I am glad to see that in your fine and vigorous campaign at Coatbridge and Airdrie you are able to point to several promising signs of regeneration in the Scottish economy.
The thriving electronics industry is well represented in the area, and I understand you have discovered several examples of diversification by well-established local firms to help them capture wider markets.
In acknowledging unemployment as the principal issue of the by-election, you will be strengthened by the hope which the Government's success in steadily reducing inflation offers for a sustainable and long term growth in employment. Your own valuable work in the youth training field will also commend you to the electorate.
The people of Central Scotland are tough and resolute, as many of them have demonstrated by the part they have played in our nation's defence of freedom. They demand the same qualities of their representatives. The people of Coatbridge and Airdrie can be sure that there is no better Candidate in the field capable of fighting for their interests than you when they vote on Thursday.