news story

11th February 2010

Paddy Ashdown Speaks at Thornbury Public Meeting

Paddy Ashdown & Steve Webb in front of a packed audience in Thornbury

Former Lib Dem leader and international statesman Paddy Ashdown addressed an audience of local residents in Thornbury last week, at the invitation of local MP Steve Webb and the Thornbury and Yate Liberal Democrats. 

Proving wrong the theory that no-one is interested in politics any more, over 400 people flocked to Thornbury Leisure Centre to Lord Ashdown reflecting on the current political situation at home and abroad and answering questions on a wide range of issues.

Paddy is respected across the political spectrum, and it was his answers on foreign affairs and defence issues that were particularly eagerly sought.

Commenting afterwards, Steve Webb said:

"Although Paddy spoke and answered questions for over an hour, we could easily have gone on for twice that long. I think there is a real appetite for people who speak their mind and who know what they are talking about.

"It was great to see so many people at the meeting and gives you a bit of hope amidst some of the gloom about public attitudes to the political process."