What would you bring to the role of MEP?
Emma Moore: I'm in my late twenties, and
am fed up with people saying that younger people aren't interested in
politics. I have spent so much time shouting at the television over
the stupid things that we put up with from Europe and Labour, I have
decided to try and do something about it. This is not something I take
lightly. Although I am a District Councillor, I do not profess to know
everything about how the 'system' works, and I would hope that actually
some people would find this refreshing. I will always be honest in my
opinion, but practical in my response.
Barbara Musgrave: I will fight to make the EU transparent, open and accountable. It needs demystifying. People have a right to know and say how their money is spent and to suffer less regulation. My job and party political background mean that I have the skills to fight for this and if I am elected the second MEP represent the North East robustly.
Why have you chosen to stand for the North East?
Emma Moore: I was lucky enough to live and study in Durham, which is unrivalled in the World as a centre of history, sport and academic study. Some of the recent EU policies will be felt in the North East particularly acutely, such as the ridiculous requirement to tag every sheep; the limits on our fishing; and the power they have to block any efforts made (whatever they may be) to put Northern Rock on course for a future. One of my grandmothers was a sheep farmer, and the other's family originally came from the mining community in Benwell. I hope to do both of them proud.
Barbara Musgrave: My husband, son (he has a place at Durham University) and I love the people of the North East. My ambition to make the region Conservative began as a Blyth Valley Parliamentary Candidate, living in Cramlington. I was part of the successful strategy to get Cllr. Wayne Daley elect in Blyth Valley. I have canvassed for Martin Callanan. I know how tough it is to win votes here.