Sign of the times
David O'Leary • Published 7 May 2010 08:00
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A VOTING row erupted yesterday (Thursday) just minutes after Broughton polling station opened.
Lib Dem volunteers supporting candidate Catriona Bhatia had erected their campaign signs over the top of Conservative slogans throughout the rural Peeblesshire community.
And one village voter, who we agreed not to name, was quick to air his annoyance.
He told the Peeblesshire News: "I was walking down to the polling station and saw what the Lib Dems had done. I was one of your floating voters but I decided to go with the Conservatives after what I saw."
The Lib-Dem's triangular yellow signs were encroaching over the rectangular Tory notices on lampposts in the Tweeddale village yesterday morning.
And Tory candidate David Mundell believes the underhand tactics were also used in other parts of the constituency. He said: "We have noticed it in other places as well as Broughton.
"I thought it was petty and silly from a party that is campaigning for change.
"It's childish and reflects badly on them.
"There's plenty of room for three or four signs on each lamppost - there is no need for them to put theirs over mine."
As we went to press yesterday Mr Mundell was short odds to retain his Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale seat.
But Peebles-based Lib Dem councillor Catriona Bhatia had emerged as the main contender - according to the bookies.
Strict rules govern the blocking or defacing of election campaign signs.
And Graham Garvie, agent for Lib Dem candidate Catriona Bhatia, apologised for the blunder.
He said: "It's a mistake by the people who put up the signs. They obviously didn't know the rules and we can only apologise.
"This shouldn't have happened."
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 07 May 10
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