FORMER First Minister Alex Salmond today challenged Inverclyde voters to grasp 'a window of opportunity' for Scottish independence as he helped promote his party's general election candidate in the area.
Mr Salmond, now leader of the Alba Party, said he was confident that Chris McEleny will get a 'great result' in the July 4 poll as he urged constituents to choose change after almost a decade of SNP representation in the region under Ronnie Cowan.
Ex-Gourock councillor Mr McEleny was joined by supporters and family members at his new campaign base on Cardwell Road and championed himself as a voice for the working class at Westminster.
Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph, Mr Salmond said: "Alba's pitch is that every vote for Alba counts towards independence.
"The SNP are at best ambiguous about independence, Ronnie has been a member of parliament for almost 10 years and, no disrespect, but you wouldn't say Scotland is an inch closer to independence because, with a couple of exceptions, perhaps, the entire parliamentary group at Westminster have lost their way.
"It's not because Ronnie's not a nice person, it's just because if you don't have a political strategy then you won't achieve anything. There's a huge frustration in Scotland about the lack of progress towards independence."
READ MORE: Keir Starmer vows to harness the 'potential' of Inverclyde's ports during visit
Mr Salmond added: "The Alba quest in this election is that instead of people staying at home and expressing their protest by not voting, we want to mobilise that independence vote, not split it.
"We don't claim we're going to sweep the country in this election, we claim we'll get some great results. I think Chris will get a great result here, but we will sweep the country in two years time at the Scottish elections as we demonstrate that independence is something for the here and now.
"To get people to vote you have to show there's something worth voting for and the vision of independence that Alba puts forward is worth voting for.
"This is a real window of opportunity now for voters of all ages."
Aside from the headline focus on independence, Mr Salmond and Mr McEleny set out priorities for the party of boosting industry in Inverclyde - through direct awards for ferry contracts at Ferguson's and the nationalisation of Inchgreen - as well as tackling 'generational poverty' issues that have blighted the district for decades.
Mr McEleny told the Tele: "Ronnie's had a fair chance to show what he can do for Inverclyde and I think it's time for change.
"But I don't think that change is to go back to the Labour party.
"I can't remember the last time Westminster had a working class voice in it, articulating common sense policies that would genuinely improve people's lives.
"Much of the debate in Westminster over the last years has been on profoundly important issues but very abstract. It's been left to people like Marcus Rashford in England to champion free school meals.
"I don't speak for the working class community but it's where my roots are... my policies are born out of my belief in social justice and a fairer society.
"Success for Inverclyde would be an MP that actually does make real change happen."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel