Lib Dems in upbeat mood ahead of June 10th polling day

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Jun 2004

With just hours to go until polling day in the European Elections on June 10th Liberal Democrats across the region are in upbeat mood.

Graham Watson MEP, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament, said during the campaign support on the doorsteps for Labour had been melting away and people are looking for a common sense alternative to Michael Howard's Conservatives.

Lib Dems throughout the south west have been out and about talking to voters and delivering piles of leaflets. All seven of the party's candidates for election are reporting evidence of growing support.

Graham Watson MEP commented: "People are saying that they want to support a party that wants to make Europe work for local people. They want to vote for positive reform and for a strong voice for Britain. That is why many, many are backing the Liberal Democrats."

Fellow candidate, Tony Welch, a former senior military officer added: "Others, particularly former Labour voters, are also using the elections to have their say about the record of Tony Blair and the decision to join George Bush in the Iraq War. It is clear from our local canvassing that Liberal Democrats are attracting a great deal of support from those who feel strongly on this issue."

Somerset farmer Kay Barnard, third on the list of Liberal Democrats for election, said the party's strong environmental campaign had struck a chord.

"People realize that in terms of the environment the huge challenges we face go beyond national boundaries and it is only by working closely with our European neighbours that we will find workable, long term solutions for the benefit of future generations."

The result of Thursday's poll will be announced at the regional count in Poole, Dorset on the evening of Sunday 13 June.