IT was straight to Westminster and straight to work on Monday for the region’s new MP John Cooper.
But the Conservative took time out of his busy induction week to send a message back home to the Galloway area about his intentions.
He said: “Over the course of a year of campaigning, I’ve been knocking on thousands of doors from Glencaple to Portpatrick and it was a genuine pleasure speaking to people.
“The vast majority were polite, even if they were clear they would not be voting for me. And it never ceased to amaze me how many people said: ‘I don’t really follow politics’ only to then demonstrate they were exceptionally knowledgeable.
“Key issues which came up time and again were the economy, the state of the roads, the NHS, especially NHS dentistry.
“I’ve been talking with farmers, fishermen, and forestry workers. I’ve spoken with shop workers and students, bar staff and binmen, lorry drivers, bus drivers, patients, pensioners – and even oil rig workers, and people in the games industry.
“It’s clear talent abounds right across Dumfries and Galloway, but opportunity is often lacking.
“Elected as your MP, I’m already looking at how we attract the investment needed to create jobs, and have been speaking with businesses large and small.
“Good jobs can send prosperity cascading throughout Dumfries and Galloway and there are real prospects for growth in agriculture and tourism, and we need to make sure the energy revolution doesn’t just cover the Galloway hills with turbines.
“The way we generate power and the fuels we will use is changing beyond all recognition. Today’s youngsters will have careers in jobs that haven’t yet been invented, and we need to make sure Dumfries and Galloway is not left behind.
“Governments and politicians don’t create wealth themselves, but they can set the conditions in which the private sector flourishes, and that’s what we need here.
“Transport too is a big issue and, as responsibility is devolved to Holyrood, I’ll be working closely with Conservative colleague Finlay Carson MSP to keep connectivity in the spotlight.
To be your MP is an honour and a huge privilege. I understand there’s a great deal of work to do, and no magic wand to fix everything all at once. But I’m clear my job is to fight for this beautiful corner of Scotland.”
