Labour duo stroll to poll victory

May 14 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

MORE of the same.

That’s the message from winning Labour candidates Brian Donohoe and Sandra Osborne.

Their re-election, thanks to resounding majorities, signals status quo in Ayrshire politics.

And although the national picture was far more clouded, Labour’s double success ended in something of a stroll.

Mr Donohoe, who retained his Central Ayrshire seat with a majority of more than 12,000 votes, confessed: “I was not expecting such a big majority.

“Two weeks ago, it was thought it highly probable that the party would suffer.

“I’ll just continue to do what I have been doing and that’s to fight for more jobs, fight for better energy provision and fight for Prestwick airport.

“I believe as a constituency and as a county we will continue to prosper.

“I don't ever fight to lose, so I fought to win. I believe that having done that I deserved to win.”

And Mr Donohoe, who celebrated an increased majority of more than 1500 from the last election, quipped: “First thing I’m going to do is get rid of all my signs from lampposts.”

There were similar scenes of celebration for Mrs Osborne, who comfortably held her seat in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.

She saw off the challenge of South Ayrshire councillor Bill Grant, who stood for the Conservatives, and maintained a majority of almost 10,000.

Mrs Osborne said: “I feel very humbled to be re-elected and serve the people of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock once again.

“We fought an efficient campaign and I will now go to London with a renewed sense of enthusiasm to do my best for the people of this constituency.

“I promise I will go there and be a local champion, always trying to do my best for the voters.

“This is where the real work starts again.”