Robert- The Orkney/Shetland situation sounds much like the close-knit Daley family in the Chicago, Illinois, mayoral competition. Father ruled for many years and son followed, soon. Thank you for your reply - Are the candidates for Orkney/Shetland MP and MSP chosen by election by a majority choice among the members of the Liberal Democrat group or their opposition? How do they become candidates? Too bad you were unaware of your MEP status, you probably could have cast your vote and re- elected yourself to a seat and could have been the only one to know it!!! Very interesting. Jim Driver - Denver, CO