Local MSP's New Year Message to local residents

Jan 4 2013 by Sandy Clarke, Irvine Herald

In her first full year as Irvine’s local MSP, Margaret Burgess has offered a special New Year message to local residents.

The Irvine-based SNP MSP has enjoyed a successful start to her national political career, capturing the Cunninghame South seat from Labour’s Irene Oldfather in May 2011.

Earlier this year, Ms Burgess – previously employed as the manager of East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau – was made Minister for Housing and Welfare by SNP leader Alex Salmond.

In her message to local residents, the MSP said: “The year was my first full year as your MSP and I have enjoyed the opportunity to assist and advise those of you who have sought my help. In meeting individuals and groups across Cunninghame South, it has been good to see all the good work that is going on locally.

This year has brought many challenges for local families and households, so I hope that this festive period will give people a chance to relax and celebrate. But as well as looking back and reflecting on what has been a difficult year for many, I would ask that we look ahead to the community and country we would like to see. Locally that could mean watching out for neighbours, particularly elderly and vulnerable neighbours, who might welcome a bit of help. For anyone worried about keeping warm or paying fuel bills at this time of year, the Home Heat Hotline (0800 33 66 99) might be helpful.”

She went on: “Nationally and internationally, I look forward to a better future for our young people – a future where they will be able to live and work in Scotland if they choose, without having to emigrate for a decent standard of living, and where they will want to help others less fortunate than themselves. To live in a world at peace is an ambition we all share.

I would like to offer all of my constituents in the Irvine, Kilwinning and Stevenston areas my very best wishes for a Happy New Year.”