The Enfield Independent has asked each candidate standing in the borough's three constituencies to give five reasons why they should be elected on May 7.

Here, Liberal Democrat candidate for Enfield Southgate Paul Smith says why he should become MP for the constituency.

1) After 25 years of living, working and raising my children in Enfield Southgate I want to help ensure that Enfield and the UK remain somewhere that we can all be proud to call home.  Enfield Southgate is a vibrant, multicultural constituency and I am pleased that my children have the world right on their doorstep; the future is international and we should not be afraid to embrace it.

2) I'm passionate about equality of opportunity, whether in education for children, access to housing, access to jobs or retirement. I was able to go from council house to local comprehensive to Oxford and 'who you know' should never determine or limit your chances in life.

3) As a scientist, I challenge the status quo and judge ideas based on merit and evidence. The 'obvious' answer is not always the right one and understanding this ensures that I am open to innovative ideas and ways of addressing problems.

4) I'm proud that the Liberal Democrats have championed the Pupil Premium, increased apprenticeships, committed to an extra £8billion of costed funding for the NHS and used our time in government to build the stronger economy and fairer society that this country needs.  Being in coalition has not been easy but the Liberal Democrats can look the electorate in the face and say honestly that we worked hard and effectively, for every one of you.

5) Finally, government is not just about pounds, shillings and pence, it's about people's lives.  Eliminating the deficit is important, but government must do this carefully, always considering the effect that decisions have on the public that it represents. I pledge to ensure that my decisions in government will follow this clear, but carefully chosen path.