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The Working Life of Christina McKelvie MSP
15th March 2012


The energy of Wummin.

A busy, though exciting few weeks in my life as the MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. From visiting primary Schools to meeting ambassadors from across the world - you could say there hasn’t been a dull moment!

I visited Machanhill Primary School in Larkhall at the end of last month. This visit gave me the opportunity to watch “The Big Bang Show!” A topical and educational performance funded and taught by the Scottish Opera. The show takes the pupil performers on a whistle-stop tour of the creation of the universe and explores the world of energy. Three groups represent the different types of energy - wind, water and sun, fossil fuels and nuclear power. Each led by their own champions, they debate which is best, until Gaia (Mother Earth) points out that unless humans begin to take real responsibility for their use of fossil and nuclear powers, the Earth will die. She urges them to learn the lessons of natural powers while there is still time. An enjoyable experience, not only for the pupils but the audience as well. I also recommended the pupils take the trip through to Edinburgh and present the show to Donald Trump, an experience I’m sure would enlighten and ultimately ensure he withdrew his objections to the wind farm currently being erected off the coast of Aberdeen.

Also over the past week- in my role as MSP and convenor of the European and External Relations committee- I have met the Hungarian Ambassador, the Consul General of Italy and a fantastic group from Seclin in northern France at the Scottish Parliament. Discussing a range of things, mainly how Scotland could and would act as a responsible and progressive, sovereign state within the European Union and on the World Stage, following the referendum in the autumn of 2014.

Kate Wolfe and Alex Salmond with me…

 

I have also had the pleasure of having Kate Wolfe - a constituent of mine and the former party leader, Billy Wolfe’s wife – through to visit my parliamentary office. Kate and I first met through Billy. We were acquainted many years ago on a bus to SNP Conference in Perth. Billy was involved in the trade union group and had come along to my selection meeting in 2006 to lend his support for my candidacy along with Kate. As you all know Billy passed away 2 years ago, but in doing so left a lasting legacy of peace and integrity. So when Kate and I met again you can imagine how humbled I was, both because I was in the presence of a woman who had played such a huge part in a great leader’s life and also, helped greatly in my success and progression as a politician. With Kate’s arrival in parliament and the word getting out, came the visit from our First Minister and party leader, Alex Salmond. A man who had great admiration of Billy Wolfe’s character and is eternally thankful for the platform and direction he gave the party. A great day and also a reminder of the people who have gone before us - Billy and many others - who dreamed of the day that is within our sights.

I have also taken part in many activities over the past week surrounding International Women’s Day, which took place the 8th of March. Being a woman in a profession largely populated by males, I felt very strongly about contributing to the events held on IWD. One of those being to assist the youth wing of the SNP- known as the Young Scots for Independence (YSI) - in recruiting females into the party. Support came from across the country, in the form of cabinet secretaries, parliamentarians and office bearers active in the youth wing to ultimately produce a YouTube video entitled ‘Woman in Politics’. A project we hope will encourage young woman to have their voice heard and realise the platform is in place within the SNP should they wish to use it. Please watch and share.

As the SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse I am, this week, proud to endorse a fantastic team of potential SNP councillors. A team of champions for the council wards which make up my constituency. They bring a blend of experience and fresh faces, and I know them all as dedicated, hard-working individuals who are committed to serving the people of South Lanarkshire. I have every faith that they will work with me to provide the best possible representation for my constituents at local and national level. The SNP is aiming to take control of South Lanarkshire Council and replace a tired Labour-Tory coalition administration which long ago ran out of ideas and which takes the people of South Lanarkshire for granted. I believe an SNP administration will transform the way that the council is run, bringing transparency and openness and putting the needs and aspirations of South Lanarkshire’s citizens first.

All in all, a busy yet fulfilling past couple of weeks. Now let’s go and chap some doors and get our SNP team elected.

Thanks

Christina
Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse


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