Information gap ahead of election

MANY people may, by now, be rather disinterested in elections, having been bombarded by other people’s elections, in USA, France, and others seen in Germany, just to mention a few.

Regarding our local and national elections in the UK, there are some aspects, much reported, for Northern Ireland, Wales, and above all Scotland, which the English (whoever they are) are trying to avoid.

But I consider it is my duty to vote, to be able to voice opinions. I have some interest in North East political matters, and still have not grasped the status of the North East Combined Authority (NECA), and which councils may now be ‘in it’ - or not, and if it is still to be introduced shortly.

However, focusing on the June 8 General Election, I have been interested to see who is standing in local NE constituencies, particularly Tynemouth, recently visited by the Prime Minister no less.

I know something about Alan Campbell, but the recent press details and leaflets do not tell us more than the name of some candidates.

The aims of any Green Party candidate may well speak for themselves, but I doubt if the majority of Tyneside voters ‘yet’ know who is even standing in their own area, and if UKIP will be involved.

The Lib Dem candidate has made his credentials ‘public’ for Tynemouth, but I have not been able to pick up much from nearby constituencies.

The press and leaflet releases for the Conservatives in Tynemouth and North Tyneside do not tell us very much of their local connections and particular expertise.

I see that the Tynemouth Conservative has at least said he is concerned about the fishing industry, for which I hope North Shields will continue to have some part.

I have been advised by locals in the past I know ‘nothing’ about the Fish Quay, but am able to reply that ‘you will be surprised what I and others know,’ and what work we do.

AM JOHNSON, Cullercoats