Daniel McNay is the SDP prospective candidate for Alyn & Deeside in North Wales. We spoke with Dan about his decision to stand.
“most SDP members will tell you, when asked why they are SDP members, is that they are patriotic, economically left of centre, and strong supporters of free speech”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Originally from the north east of England, I now live in north Wales where I have now settled with my young family. Before settling down, I spent a number of years in the British army, specifically the infantry, which ensured I was fortunate enough to see a lot of the United Kingdom as well as the wider world. With regards to my own passions and pastimes, my love of football, along with a love/hate relationship with Hartlepool United, would certainly top the list. To move in an entirely different direction, I do have a keen interest in a specific collection of vampire novels, although we are talking more Anne Rice than Stephanie Meyer. I also harbour a strong fascination with human history, from antiquity to the modern world, along with politics itself, which naturally brought me to the SDP.
“Sadly, authoritarian progressivism seems to have taken western society hostage”
What made you decide to stand for the SDP?
One thing most SDP members will tell you, when asked why they are SDP members, is that they are patriotic, economically left of centre, and strong supporters of free speech and respectful debate which nurtures the free exchange of ideas. I am no exception. While one major party seems to take pride in ridiculing patriotism, and the other indulges in reckless apathy with regards to the less wealthy portions of society, the SDP proves to be the only party which bridges the gap, thus representing the vast majority of people in the UK.
Sadly, authoritarian progressivism seems to have taken western society hostage. Race, gender, immigration, Coronavirus, climate-change, these are all topics the British public is constantly lectured on, but prohibited from offering any opinion on, other than the opinions pre-approved by the loudest and angriest of Leftists. Leftists who, quite frankly, care little about the aforementioned issues, and care only about hijacking them and using them to push extremist agendas. For anyone who is up to date with the motivations behind groups such as BLM and Antifa, they will require no reminders of the agendas in question.
“a very simple yet very honest reason for wishing to stand for the SDP, is that they are good people”
Also, a very simple yet very honest reason for wishing to stand for the SDP, is that they are good people. I have met many people with many political persuasions in my life, and while I have encountered brashness, arrogance and ego in abundance in these encounters, my interactions with SDP members tend to offer none of that. the vast majority of SDP members are mild-mannered, open-minded and seem to enjoy listening to the beliefs of others as much as they do telling others what they believe. Yet for all their pleasantness and amiability, there is a stubborn courage, and a refusal to do what many people have done already. They won’t allow themselves to be silenced by the threat of false accusations or the sting of extremist rhetoric.
“If by standing, I provide people the chance to vote for a party which represents them, this is a great honour to have”
You’re the Spokesman for Alyn & Deeside what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I am choosing to represent this area, simply because this is my home. It is a fantastic place to live, and as with most places in the UK, I know it is made up of hard-working sensible people who are likely frustrated every time they force themselves to vote. Many will reluctantly vote Labour out of habit. I certainly have. Others will vote Conservative through gritted teeth. Most, I am certain, would vote SDP if they were aware of our policies and our values. If by standing, I provide people the chance to vote for a party which represents them, this is a great honour to have.
“being a Welsh constituency, the new 20mph speed limit is understandably proving to be universally unpopular”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
I believe the concerns for my constituency are largely the same concerns most working people have up and down the country. Of course, being a Welsh constituency, the new 20mph speed limit is understandably proving to be universally unpopular. Additionally, the worrying decision of the Welsh Parliament to ban a particular news channel in order to ‘protect’ its staff, is also concerning. Should governments ever take it upon themselves to protect adults from information and opinions the government in question does not like?
Aside from these matters, the SDP has strong and detailed views on a wide range of issues, which are readily available on our website. Unlike some parties, we are not focussed on one single issue, nor do we ignore any matters which impact the British people.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
For more information on the party visit our website at https://sdp.org.uk/.
For those wishing to get involved, it is incredibly easy. The first and simplest step is to join the party. You will struggle to find a cheaper party to join, and struggle just as much to find one where the top brass and the average party member interact as frequently and as effectively as the SDP. When you join, you can immediately make an impact. You can join up at https://sdp.nationbuilder.com.
You can also follow and get in touch via https://twitter.com/SDPCymru and https://twitter.com/SDPhq. You can contact me on email at mailto:[email protected].
