New MP makes jobs pledge

David Goodwin • Published 2 Jul 2011 12:00 32 Comments

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JUBILANT: Iain McKenzie, centre, on a walkabout in Greenock yesterday with MPs Douglas Alexander and Jim Murphy.

NEWLY-elected Labour MP Iain McKenzie has pledged to be a 'champion' for Inverclyde when he takes up his Westminster seat.

Mr McKenzie - who saw his party's majority cut from 14,416 to 5,838 - said he would win back the ground lost by Labour to the SNP by putting jobs to the fore.

He said he has a three-point plan to bring fresh employment to the area - where more than 30 people are chasing each available post - but didn't go into detail about his ideas when interviewed by the Tele yesterday.

Mr McKenzie - who won with a 54 per cent share of the vote - instead repeated his campaign pledge, saying: "I want to grow jobs from within the community, increase apprenticeships and bring new employers here.

"Inverclyde has a great story to tell and we are on the way up. The area has changed for the better under the leadership of the Labour-controlled council, but we must sell ourselves more."

Mr McKenzie, who admitted that it had been a 'hard, tiring campaign' to beat the SNP candidate Anne McLaughlin, was more relaxed yesterday as he strolled through Greenock in the sunshine, accepting the congratulations of those who voted for him.

And the local man promised to maintain a high profile in Inverclyde, and be readily available to all his constituents.

Mr McKenzie said: "The first thing I am going to do as MP is set up a contact point where people will know where to get me.

"I intend to have a very high visibility and I am talking to Duncan McNeil, the MSP for Inverclyde, about having the same relationship he had with the late David Cairns.

"Inverclyde is still my home and I want to spend as much time here as I can."

He added: "I never thought I'd be an MP. David was a well respected man and real all-round good guy, and everyone is deeply saddened by his passing.

"He was a major influence on me and in my approach to politics within the council, and I will look to carry on his attributes at Westminster."

Mr McKenzie travels to London next Tuesday and he will be sworn in as the MP for Inverclyde just before Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.

But he'll have to wait before making his maiden speech to parliament, which will come after the conclusion of the summer recess in mid-September.

Mr McKenzie said: "I'll be talking about everything that's good about Inverclyde - and there is a lot.

"It's a great place to live, work and raise a family and I will help deliver that message to the world.

"Of course, the wider view is that this current government is cutting too deep and too fast and it is having a terrible impact on Inverclyde.

"The people who are suffering the most are the people who should not be suffering the most, and I look forward to being part of Ed Miliband's opposition to all the bad things that this government is doing."

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 02 Jul 11

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Weapon
95 posts
Jul 2, 13:32
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I'm way off topic here and for that I apologize in advance...

...but can anyone tell me if they still sell Stuart brogues in Smiths? Or even Cappers?

Any schoolboy from the early '80s who liked to be sharp dressed in the playground will know what I'm talking about.

Thanks.

Recommend? Yes 4 No 4
WeeJockW
676 posts
Jul 2, 14:49
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The undetaker might have taken 54% of the votes cast but he has also to consider the fact that (Voter turnout: 45.53%) almost 55% of the electorate (those entitled to vote) didn't vote for him

Recommend? Yes 10 No 1
Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 2, 15:16
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I think that subtlety would be lost on him Jock, right now he'll be singing that old refrain:"The Working Class can kiss....."

Recommend? Yes 14 No 0
underthewheel
24 posts
Jul 2, 15:24
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So basically our new MP is saying that his predecessors never did enough to bring jobs?

Recommend? Yes 17 No 1
ECCOSAIS
127 posts
Jul 2, 18:40
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PERHAPS we should change his name from "undertaker" to "MAGICIAN" as he is going to need magic to conjure up jobs and industry for this area! but then again we DO have wonderful sculptures now in Port Glasgow and Greenock which will attract "hunners" of tourists to this area NOT! where is Gourock's monstrosity??? last and always least is what Gourock has been and is,

according to Labour councils!

Recommend? Yes 16 No 0
WeeJockW
676 posts
Jul 2, 19:51
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@ Tiddles He's so thick skinned your probably right.

@ ECCOSAIS, I honestly think UNDERTAKER is more fitting, because he is going to bury this town.

Recommend? Yes 15 No 1
echosounder
130 posts
Jul 2, 20:26
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Is McKenzie living in the real world? Is he really living in Greenock? He says "Wonderful place to live, work and bring up a family" If it's all that wonderful, what has he been doing since he entered politics from IBM? The place is an embarrassment, it is filfthy, the housing situation is a disgrace, there are little or no jobs - yet it is still a wonderful place to bring up a family!! He should enter Britains Got Talent as a comedian. Then to cap it all he says this is the message he will help to deliver TO THE WORLD!!!!!

This guy is what is commonly known as a "heidcase." I shudder to think what his maiden speech will be like - perhaps he can get help from McNeil. "Simmit and Drawers" haven't got a look in with this lot!!!!! Sorry, but I'm afraid he's just another embarrassment.

Recommend? Yes 17 No 1
skozra
45 posts
Jul 2, 20:47
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The only thing even remotely 'great' about Inverclyde in its current state are the views across the Clyde, nothing more and that is not going to change any under continued Labour control - that much is certain.

Recommend? Yes 14 No 0
BrianHill2011
13 posts
Jul 3, 01:58
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We will all look forward to Mr McKenzies efforts to improve the lives of his constituents. He is very good at talking the talk but now he's soon going to have to walk the walk and in this case walking is never as easy as talking.

Will he be able to deliver before the local elections in May? I doubt it but I wouldn't be surprised if Salmond and co don't come up with a few positives for Inverclyde before then.

Recommend? Yes 8 No 0
ronnie cowan
88 posts
Jul 3, 11:55
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You can change this, your local SNP branch needs you. Council election next May, YES referendum on the horizon. Get active and overcome the media bias of the Tele. I have spent 20 weeks, evenings and weekends canvassing and the will to change is out there, the labour vote was soft. Many didn't turn out but cant take the step to SNP (yet). Labour called this election short as they knew the more they dragged it out the more their vote was slipping away. Not that Lord Prescott (didnt he want to close the house of lords) and the other labour hypocrites are bothered. They got what they wanted by hook or by crook.

Recommend? Yes 8 No 1
ronnie cowan
88 posts
Jul 3, 14:53
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HOLD THE FRONT PAGE. 2 days in to job Ian McKenzie has solved the unemployement crisis in #inverclyde. Well according to Labour MP Tom Harris "A majority of those who want to work are in work. A minority of those who want to work are not. It's not rocket science." There you go! And I thought it was an issue.

Recommend? Yes 8 No 0
ECCOSAIS
127 posts
Jul 3, 20:09
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@ Echosounder - the "undertaker" stays in the West End!!! where are his Labour principles there ? IF he was that pro Labour he would be staying in a cooncil hoose - that he could've bought care of the Tory party and made a fortune! Perhaps staying THERE is lovely? Drugs and dope are readily available now at Brisbane/Kelly Street to name just a few!

"Mr McKenzie said: "I'll be talking about everything that's good about Inverclyde - and there is a lot. ( REALLY??? do elaborate and tell me!)

"It's a great place to live, work and raise a family and I will help deliver that message to the world"

Well I just can't wait to hear how long his maiden speech will last!!!! it will take him all of 2 seconds! AND the Tories WILL annihilate him :-)

AT LEAST David Cairns always said "hello" - didn't walk past you in the street! and responded to his mail! and agreed to respect your opinion.

Recommend? Yes 15 No 0
WeeJockW
676 posts
Jul 4, 03:33
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And the local man promised to maintain a high profile in Inverclyde, and be readily available to all his constituents. = Anytime your in London pop round and see me, but phone first

Mr McKenzie said: "The first thing I am going to do as MP is set up a contact point where people will know where to get me. = Here's my email address I'll get round to replying one day.

"He (David Cairns) was a major influence on me and in my approach to politics within the council, and I will look to carry on his attributes at Westminster." = I'll carry out the party whip regardless of the outcome

Mr McKenzie said: "I'll be talking about everything that's good about Inverclyde - and there is a lot. "It's a great place to live, work and raise a family and I will help deliver that message to the world. = I intend to get on as many overseas jaunts as I can and waffle on about how Labour are rebuilding Inverclyde, to foreigners who wont have a clue where the town is

Recommend? Yes 14 No 0
Selkie
21 posts
Jul 4, 10:33
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"The people who are suffering the most are the people who should not be suffering the most, and I look forward to being part of Ed Miliband's opposition to all the bad things that this government is doing."

Like what?... Nothing i have read about this guy tells us HOW he intends to fix all the "bad things". Lets hope it is merely by glaring and getting really red in the face, I hate to think what will happen if he actually opens his mouth. Lets hope that unlike his new BFF Duncan he actually learns how to behave in parliament, having our MSP walked through protocol by the speaker was embarrassing enough! Lets not have a repeat.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 0
017333RsC
29 posts
Jul 4, 15:10
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Loath as I am to support any of the political party candidates the guy got in 'cos he obtained the majority of votes - I think it only appropriate that (no matter what your policics) you give him the support and opportunity to see what he's capable of doing in the interests of Inverclyde.

Look into his efforts in a year or so and be critical or not after measuring what he's done or not done in that time.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 3
017333RsC
29 posts
Jul 4, 15:15
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Oops! the 3rd line should read (no matter what your POLITICS) give him the support...

Maybe one day I'll review what I'm posting before pushing the button!

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Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 4, 16:35
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I'm afraid that is like saying, "lets give that broken bucket with a dozen holes a chance to see how much water it can hold". He's a puppet, an imposter and a waste of space and additionally, he reinforces the English stereotypical view of Scottish people as inarticulate boors. He may have got a majority of the votes cast but he does NOT represent the majority of the electorate who were busy that day watching X-Factor or some such garbage (I'd make voting compulsory!!!). As soon as he parts that Undertaker's smile and opens his mouth to speak, I squirm with embarrassment, he makes Duncan sound like Richard Burton.

Unless he obtains magic powers and a working intellect his contribution will be to attend the pensioner's lunch clubs and make trite and meaningless statements to this newspaper which will no doubt be turned into words of Churchillian import. He will do NOTHING for Inverclyde but he will do lots for himself and he will help the Millipedes keep their stranglehold on the Scottish contingent at Westminster.

How do I know all this? Well, if highly educated men like Mabon, Godman and Cairns did nothing with all the mental skills at their disposal, what chance does a common clerk have?

If I were younger and didn't have family and employees to think about, I'd hop the first train out of this decomposing burg! Oh and Happy Bankruptsy Weekend (aka Tall Ships), no doubt Duncan and the Undertaker will be there to collect the parking fees for the disabled and elderly, tax-paying citizens.

Recommend? Yes 11 No 1
echosounder
130 posts
Jul 4, 22:59
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Re Tiddles comments above. 100% behind you there. Tiddles for the next candidte. Lets start a petition now! Vote Tiddles!!

Recommend? Yes 8 No 4
echosounder
130 posts
Jul 4, 23:17
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To eccosias!

Singing from the same hymn sheet eccosais!!!!!!!!!!!

Recommend? Yes 6 No 0
gdsanders
59 posts
Jul 5, 08:13
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Tiddles....out of your 118 posts has there been one that has had anything positive to say.....

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017333RsC
29 posts
Jul 5, 09:29
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Tiddles mate, whatever your personal opinion (and I don't have a much better one) - your stuck with the current incumbent, make the best of him and what he can do for the area.

Recommend? Yes 8 No 1
nata1ie
3 posts
Jul 5, 11:22
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If u cant b bothered 2 vote then u are not entitled 2 critisise, in my opinion.

What are the options, lib dem with a candidate who couldnt answer a basic

Question. Tory where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Snp or labour. Remember mckenzie was in charge of education not so long ago and

Did a good job. Therefore i am going 2 wait and see how he goes on this before i slate

Him.

Recommend? Yes 3 No 10
ECCOSAIS
127 posts
Jul 5, 12:31
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@natal1ie - in charge of education!!!!? when "one" could not speak clearly on any of his tv broadcasts! nor did he have or show any manners in public speaking when he was on the Politics show! It the was "Iain McKenzie" speech and no-one else was entitled or was able to respond or answer any questions as he very rudely interrupted anyone else that was speaking! Perhaps he should've stuck with education and tried learning a few basic etiquette lessons in public speaking and courteous manners! He showed himself and Inverclyde up and it was a complete embarrassment!

It has been said on Telegraph comments - "a monkey", a "seal", "an idiot" could stand for Labour in this area AND get elected! and the "mannequin" won!

The question is - which no Labour follower! could or can answer "WHAT has the Labour council done for this area in the past 10 years??? Can you ?

Recommend? Yes 11 No 2
Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 5, 14:51
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It's 120 posts now gdsanders and yes, I haven't made many positive comments but hey, I'll leave those ones to the delusional Labour supporters who have dropped a load on us all.

POSITIVE THINGS ABOUT INVERCLYDE:

World class shipbuilding and engineering heritage (gone but not forgotten)

Beautiful views (when it's not raining)

Little pockets of decent, sensible folk (dying out sadly)

Errr...um, I'm struggling now...help!

Recommend? Yes 9 No 2
WeeJockW
676 posts
Jul 5, 14:55
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Me

Recommend? Yes 7 No 0
ECCOSAIS
127 posts
Jul 5, 18:31
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and ME! ? ! :-)

Recommend? Yes 6 No 0
nata1ie
3 posts
Jul 5, 23:07
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tiddles

the point i am making is, how many people have you heard critisising the election result, you ask them did they vote and they say no i couldnt be bothered.

to tell you the truth i wasnt that impressed with any of them however my opinion (which i am entitled to) my view on SNP has went down following the HP fiasco.

what i am saying is i am not going to critisise someone without reason. which i dont have yet.

Recommend? Yes 2 No 4
chrissiboi
14 posts
Jul 6, 22:19
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Rather than criticise those who did not vote should we not be critical of politicians in general for the electorate being so disinterested.

Took in alot of the television coverage, and none of the candidates were convincing in getting voters to part with their vote.

Votes should be earned and we should not feel obliged by the election, perhaps if we all had the convictions to stand up and say they are all useless, incompetent, self serving, snakes and they do not deserve to be given a mandate to represent us.

Recommend? Yes 2 No 0
NEARTIC
42 posts
Jul 6, 23:05
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how about mr mc kenzie getting his labour signs taken down off the lamp posts in gourock maybe he can employ some one to do it

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
Graeme40
10 posts
Jul 7, 12:49
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To Quote our new MP "I want to grow jobs from within the community, increase apprenticeships and bring new employers here. "Inverclyde has a great story to tell and we are on the way up. The area has changed for the better under the leadership of the Labour-controlled council, but we must sell ourselves more." .... WHAT A LOT OF crap....19 jobs gone in his first week and both he and the joker McCabe do nothing... why ? because thier just in it for what they can get out of it..... ratherv than it being what they can do for Inverclyde, but rather what "Inverclyde can do for this pair" ?

Recommend? Yes 5 No 0
WeeJockW
676 posts
Jul 7, 19:47
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Perhaps in the future voting slips could contain as well as the names of the candidates the following "None of the above." Let people really show the politicians what they think

Recommend? Yes 6 No 0
NEARTIC
42 posts
Jul 9, 11:30
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the first Mc Kenzie will be doing is getting his accountant to work out how much he can rip off in expenses

Recommend? Yes 4 No 0

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