An Iraq War colonel, Tim Collins, known for his rousing pre-battle speech in 2003, blamed lack of interest in international affairs for his loss in the North Down constituency in Northern Ireland. Collins conceded defeat to independent unionist candidate Alex Easton, attributing his loss to people being more concerned with local issues like “potholes and hedges” rather than broader global issues.
Despite his defeat, Collins expressed satisfaction in running and financing his own campaign as a way to give back to Northern Ireland. He defended controversial comments about car insurance costs in the region compared to England, stating that the point he was making was valid but misunderstood by some.
While uncertain about running again in the future, Collins emphasized his commitment to contributing to Northern Ireland. The election results reflect a shift in focus towards local concerns, highlighting the importance of engaging with constituents on issues that directly impact their daily lives.
Source: BBC News