MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Islander and former Bs. Aires resident in Falkland's election
A FALKLANDS artist who has spent three years of his life living in Buenos Aires is to stand for election to Falkland Islands government.
James Peck (39) who is married to Argentine artist Maria Abriani (32) states, however, that, "â€Ã‚¦talking to Argentina is a dangerous thing." Now living back in the Falklands having completed his Art Degree in Australia, James says he was in fact annoyed by suggestions that councillors should travel to Argentina to put forward the Falklands case. He said, "Too much attention is given to Argentina; there are more pressing issues here in the Falklands. Some people spend too much time scaremongering about Argentina. Going to Argentina to talk suggests the Argentine issue is more important – maybe they should come here." He told Mercopressthat in terms of Falklands sovereignty, "I am no different from my fatherâ€Ã‚¦" James is the son of Islander and Falklands war hero the late Terry Peck, who helped guide British Paratroopers across Falklands terrain during the war in 1982. Mr Peck (Snr) was very much against talks with Argentina and was a former elected member of council himself. James added, "I'm tired of the same people getting into Council every time and I'm tired of councillors that do not listen to the ordinary people. I want to give people a different option. Asked if he would visit Argentina if he were elected to Legislative Council he said, "Not in my capacity as a councillor but only sometimes with the children to visit their grandparents." James and Maria have two sons aged 2 and 5 years old. He also noted that he would no longer be exhibiting his work in Argentina as he has done in the past, "That had run its course anyway." James will be standing against Dr Richard Davies in the January by-election. Dr Davies recently lost his seat due to a technicality. Also standing are former elected members John Birmingham and hard-line anti Argentine Roger Edwards, who both lost their seats at the last General Election in 2005. By Lisa Johnston – SeAledPR - Stanley
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