South East Cornwall Hustings.

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="2da785a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>kevin-french.com</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="kevinfrench.com"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="kevinfrench.com"><U><B><IMG SRC="2c00e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="up" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A><B>   </B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14"><B>     </B><A HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="An European Speech"><U><B><IMG SRC="2c10e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="previous" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A><B>  </B><A HREF="id82.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why I am vote for a candidate, who cant "><U><B><IMG SRC="2c20e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="next" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#0099FF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <IMG SRC="21e81c00.jpg" border=0 width="129" height="192" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>South East Cornwall Hustings.</I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="21d01010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Why should I vote for a candidate who can't speak! An introduction to Kevin French.</div> <bR> <div> I am grateful to be given this opportunity to introduce myself.   I'd like to tell you a little bit about my life, my ambitions and myself...</div> <bR> <div> First of all however, a quick question and I'd like you to make a really honest mental note of the answer.</div> <bR> <div> When you see me what do you actually see?</div> <bR> <div> If we leave political correctness aside for a moment, some people may not like to admit it but the first thing they see is a man in a wheelchair - that's not a problem ... I am, but the point I would make is that whilst I'm in a wheelchair, I am not a wheelchair.</div> <bR> <div> Throughout my life this has been one of my guiding principles, even when I was too young to realise that's what it was.   As a child I was brought up to be self-reliant and to be independent, although I now understand why my Mother's hair turned grey, quickly!</div> <bR> <div> When I left college it was fashionable to live in an institution where I could be cared for.  I didn't!  I moved into the YMCA in Coventry and worked for a computer firm.  </div> <bR> <div> 5 years later some of the staff moved to Plymouth to set up their own company - I joined them and have lived in Plymouth ever since.</div> <bR> <div> You may have seen me, wheeling myself about backwards, on my own, with my mobile phone attached to my chair.  </div> <bR> <div> This isn't to say my independence stops me enjoying the company of others... far from it. Messrs Yates' and Jack Daniel's are good friends.  And my life is made possible thanks to the contribution of a team of carers.  </div> <bR> <div> Two weeks ago I returned from visiting friends in Poland.  Thanks to the services of British Airways I could undertake this journey on my own.  At the risk of making you envious I have visited Australia, America, Africa, India and Hong Kong. </div> <bR> <div> The point I am making is that I refuse to be limited by my wheelchair - despite the difficulties it brings.  I have insisted on making a life for myself.  This is something I continue to do.   </div> <bR> <div> In the last 6 years my interests have moved onto politics and serving others.  I understand what it is to have difficulties and to overcome problems.  </div> <bR> <div> I have been active in Plymouth Labour Party for 6 years and in 1997 I was a Candidate for Plymouth City Council, in the local Conservative heartland, where I delivered Labour's best ever result.    Being a unique candidate can be a considerable electoral asset, especially in a strong Conservative constituency! </div> <bR> <div> I was a member of both Linda Gilroy MP and the local election campaign teams. Delegate to Regional Conference, Labour into Power, regional policy forums and the Red Rose Event.  </div> <div> My communication skills are my best asset because they have allowed me to negate my speech problem.  When seeking Labour's European nomination, I was on a mission to explain my capabilities and qualities and now many people in (and outside) the Labour Party, as well as the media consider me to be a credible candidate.  </div> <bR> <div> The Video Tapes.</div> <bR> <div> Longbow Productions, a Cornish TV company, use me to rehearse interviewing unusual / non-English speaking people!  To their surprise I exceeded their highest expectations with one of my interpreters I took control and professionally guided the interview!</div> <bR> <div> The Labour Party in their wisdom decided to hold over 50 MEP selection meetings in a 2-week period and it was impossible for any candidate to address a quarter of these meetings.  To overcome this hurdle, I wrote and directed a 5-minute video address.  The local video company that I hired to record my address were impressed with my script and the vision of the video; they even asked "Whether I would consider scripting their commercial videos” in future!</div> <bR> <div> The video surpassed my highest hopes and I received many more nominations than I expected!  I think this was because the video illustrated what I was capable of!  It showed me going around town unaided, writing and giving a speech and a Sky News interview!</div> <bR> <div> I tell you this so there can be NO doubt that I can communicate your message to the voters of South East Cornwall, as well as or maybe even, better than any other Labour Parliamentary Candidate.  Information Technology has liberated my life, I utilise it to its full potential and it is the key to my future.  10 years ago I would have had little chance of mounting a successful MP campaign but today computer technology places me on an equal footing with every other member of society.</div> <bR> <div> I will go to places or events where wheelchair users do not usually go because whatever the barrier I know that I can surmount it in a unique fashion. A national PR company said I would not get the media to take me seriously because of my speech problem but by the use of interpreters and a speaking computer, my disadvantage has re-enforced my uniqueness.</div> <bR> <div> As a political candidate it is important you know what areas of policy are top of my agenda and where I stand in key points of Labour's policy!</div> <bR> <div> An integrated transport policy is important to Cornwall, which needs a Labour MP to ensure it is properly implemented. The economic and environmental damage and benefits to the area of this policy must be constantly assessed!</div> <bR> <div> Transport is of course inextricably linked to the cost of fuel!  To be honest, I think the Government made a mistake by not ending the original fuel protests on the first Saturday before the country was brought to a stand still!  This indecision harmed and will further undermine the government's perceived competence!    At the next election, for 28 days we will be at the mercy of Hague saying “Labour governments bring Britain to a stand still!”</div> <bR> <div> It may seem harsh but I would of asked the police to break up the blockades, backed up by the army because a Labour Government must always protect the vulnerable in society, by making sure the will of Parliament is not circumvented:  Fuel prices may be high but the housebound deserve the dignity of receiving their home help service!</div> <div> There is a case for rural communities such as South East Cornwall, for business and the residents to get some relief from the cost of fuel.  In a perfect world this would mean vastly improved, affordable public transport, where people would not have to rely on their cars. But in today's Britain, the car is an integral part of peoples' lives, the public dislike and are unwilling to pay taxes, so a way must be found to target relief at rural communities, where it is most needed!  Although finding a way to do it fairly and precisely is a real challenge!</div> <div> As your MP I would also concentrate on the fight against rural crime.  In our next term of Government I would like to see a 24-hour police presents in the local community with at least, constantly staffed police stations.  Free crime prevention advice and equipment for people on a low income.  This initiative has to be well publicised to be affective!</div> <bR> <div> With local government having increasing difficulties raising finance from national government, it is important that a local MP, fights to ensure that South East Cornwall and the surrounding towns receive a greater amount of government and EU funds. Europe will be a key issue at the elections.</div> <bR> <div> The Common Agriculture Policy is a subject that is not discussed by many members of the general public, let alone members of the Labour Party but in a rural seat we must demonstrate we understand it!  After all, as tax payers we all contribute to it!  £28 billion pounds a year is spent on this policy; half of the whole EU budget but Cornish farmers do not receive much from it!</div> <bR> <div> As for the Euro, I used to be a strong believer, but now, I believe Britain should only go into the Euro if it becomes an economic necessity.  This may not be government policy yet but the British public does not want to sacrifice the pound sterling and any government, which adopts the single currency, is asking to become Her Majesty's Opposition!</div> <bR> <div> Time is now moving on, so I will briefly mention the NHS must be available in the local village to prevent illness instead of just curing it.  I would like to see Education brought into the home via free internet access.</div> <bR> <div> Although I believe by becoming an MP I can have a positive effect on society, I do not want to campaign on disability issues, I want to be a Labour MP!  By being a good MP, it would illustrate that disability does not have to be a handicap! I passionately believe that Britain should be a land of opportunity for all and a severely disabled MP would hasten this day by demonstrating your determination to see this come to fruition.  It would also demonstrate that the Labour Party and its Government is sure that Britain can have a successful modern economy that can afford to pay for an adequate welfare state. </div> <div> I sincerely believe if I was selected I would have the best chance of winning  in the General Election.  This is because my disability and my  determination would make me a unique candidate, which if packaged correctly could be an electoral asset! </div> <bR> <div> I believe I am the best candidate for South East Cornwall because I have worked with Linda Gilroy and David Jamieson and they are happy that I am able to fight a tough campaign, I have the qualities and drive to be a good constituency MP!  Also I would be a truly unique candidate, which could generate much more interest in a Labour candidate in a tough constituency!  So when you cast your ballot, cast it for a new millennium, the next Labour Government, a more inclusive society, a local candidate who cares about Cornwall, to show disability does not need to be a handicap and to give the Conservatives and Colin Breed a real race, so select Kevin French!</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>