Sarah Smith for Dover and Deal

Hello again readers,
Apologies for the irregularities of posts; pending elections (amongst other things) have disrupted the blog-posting process. Now follows, as a means of making up for the mirth of posts, the next "Candidate Interview" and we move up-coast to Dover and Deal, the constituency where I live, and hear from Sarah Smith, a local businesswoman who wants to revolutionise Dover and Deal with its first Lib Dem MP and its first female MP.


Sarah Smith with Dover Harbour and Castle backdrop





Sarah is a long-standing local campaigner, with successes such as preventing the closure of Walmer Science College and drawing cross-party support for HGV Levy funds to come back into Dover to support Local infrastructure. She has run a small business locally for many years and continually fights for more investment into the Dover and Deal area to promote growth, job creation and the general regeneration of the gateway to Europe!

Q .What 3 personal qualities do you have that, you think, would make you a good MP for Dover and Deal?
A. I am hard working, I get things done and I have total belief that we can make things better.

Q. Why are you a Liberal Democrat?
A. Because I believe in freedom, equality and justice – and sensible economics.  The other parties don’t meet this test. The Conservatives won’t stand up to big business and Labour thinks business is bad. The Greens are unrealistic, and UKIP are making it up as they go along.

Q. What do you think is the biggest issue facing Dover and Deal?
A. The need for quality jobs that realise people’s aspirations and provide the revenue we need to pay for good public services. We will bring those jobs here by getting proper investment in infrastructure to realise Dover’s economic potential and make this an even better place to live and work.

Q. Who inspires you?
A. People I meet every day inspire me with their strength, kindness and humour.

Q. What is your opinion on the rise of UKIP and how do you plan to combat it?
A. I think that people are choosing UKIP because they are worried about the future. But UKIP is protectionist and threatens our country’s prospects. We must show people that Britain can build a strong economy, collaborate on global challenges, and look after people at home. That means action not words. Especially investing in ALL our young people so they can develop their potential and make us stronger as a society.

Q. What is the biggest Lib Dem success from this Government?
A. For immediate impact - fairer taxes. We raised the income tax threshold so people on low and middle incomes pay less tax. David Cameron and Gordon Brown said it couldn’t be done – we did it. It means more money in people’s pockets and that’s good for the economy.
For the longer term –  the Pupil Premium. Thanks to Liberal Democrats in Government, today the poorest children have extra funding so schools can provide support to bring them on. Evidence shows that this has raised attainment and benefitted all children at school.

Q. What is your take on Green Party proposals to decriminalise being a member of a terrorist organisation?
A. I think it's bizarre. Why would they want to do this?

Q. What is your central message for your campaign for the General Election?
A. Vote Sarah Smith in 2015. Sarah will fight for tolerance and justice, sensible economics, and investment in Dover and Deal.



One of my favourite photos:
(L-R: Sarah Smith, the author and Lynne Beaumont)

Sarah Smith wants your vote this May 7th to be Member of Parliament for Dover.