October 2008

Constituency This month I was interviewed by Inverclyde FM, attended a Royal Navy presentation and was a guest when the QE2 returned to Greenock. I also met with senior council officials and went along to a meeting with the police on how to tackle crime more effectively. Later in the month I volunteered at Barnardo’s Greenock shop for their ‘Make a Difference Day’, met the new Greenock Town Centre manager and attended a celebration to mark the 125th anniversary of the Boys’ Brigade. Additionally, I visited the WorkAble project in Port Glasgow, met the new Head Teacher at Gourock High School and spoke at the Cloch Housing Association dinner. Westminster At Parliament I met with the Treasury Minister to impress upon him the need to keep Customs’ jobs in Inverclyde, met the new Chief Executive of IBM and also the managing director of Glasgow Airport. Also accompanied St Ninian’s Primary, who won the Scottish leg of the Parliamentary IT competition, to a reception in the House of Commons. Showed several constituents around the House of Commons and met with a local man who is now heading up the DWP’s computer department. Attended several meetings and groups including ones on the Armed Forces, the Royal Navy and British Airways. Also sat on Parliamentary Committees on Stamp Duty and transport regulations. Surgeries During October I held surgeries in St Andrew’s Church Hall in Larkfield, Boglestone Community Centre, Crawfurdsburn Community Centre, Paton Street Community Hall and the Parliamentary Office.