Chris Coleman writes in The Forester newspaper

11.04.20pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Apr 2010

Chris Coleman, 31, is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Forest of Dean.

He was born and brought up in Gloucestershire and continues to live here, working locally as a solicitor. He was the Liberal Democrat candidate here at the last General Election and has extensive experience as a local authority councillor, charity fundraiser and voluntary youth work. His website, www.chriscoleman.org.uk, provides further information about him and his party.

Here he writes about why local people should back the Liberal Democrats this time:

"Elections that can really make a difference don't come along very often - but this is one of them.

"On 6th May, you have an opportunity to shape the future of the Forest of Dean and of our country for the better. We've had 65 years of Labour and the Conservatives: the same parties taking turns and making the same mistakes, letting you down. They have taught people to expect little from politics, and get less.

"It is time for something different. It is time for something better.

"Doesn't it make you angry that after 65 years of red-blue government, a child's chances in life are still more determined by their parents' bank balance than by their own hopes and dreams? Doesn't it make you angry that the banks have been allowed to ride roughshod over our economy, and are still handing out bonuses by the bucket load? That politics is still the plaything of wealthy donors and corrupt MPs? That despite endless warm words from politicians, our climate is in danger? That the poorest are the ones who pay the biggest chunk of their income in tax?

"Liberal Democrats believe that the way things are is not the way they have to be. That's why our message to local people in this election is simple - don't settle for low politics and broken promises: be more demanding. Set your sights on the Britain you want for your children and your grandchildren, and use your vote to make it happen.

"Liberal Democrats are different. When it's come to the big decisions - on the banks, on the environment, on the war in Iraq - we are the only party that has called it right, every time.

"Only Liberal Democrats have the big ideas for fundamental, structural changes in the way our country works to make it fair. Only Liberal Democrats will shake up the tax system to put £700 back in the pockets of tens of millions of low and middle-income families, paid for by ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share. Only Liberal Democrats will break up the banks and start Britain building things again, creating a sustainable economy that no longer threatens our planet's future. Only Liberal Democrats will invest in our schools to give every child, no matter their background, a fair start in life. And only Liberal Democrats will sort out our rotten political system once and for all.

"A vote for the Liberal Democrats means the end of red-blue, blue-red politics. It means the end of the stitch-up between the two old parties. It means the beginning of real change that works for you.

"Please support me and the Liberal Democrats on Thursday 6th May."