The SNP

Candidate: Jim Mather

They never do very well here. The best result was in 1999, and if trends follow then it should increase here again. The Nats are quick to tell us that Hamilton South by-eletion for Westminster saw a swing of 25%, they claim that they can do this in Ayr as well - and that they now only need 9% with the support they now have. (The evidence of this is scetchy - every election they claim SNP, Lanour and Conservative are on 30% each but never turns out that way - the latest attempt is to use the Regional list vote from May, but I haven't looked into that to see their 'interpretation'). Hence for them to win here would be a big surprise (even for them). However they are the main opposition party and will fight a serious campaign to win. They have selected a candidate who is not local, though their candidates rarely are in Ayr. The campaign is more likely to be nationaly fought as well. Locally threre is a branch office with a didicated bunch, who also own a megaphone as well and is draged out down the high street. For altough they are unlikely to win they are always one of the most noticable on the street with activisats, flags and stickers (Labour tend to go for one big event with a bus). All the othere parties need to keep a good campaign as if they don't the SNP really will use every tacktick to gain voters in this seat.
NB: You may be interested to know that there has never been SNP representation in Ayr, local council seats are held by Cons and Labour, with the SNP often third.

CONTACT THEM:
Ayr SNP Website                                     Address for Mail:
E-Mail them                                              45 Dalblair Road, AYR
National Website                                    Tel: 01292 880710

Further News:

The SNP band wagon has been in full swing and have been visiting homes and buisinesses in the constituency. Although it may still be difficult for them to win, support for them is growing - this can be noticed by the positive responce to the candidate. If it is enough to win, it will remain to be seen.
11/2/00