Barrhead News | News | Danny romps to victory

Saturday, 22nd November, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 9th May, 2007 14:19

Danny romps to victory

By Irina Nelson

He polls highest number of votes

COUNCILLOR Danny Devlin bucked predictions by polling the highest number of votes in a new system it was feared would wipe out Independents.

The Independent councillor for the newly enlarged Barrhead ward snatched the highest number of votes out of the whole of East Renfrewshire.

This was despite expert predictions that the new voting system — the Single Transferable Vote — would result in many Independents losing their seats.

There certainly were a few casualties, Rena McGuire and Tommy Reilly, vying for the same ward, who polled just over 600 votes between them.

But councillor Devlin drew in a staggering 1,897 in last Friday's poll — a day late due to computer chaos — more than 300 ahead of Provost Betty Cunningham.

Speaking from his home earlier this week, he said: `I thought I was up against it after losing half of my old ward in the new boundary changes.

`But, I had also heard, alongside many others, that this new system of proportional representation was not going to do us Independents any favours.

`I was extremely worried because I had served the people of Barrhead and East Renfrewshire for four years and knew I still had a lot of work not yet finished.

`So, as you can imagine, I was shocked when the result came through. I do not think it has quite sunk in yet!`

Councillor Devlin added: `I have had quite a chequered past as I was once a councillor for the Labour party before becoming an Independent.

`Now, I have been voted by the people on an Independent platform and this has given me all the confidence I need to take their views forward.

`The first item on my list is the planned supported accommodation unit at Connor Road — and that is just for starters!`

Betty Cunningham may have polled second with 1,526 votes for the Labour Party — but she was as proud as punch.

She said: `I just wanted one more term to take me up to when I am 65. I hope I have made my mammy and daddy proud.

`I will be concentrating on Barrhead College, the Health Centre and the Regeneration over this next term and I hope all local councillors will work as part of a team in achieving these aims.`

Labour counterpart, Eddie Phillips, who got through in the eighth stage of the count with 999 votes, was unavailable for comment.

The Scottish National Party were, however, unable to contain their delight.

Unlike councillor Devlin, their rise from zero to three seats on the council proved predictions that STV favoured their party. An ecstatic councillor Douglas Yates said: `We are delighted! And we just missed out by a whisker in getting a fourth elected!

`But we are looking forward to working with a number of people with energy — for a better future for everyone.`

Councillors elected for Neilston, Uplawmoor and Newton Mearns North were: Tony Buchanan of the Scottish National Party (SNP); Charlie Gilbert of the Scottish Conservative and Unionists; Elaine Green of the Scottish Labour Party Candidate and Leslie Rosin of Scottish Conservative and Unionists.

Social Bookmarking What are these?