only the 12th contributor to this article. That means there are thousands of people out there who are either not bothered, or more likely, have their heads in the sand and will go and vote for one of the "main 3 parties" again, because that is what they have always done.”
by Cok-a-nee, underthetable
Tuesday, March 02 2010, 12:48PM
“Lies,lies,lies,lies and even more lies the only politician that didn't lie was Screaming Lord Sutch.Don't vote it only encourages them!You think you have a voice?then think again,but the tune will start playing and you'll all start dancing won't you.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Tuesday, March 02 2010, 12:15PM
“:) "Lib-Dems are the party for rural matters"
In their dreams Ian!”
by Onan Hag All, Kernow
Tuesday, March 02 2010, 10:47AM
“The Lib Dems lied to Kernow when they promised us an Assembly.
They lied us into accepting a unitary authority which supports them not us. Look at the devious expenses dealings of Andrew "employing my daughter" George and his ilk.
Trust the Lib Dems not, trust the Sons Of Kernow to return us to a nation state within Europe, free of the shackles of the once great Britain, and the never United Kingdom.”