Rosie sends out a message on Bangla TV

10.26.17am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 2nd Aug 2007

Shadwell Council Candidate Rosie Clarke put in a convincing performance on Tuesday in a live, head-to-head televised debate with former Labour Councilor Michael Keith. The candidates exchanged views for just over one hour on the Westminster Programme on Bangla TV hosted by Gulam Rabbni.

The Conservative and Respect candidates refused to participate, leaving plenty of time for Rosie to put forward her views on a variety of important community issues, including housing in Tower Hamlets, opportunities for youth and improving citizens' feeling of security in Shadwell.

Mr. Rabbni had many questions for Mr. Keith about why he might want to run again after being soundly defeated as Council Leader in the last election. In the call-in version of the programme, several Respect councilors phoned-in to contest much of what Mr. Keith was saying in a style indicative of the vicious in-fighting that is endemic in Tower Hamlets amongst Labour and Respect. Rosie refused to participate in this partisan bickering and pledged that she would rise above party politics and represent the people.

Rosie working to win for Shadwell

In response to sharp questioning about having only lived in the Borough for two years, Rosie said that it was precisely this fresh perspective that people of Shadwell need. Meanwhile Mr. Keith was forced to defend his record on a variety of issues, including housing provision. Rosie reaffirmed her commitment and the commitment of the Liberal Democrats to more social housing in Shadwell. She said that on the doorstep she heard a great deal of concern by residents about poor quality social housing - a situation she would work to improve if elected.