FIGHT FOR GOWER: CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE FRANCESCA O’BRIEN

Why should the people of Gower vote for you?

A few reasons, one I am local to the constituency, I have lived and worked here most of my life. I worked for local businesses for a long time so I understand the challenges that those in the area are facing. Originally, when I left university, I went to work for a turf company, then we had one of the biggest herds of pigs in the UK. So the farming side of things is something I know well and I know how important it is in the Gower community. I then worked for a motor mechanic business in the area, so totally different to my degree. I know the positive impact that businesses have on the community I am a massive champion for youth work as well, I am sure many people know locally that I am involved with a massive organisation which is the RAF Air cadets. I have been working for them for over 12 years. I teach 12 to 20 year olds, regardless of where they want to go in life. If it is the armed forces, shopkeeper, whatever they want, we have been providing training for them for the last 12 or 13 years. I am a real champion for young people, helping to get them qualified and getting them life experiences. That is where my main passions lie and that is the main values that I hold and that I would like to bring to the constituency.

For those who don’t know you can you give them a bit of background on yourself?

I went to Knelston primary school in South Gower, I did my university degree in a joint honours in criminology and social policy. During university I was a ‘university ambassador’. Welcoming students from across the UK to Swansea, showing them the sites of Swansea and wind street and everything else that Swanse has to offer. Then I went to work for the pig farmer and then more recently,in the last few years, in the motor mechanic trade, I have also undertaken numerous projects locally voluntary work, given up a lot of family time also, I have a 4 year old son, so I have given up precious time for these organisations. I have ran some events such as the Swansea half marathon I run for Mcmillan cancer research and local charities as well. I am very much involved in the community with all sorts of causes.

What would be your main aim if you got elected as MP for Gower?

Pretty much what I have said to be honest, definitely wanting to help local businesses to help them thrive, we don’t want to see boarded up shops, we want them to be successful and not just for the short term but for the long term. For example we have seen Mumbles as an example where shops have come and gone and quite quickly. But I have been over to Clydach recently and I know that, Clydach is really thriving at the moment. I have spent a lot of time with one of the local councillors there Matthew. It’s looking really good over there I know they have got a fruit and veg shop there that’s being built that is fantastic news Local businesses and young people, obviously education and health are major things that goes without saying, although that they are devolved under the Welsh Labour government we need to make sure that the money is spread equally throughout the Gower constituency.

What is your position on Brexit?

I am a brexiteer, I was a leave position on that. A democratic vote has taken place on that, the vote must be honoured. We have got a good deal, causing more of a delay is bad for the general public. I know from a business point of view a lot of businesses are fed up of talking about it. Even on the doorstep people are fed up with it but the main message is that we have to get Brexit done. And we can only get Brexit done if we have a Conservative majority, so that is why people should vote for me.

Tonia, the Last Gower MP has come out in favour of cannabis oil been freely available for anyone that needs it, is that something you would be in favour off?

It is something that I would definitely look in to, I don’t have enough research on that at the moment. I know it has been trialed and in Canada for example they have had trials out there and in other parts of Europe. I am no expert in it, but having studied that as part of my university degree I would be open to options on that. But being a mum myself, I know that if I was faced with that situation where I am placed with something that would be potentially life saving or improve the child’s quality of life I wouldn’t rule it out.

Talking to people on the doorsteps what has the mood been like and what is coming up the most?

The mood on the doorstep I have to say has been positive we have been out pretty much every day in 2 or 3 locations for the past 3 weeks or so. But I have been campaigning with the Conservatives over the last few months, obviously the main thing coming up is Brexit. and the general consensus like I said is getting it done. People are fed up, whether they voted leave or remain, people just want it finished and to focus on other things. But I also look to talk about local things as well because that tends to have a real impact on people’s day to day life. So as I have said businesses, over development, particularly in Penllergaer. There is a huge development there, which of course has an effect on schools and traffic, so development, over-development and protecting green spaces as well. Although we have to acknowledge housing is needed but it should be sympathetic and within reason in the community.

Something that comes up a lot when you talk to people about politics is that people don’t seem to know much about it, there is perhaps a bit of smoke and mirrors from the politicians, do you think there is not enough easily accessible honest politics?

Politics has been at times quite a cloudy area really, from my point of view it has always been a big part of my life with my family, they have always been interested in politics, I want to be a refreshing change I don’t want to be a politician I want to be Francesca. What I can bring to the table, I like to think, is that I am that girl next door. I have worked in the big wide world, I am not in that political bubble I am not a career politician. I am someone with fresh new ideas that I am hoping relate to a lot of people. I don’t want to sell them the dream as some politicians do but to see what is double and see what really matters to people, hopefully we can engage with young people, that is one of my skill sets engaging with young people on matters that are going on in their everyday life. 

On a similar subject do you think the BBC are impartial and what are your thoughts on John Berrcow?

Interesting question with the BBC, I probably don’t look at the BBC News an awful lot because again that can cloud your judgment. You have to ask the right people. With John Burcow I think it is fair to say that he has not been impartial, that is my honest personal opinion and I think a lot of people have mentioned that on the doorstep. But as regards to the BBC they are entitled to say what they want, it’s just up to people if they want to investigate and find things out form their belief instead of the media’s point of view.

You said a few years back on Facebook that people on the television program benefit street want putting down, what is it that angered you so much about that program and do you regret those comments?

Obviously I have apologised on that, it was an off the cuff remark. It was something I said it would be 6 years ago this January. I have apologised for the inappropriate language that I have used. I fully support the benefit system 100% .My reasons why, in hindsight I should never have watched the program because I think it was made to have that reaction. And to get that outrage and of course they got what they wanted. basically. I am not one for living my whole everyday life on social media. It was more directed that benefits should be there for those who need it. People who have lost a job, fallen on hard times or are just making ends meet. I think to be precise it was around 17 minutes into the episode that somebody had come out of prison and gone on benefits and it was used for criminal activity. I don’t agree with it in that respect but to set the record straight I fully agree with the benefit system. Obviously the choice of words were not the best and hopefully people so far have not judged me on that one particular comment and they have seen that I am a genuinely good person.

Which Politician would you least like to be stuck in a lift with?

Jeremy Corbyn