LIBERAL Democrat leaders in North Devon say they are “quietly confident”, about their chances in this May’s General Election.
Speaking at a launch event for the party’s North Devon campaign local party leaders played down concerns the party will lose out.
North Devon’s Liberal Democrat MP, Nick Harvey, believes he’s got a good chance of holding onto his seat despite predictions the Liberal Democrats will lose MPs on May 7.
He said: “There’s been a price for being part of the coalition.
“I believe in dug in seats, like North Devon, the outlook isn’t as bad as it is in the marginal areas.
“It’s not necessarily the case that seats will be lost.
“I think focussed campaigning and getting out on the street can help us keep seats.”
With another hung parliament being predicted, a second coalition government seems likely.
Mr Harvey said his party would not be rushing into any coalition agreements and ultimately any negotiations will depend entirely on the results of the election.
He said: “Nobody should assume we’ll be in any hurry to go in with anyone.
“In 2010 action needed to be taken, the country was facing a financial crisis, we had to help form a government.
“We’re not however straining at the leash to do it all again.”
The MP for North Devon hopes voters recognise the amount of money brought to the area for infrastructure, business and education.
By lobbying his Liberal Democrat colleague, chief secretary to the treasury, Danny Alexander, Mr Harvey helped to secure a share of a £23 million infrastructure fund to be used on improving the North Devon Link Road.
Last May working with the Liberal Democrats running North Devon Council Mr Harvey also helped secure Assisted Area status for Barnstaple, Braunton, Ilfracombe, Fremington and Instow.
It’s hoped the new status issued by the European Commission will give new opportunities to businesses in the area.
Liberal Democrat district council leader Brian Greenslade said the local party is “quietly confident”, and predicts a high turnout for the district elections.
He said: “I’m fairly sure turnout will be higher this year. I predict around 65% turnout.
“Of course anything is possible but we’re quietly confident here in North Devon.
“We don’t feel we’ll do as badly as predicted.”
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