Merthyr Tydfil Liberal Democrats prepare for conference

9.07.00pm GMT Mon 2nd Mar 2009

Liberal Democrat partliamentary spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney Amy Kitcher speaking at a previous Lib Dem conference

Liberal Democrats in Merthyr Tydfil will soon be packing their bags to head off to the party spring conference in Harrogate. Doors to the conference will open on the evening of Friday 6th March. It will close on Sunday 8th with a speech from party leader, Nick Clegg MP.

Those attending from Merthyr Tydfil include parliamentary spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, Amy Kitcher and Lib Dem group leader on Merthyr Tydfil council, Kevin O'Connor.

"Local Lib Dems are really looking forward to going to the conference," said Amy Kitcher. "There are some great debates coming up and the chance to refresh our campaigning on local issues.

"Our Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable will be talking on the economy and conference will be rounded off with a speech by Nick Clegg."

There will be debates on reforming the banks and the financial sector, skills and higher education, schools, prisons and childcare.

In addition to Nick Clegg and Vince Cable, there will be a speech by Howard Dean, who campaigned to win the US Presidential nomination for the Democrats in 2004. Though Mr Dean did not win the nomination, he is widely regarded as having dramatically changed and improved campaigning on the internet.

"This will all make for an interesting conference," said Kevin O'Connor. He added, "This is a really interesting time to be involved in politics. The difficulties of the recession provide challenges for all politicians, but I am proud to be in a party promising real solutions to help ordinary people. I know that Vince Cable and Nick Clegg are the best leaders for our country in these difficult times."