Fisherman lands a role in party political TV question

From the archive, first published Friday 13th Apr 2007.

A LEIGH fisherman has landed a starring role in a political broadcast for Labour, despite not being a supporter of the party.

Colin Dolby, 46, from Leigh, was told to think of two questions to ask Tony Blair for the short slot.

The father-of-four was then filmed asking his questions on Two Tree Island on board his boat Louisa.

He asked Mr Blair what would be done to protect traditional industries such as fishing.

He also asked the Prime Minister what was going to be done to help people like him make a living.

He said: "I'm not a member of the Labour Party and don't really have much interest in politics at all.

"The TV company wanted me to ask Tony Blair two questions so I've been thinking about all the fishing-related issues I could mention."

The fisherman also told Mr Blair many years ago the British had rights to 78 per cent of fish in the North Sea, but it currently owned just 4 per cent.

Mr Dolby was approached by the TV company making the advert through his wife Jane Winiberg's public relations company.

Archive Home