Two extremely well known political figures are looking to pastures new to show their political skills. In Ireland, Gerry Adams has announced that he is to seek a place in the Dail, while George Galloway is thought to be standing as a candidate in next year’s elections for the Scottish Parliament.
George Galloway, it seems, will seek a seat as a list MSP in Glasgow next May, campaigning as a Respect Party candidate. The former Glasgow MP looks likely to return to Scotland after failing to secure a seat at Westminster as a London MP in the general election.
Based on the 2007 results, Galloway would only require around 11,000 votes form across the city to secure his place. The regional list system is was designed to reward parties that secure votes but not seats in constituency contests – but it can be used by individuals or small parties. Margo MacDonald in Edinburgh has used this route to Parliament.
Galloway is a very experienced politician, known for his left wing views and foreign policy interests. He is a controversial figure and his election to the Scottish Parliament would certainly liven things up.
Mr Galloway said, “I’m testing the water. So far the water’s lovely. If people think I can do it and ought to do it and that it will be helpful to the things that I believe in, then I will have a go.”
Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams is another who will be seeking a seat in a different Parliament. The current MP for West Belfast will stand down from both Westminster, where he has never taken up seat, and Stormont to contest the Louth constituency when an Irish general election is called.
Ireland’s prime minister, Brian Cowen, must call a general election before July 2012 and it is thought the election may happen next year. The Louth seat is held by Sinn Fein, and the current TD, Arthur Morgan, has said he plans to step down.
Adams said the main reasons for his surprise decision were the economic crisis and the need for new ideas. He called the current Fianna Fail/ Green coalition government, “probably the most unpopular in the history of the state”.
Galloway and Adams have had very different political careers, although they have found themselves supporting the same causes, and even on the same demonstrations in the past.
Both will be hoping that another election victory in 2011 will extend their lengthy political career by a few more years.
[...] is never far from the headlines and with the Holyrood elections looming next spring Gordon Johnston reports on the possible move north of the always enigmatic George Galloway in pursuit of his search [...]