LIB DEMS SELECT ROBERTSON FOR GLASGOW EAST

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Jul 2008

Ian Robertson selected to fight for Glasgow East

Glasgow Liberal Democrats have selected Ian Robertson to be their candidate for the Glasgow East by-election on July 24th. Ian Robertson, 30, is a teacher of Mathematics at Bellahouston Academy.

In 2005, the Scottish Liberal Democrats came just 1603 votes behind the SNP.

Born and bred Glaswegian Ian Robertson said:

"I want to be a very energetic and local MP taking up the concerns of people across the area where I was born. As the local MP I will keep in touch with local people all year round and hold regular advice surgeries across the area. I will be a strong local champion for our local communities across Glasgow East.

"I will speak out on the issues that matter to local people such as the levels of unemployment, crime, especially youth crime and I will fight for local jobs within the local communities. I will be a full-time MP for this area, living and working in its communities and fighting to safeguard local services.

"Local people are feeling let down by Gordon Brown's Labour Government that is out of touch and has forgotten the East End. Gordon Brown's Government simply doesn't understand how the loss of vital services harms the local community.

"Equally local people are getting fed up of the empty promises by the SNP. The teflon is coming off and the SNP's honeymoon is now over.

"The Scottish Liberal Democrat campaign is already off to a flying start we already have a headquarters in Shettleston and will campaign in every part of the constituency. Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg will be visiting the area."

Robert Brown MSP, Chair of the Liberal Democrat Campaign added:

"I have known and worked with Ian for many years and he will make a superb MP for the people of Glasgow East."

Ends.

Notes to editors:

Keep up to date with news from the Liberal Democrat campaign at www.glasgoweastlibdems.org.uk

IAN ROBERTSON BIOGRAPHY

Occupation: Mathematics Teacher, Bellahouston Academy

Age: 30

Marital Status: Single

Previous Political Experience: 2005 candidate in Rutherglen & Hamilton West constituency

Other Experience: Strathclyde University Student Assoc. Pres. 2003/04

Board Member, Glasgow Council on Alcohol