The Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for one of the most maginal seats in the UK, Justine McGuinness, has backed Lib Dem Leader Charles Kennedy’s strategy for the General Election. Today, under the slogan of “The Real Opposition”, Mr. Kennedy outlined the Liberal Democrats key campaigning themes and policy pledges.

At a meeting this evening West Dorset Lib Dems will hear Justine McGuinness back Mr Kennedy and say:

“In about 11 weeks time, it is likely that Tony Blair will call a General Election. Whenever it comes, we Liberal Democrats will relish the opportunity and be ready for a winning campaign. Our leader Charles Kennedy is right when he says that the majority of people in this country now see us as the Real Opposition. That is why it is the Liberal Democrats are gaining support at a rapid pace.”

Launching the Liberal Democrats’s strategy for the General Election Lib Dem Leader Charles Kennedy commented:

“On so many issues it is the Liberal Democrats who have challenged this Government. We asked the critical questions, while the Conservatives have lined up with Labour.

“The Conservatives have been fading away as a truly national party. Across a third of the country they are not even in contention anymore. And this Labour Government has used up the trust and goodwill of people.

“So it is the Liberal Democrats who are growing in strength and growing in support. At the General Election, the public will have the opportunity to vote for the real opposition in Britain: the Liberal Democrats.

“And we will be fighting both Labour and Conservatives. This will be real three party politics.”

West Dorset is one of the most marginal seats in the UK. The Lib Dems only need a 0.3% swing to win it. If only 708 people who voted Tory last time vote Lib Dem at the next General Election West Dorset will have a local Lib Dem MP.

Mr Kennedy today also outlined the Party’s campaign themes and priorities:

“We believe that Government in Britain should improve the quality of peoples’ lives and improve the quality of our public services in every local community.

“We believe that Government in Britain is there to protect people from terrorism and from the worst criminality; but never at the expense of our civil liberties and the basic tenets of our legal system.

“We believe that Government in Britain should be working to restore our reputation on the international stage after Iraq and engage better within Europe.

“Being the real opposition to the Labour Government has meant taking the tough choices necessary to present credible and costed policies. We want a strong, vibrant economy for Britain so that we can set out a clear and affordable alternative programme for Government.”