COVENTRY campaigner and father-of-two Ciarán Norris is to stand as an independent in the general election – in opposition to out-of-town party politicians and the party system.
He is standing in Coventry North west, where former minister and Jaguar boss Geoffrey Robinson is standing again for Labour, against London-based Resham Kotecha for the Conservatives.
Mr Norris, who was raised, works and lives in Coventry, set up his own business locally to help prepare young people for the global jobs market.
He is a former leader of the British Youth Council, and an ex-reservist with the Royal Naval Reserves.
He played a part in organising the Rising Global Peace Forum in Coventry, and says he campaigned nationally to make politicians accountable in the wake of expenses scandal.
He said: “Political parties have taken Coventry for granted for far too long. Neither party has bothered to put up a local candidate.
“I’m standing because what happens to our public services here in Coventry affects me and my family.”
He said his focus was on ‘pushing for a Brexit that would work for Coventry families, while standing up to the local Labour council that is destroying the city’s greenbelt’.
He continued: “This general election isn’t about a choice between a Tory government or a Labour one. Labour are too busy fighting themselves to win.
“But if Coventry North west elects an inexperienced Conservative drone as its MP, then the people of this city will once again be taken for granted.
“Theresa May feels she can do whatever she likes because she faces no opposition.
“We need a strong, local champion to stand up for Coventry.”
On Mr Robinson, Mr Norris said: “Labour is supposed to fight for good public services and housing, and to protect our environment and democracy. It’s clear those things just aren’t priorities for the local party.
“And the fact that Robinson, a multi-millionaire who has never lived in Coventry, will try to take the city for a ride for an eleventh time, highlights how disconnected Labour have become.
“Robinson has been losing support by the thousands since 1997, and after last Thursday’s crushing local election for Labour, he is certain to lose,” claimed Mr Norris.
“I desperately don’t want Coventry to be represented by another one of May’s mindless minions, but Robinson no longer has what it takes.
“I am the only candidate who is local, loyal and looking out for Coventry, because the others serve party interests.”
“.. I know what it’s like to feel abandoned by the Westminster class. People in Coventry North west need a local champion to fight their corner and my record speaks for itself – I have what it takes.”
Mr Norris is also campaigning to “re-energise the political pressure to get SISU Out” as owners of Coventry City Football Club, pressure that has failed for five years and has involved, among others, leading players at the Labour-run city council he opposes.
For more.. [email protected]; visit www.ciaranforcoventry.com or visit the facebook page
‘Ciaran Norris for Coventry North West’ (@ciaranforcoventry); or follow him on twitter
@CiaranNorris.
