Hebrides News

 

 

The SNP Westminster candidate for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Susan Thomson, is marking International Women’s Day (Friday 8th March) by claiming that the time is perfect for the Western Isles to elect its first female MP.

Ms Thomson who is attending a number of events celebrating the occasion in Stornoway over the weekend, said: “It is clear to me as I travel up and down the constituency that the place of women in our charities, Third Sector and business communities is absolutely central to the success of these organisations and therefore to our island communities.

“Education, health, the police and, of course, local and national government offices and agencies here are full of strong, influential women.

“There is absolutely no reason why Na h-Eileanan Siar should not, therefore, make the upcoming Westminster election the first time we return a female MP from this constituency.”

In May 2022, Susan Thomson and her SNP colleague Frances Murray were the only two female councillors elected to the Comhairle, following a term where there had been no female representation.

She commented: “There was a lot of negative attention from outwith the islands at that time, which I hope we have done our bit to dispel.  

“Whilst there are many challenges for women in politics, both here and elsewhere, it is vital that we contribute at every level to the policy decision making processes which affect us.”

She pointed out that the removal of university tuition fees and the provision of free childcare- two of the SNP’s flagship policies in government in Holyrood- were ones which allowed her to attend university as an adult with young children.

“Although these are devolved matters, we need to ensure maximum SNP Westminster representation to protect such policies.

“And just think what more we could do, not just for women, if we were independent,” she concluded.

‘Time is perfect’ for Western Isles to elect its first female MP says SNP candidate

 

8 March 2024