Popular and hard-working, Manchester City Councillor Alison Firth, has represented the South Manchester Ward of Withington for over twenty years. Alison is Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson on the City Council's top-level Executive Committee. Alison is also well-known in her professional capacity as the Library Development Officer leading the Appeal for funding for the £16 million refurbishment of the city's world famous John Rylands Library.
Alison stated "The funding of the expansion of the Metrolink system comes down to what the Labour Government is going to prioritise and make happen. Paul Goggins is a senior member of the Government and could have influence if he chose to use it. He knows that Metrolink has been hugely popular from day one of its operation, and is a proven success at getting people to leave their cars at home and use the tram. Paul also knows that his own Home Office scheme for Identity Cards could now cost over £5 billion, and yet, is unlikely to reduce crime according to many experts. I challenge Paul Goggins to justify to his own constituents why the ID card scheme will be funded, whatever it costs, when the Metrolink extension to Wythenshawe is being sold short."
Alison Firth, who took Prime Minister Tony Blair to task on national television about his decision to go to war with Iraq on the eve of the conflict, has promised to make campaigning for Metrolink a key element of her Parliamentary battle with Paul Goggins.
Alison said "Even the vital upgrade needed to the existing system serving Sale and Altrincham is not yet guaranteed, never mind the expansion to Wythenshawe and the Airport. The people of Wythenshawe and Sale East deserve better and I am determined to fight to make sure that we get the modern transport system we need in our area."
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