Alastair Redman, Conservative candidate for Argyll and Bute, is basing his latest appeal to the electorate here on the strength of the UK economy delivered by the Conservative Chancellor George Alexander and Liberal Democrat Chief Treasury Secretary, Danny Alexander.
Mr Redman notes that, as the fastest growing G7 economy, the UK is seeing more businesses creating more jobs; and more people with the security of a wage to provide for their families.
He points out that the latest new Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show the UK economy grew by 0.5% in the final quarter of 2014 – showing that the government’s long-term economic plan is delivering a stronger economy and a more secure future; and lists some key facts:
- The economy grew by 0.5% in Q4 2014 – the first time it has grown for 8 consecutive quarters since the crisis.
- The economy grew by 2.6% in 2014 – the best year since 2007.
- The economy is now 3.4% above its pre-recession peak.
Mr Redman is quick off the mark to take advantage of the damage Vince Cable has just inflicted on his own party, the Liberal Democrats, in offering his personal supposition that they might well enter into a post-election arrangement with the SNP and Sinn Fein.
This has allowed Mr Redman to point to the Labour Leader, Ed Milliband’s continual and illuminating avoidance of answering that question in terms of his own intentions – and declare that the Union is only safe in Conservative hands.