Voters make Christmas wish list

Canvassers have joined the festive crowds

By BBC News Online's Brian Ponsonby

The people of Falkirk have more than Christmas shopping on their minds this year - they are also preparing to elect their new MP on 22 December.

The by-election for the Holyrood seat, brought about by the resignation of independent Dennis Canavan, has swelled the town's festive crowds.

Armies of political canvassers have joined the traditional ranks of religious and consumer groups vying for public attention.

Stephen Gillon wants petrol prices addressed

Many voters said they were still undecided but they all agreed that the parties should take heed of local issues.

Falkirk man, Stephen Gillon, 23, does not know whether he will vote for Labour or the Scottish National Party but he was sure which problems he wanted tackled.

He said: "Petrol prices and the council tax are still far too high and we're not getting value for money.

"It is also ridiculous that Falkirk still don't have a football stadium. This has been dragging on for five years and something needs to be done."

General election result, May 1997

Canavan, Labour: 22,772 (60.01%)

Alexander, SNP: 8,989 (23.4%)

Buchanan, Con: 4,639 (12.1%)

Houston, Lib Dem: 1,970 (5.1%)

Lab Majority: 13,783 (35.92% of the vote)

Electorate: 52,850

Total vote: 38,370

4% Swing from SNP to Lab

The plight of the local team also weighed on the mind of health worker Lynn Mitchell but she also wanted more action on medical services.

"Bringing a maternity unit and children's ward back to Falkirk are priorities," she said.

Mrs Mitchell said she did not think Dennis Canavan showing support for one particular candidate would be a major factor in the by-election.

She said his recent application, and subsequent withdrawal, from rejoining the Labour Party had affected his credibility with many voters.

Lilian Gibson called for better pensions

Pensioners Peter Smith, 65, and Lilian Gibson, 69, said they wanted to see their new MP do more for older people.

Lilian Gibson said: "Old age pensioners deserve more money. They have worked all their life and don't deserve to be left short."

Peter Smith said he would probably vote Labour but added he was far from happy with the party.

"I've voted Labour all my life but I think they are very mediocre just now," he said.

"There's no doubt that Dennis Canavan was bombed out. The fact that he agreed to go back and then changed his mind shows there is something else wrong."