Elaine Smith
- Name:
- Elaine Smith
- Party:
- Scottish Labour Party
- Constituency:
- Coatbridge and Chryston
- Election result May 2003:
- 13422 votes (56.24%), first of five candidates
- Election literature available in Aspect:
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- Election policy statement:
- Delivering Social Justice
Labour in the Scottish Parliament has delivered £169 million for Social Inclusion Partnership. Tackling of fuel poverty through the Central Heating Initiative, universal free personal care for the elderly and the right to a house through the Homelessness Bill. Just some of the measures to support the most vulnerable in society
Waging War on Drugs
Labour in the Scottish Parliament is committed to fighting against drugs. The introduction of drug courts, new powers for the police to seize assets of drug dealers, and 3 £100 million funding package to tackle drugs misuse.
Working in the Community
Elaine has been a long time advocate for increased job opportunities. She has fought hard for the new transport plans set to provide people in Coatbridge with better rail and road links and improved bus services.
Working with Local Business
New technology is essential in todays business world and in equipping people for the world of work.
Fighting Child Poverty
Elaine has consistently focused her efforts on fighting child poverty & ill-health. Alongside her proposed private members Bill to promote breast feeding, Elaine worked tirelessly in arguing the case for free school meals. The Bill was not passed but has led to proposals for healthier meals and the provision of free fruit to P1 & P2 pupils.
Supporting our Public Services
Elaine has consistenly argued against the two-tier work force which outsourcing & PPP produce and was recently delighted to welcome Monklands Hospital's decision to bring all catering, portering and domestic contracts back under NHS control.
Working towards Equality
Elaine was pleased to serve as Gender Reporter on the Equal Opportunities Committee. In her role she has visited the Northern Ireland Assembly, spoken at the Mayor of London's International Women's Day Conference and welcomed a delegation of Tanzanian MP's to the constituency to discuss women's issues.
Marching For Peace
Elaine has used every opportunity to make the case for international peace and attended the recent anti-war march and rally in Glasgow. She has consistently spoken out against the war in Iraq and highlighted the plight of innocent Iraqi civilians, the risk to our armed forces and the threat to stability in the region.
A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM ELAINE
It has been a privilege for me to serve as your MSP for the last 4 years. If re-elected I will continue to fight against the scourge of poverty and, in particular, child poverty and associated ill health. I am committed to pursuing socialist policies where community comes before self and where equality of opportunity becomes a reality rather than an aspiration. I believe that my role is to be my constituent's voice in Holyrood, rather than, merely Holyrood's voice in my constituency. I hope I can count on your continued support on May 1st.
Dear Voter
I am privileged to again be selected as the Labour candidate for my home constituency of Coatbridge and Chryston in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament elections on May 1st.
Having served as your MSP since 1999, I believe that the overall priority for the next term of the Scottish Parliament should be to deliver social justice for all.
If I am re-elected I will continue to fight against the scourge of poverty and, in particular, child poverty and associated ill-health. I will strive to ensure that my constituents have access to quality education, job opportunities, a decent affordable home within a safe environment and a National Health Service which focuses on prevention as well as treatment and I will ensure that looking after our elderly people continues to be a Labour priority.
I am committed to pursuing socialist policies where community comes before self and where equality of opportunity becomes a reality rather than an aspiration.
I believe that my role is to be my constituent's voice in Holyrood, rather than merely Holyrood's voice in my constituency. I hope I can count on your continued support on May 1st.
Yours faithfully
ELAINE SMITH
- Personal details used in election:
- Elaine Smith is a 39 year old mum who was born and brought up in Coatbridge. She lives in the town with her husband Vann and their young son.
- Served as the Constituency MSP since 1999
- Full time MSP with staffed accessible office
- Working with our MP, Cllrs and the Community
- Striving to build a inclusive society
During her time as an MSP Elaine has forged strong links with community activists and organisations driving for regeneration and enhanced opportunities within our community. Tackling poverty and its underlying causes is her top priority.
- Further information:
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http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msp/membersPages/elaine_smith/