Peter Hirst - Lib Dem (From Stroud News and Journal)

Peter Hirst - Lib Dem

PETER Hirst is a man who believes his political party can really make a difference to the people of Stroud.

As candidate for the Liberal Democrats, he is determined to prove that his insight, knowledge and experience - coupled with his fiercely loyal championing of the party's beliefs and values - will make him the best man to represent the people in the region. Having qualified in medicine in 1973 at Leeds university, he has been a locum doctor for the past 15 years.

For the 54-year old father of two, politics had always played a part in his life. But the idea of doing something pro-active about his political urges and making a difference by getting involved became more and more apparent as time marched on.

"Politics interested me more and more as time progressed," he said. "I have a very wide experience in working in different parts of the country, which has given me an insight and knowledge into what makes people tick."

Peter believes that his party has been somewhat under-represented in the past, and that the time has now come for the Liberal Democrats to move out of the shadows and be given the chance to prove they can keep their pledges on the political battlefield.

"The country had a bad time the last time the Conservatives were in. I believe that the Liberal Democrats have a good leader in Charles Kennedy and stand a really good chance. The people need to believe that the Lib Dems CAN make a difference and I know I could do that as an MP for Stroud."

He has come up against some criticism for not living in the area for which he is hoping to get elected. But he believes that people should be more open-minded and look at the bigger picture in terms of what both the party and the individual working together can achieve for its constituents.

"I understand people's concerns in part of the community about the fact I don't live locally, but what you have to consider is how someone can make a difference on the national stage," he said.

"I have done what I can to familiarise myself with the area, and I have a good idea of the beautiful countryside around Stroud - it really is a lovely part of the country.

In terms of the party's policies, Peter believes that more could be done to help out small businesses fighting for a voice against their larger competitors.

"There are a lot of small businesses in Stroud which is disproportionate with the larger companies and very often they find they can't cope," he said.

"We need to make rebates for business rates as a rebate to small businesses." Education issues, too, would get a fresh lick of political paint.

"I have looked at the schools in the area with sixth forms and the secondary schools. The Liberal Democrats believe equal payments should be made to all schools.

"We would also propose to abolish tuition fees.

"We want to reduce class sizes to 20 up to seven years and 25 up to the age of 11. We believe the best thing we can do is to give individual attention, particularly in the early years.

"Parents would benefit as would the children, especially in terms of play and social activities."

Law enforcement, tackling crime, and giving police better resources to do the job properly are also on the Liberal Democrat agenda.

Peter said: "We would reduce the bureaucracy that police have to deal with, which presently takes up more than half their time, which would make them more effective. "We are also fully in support of ABSOs and the introduction of the new ABSO Plus, which has been pioneered in Islington, London. We do need to address how we can help people to help themselves. We currently have a heavy-handed approach to these problems and it isn't a good thing. We need to adopt a more low-key way of doing it." When not fighting for the causes of his party, he is also actively involved in Friends of the Earth and the World Wildlife Fund, as well as playing an active role in student teaching and pensions and investments. He has also taken part in the Five Valleys Walk for the Meningitis Trust.