Western Isles Constituency Labour Party Statements
RET
The Western Isles Constituency Labour Party notes that our local MP and MSP have spoken at last about the RET fuss the SNP created.
Instead of accepting responsibility for this debacle, Mr MacNeil attempts to shift the blame on those who allegedly benefited from it, saying that they are the ones who allowed ‘an unfortunate ambiguity to arise’. Dr Allan tries to distance himself from ‘the Government’ on this occasion, ignoring the fact that he has a major role in the way that body handles its affairs.
Rather than uttering weasel words, it would be better if Dr Allan and Mr MacNeil accepted responsibility for the cack-handed way in which this entire affair was handled and offered an apology to the Outer Hebrides Commerce Group who have been maligned unjustly in this matter over the last year.
Instead, we have an attempt by both the MP and MSP to duck, dive and dodge all responsibility for this matter. And a failure, too, to communicate with the community they were elected to serve. The inordinate length of time taken to publish this report underlines this.
They still have to comment though on the huge pay cut they want to inflict on some Calmac workers.
Scottish Courts
The WICLP now also notes with deep concern the SNP Government’s plan to close island courthouses.
The SNP wants to shut them and make all people involved in court cases travel to the mainland or use video links.
Ten out of the present 49 Sheriff Courts and seven Justice of the Peace courts will close in January 2016 under proposals approved by SNP Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill. This is despite the fact that the country’s Sheriffs’ Association has described his scheme as ‘fundamentally flawed’ and ‘not feasible’.
Even the SNP Education Secretary Michael Russell MSP has declared that the loss of this service ‘will add to the hardship of island communities and –potentially – their depopulation’. He has approved these closures however; a betrayal of his constituents on the islands of Argyll and Bute.
Has Dr Allan MSP for the Western Isles allowed his loyalty to the SNP once again to outweigh his local duties and the welfare and employment of the people of his constituency?
The Western Isles Constituency Labour Party demands that our locally elected SNP parliamentarians Angus B MacNeil MP and Dr Alasdair Allan MSP issue a statement immediately clarifying their stance about SNP plans for island Courthouses to close, and what they will do to safeguard jobs and fair justice in their constituency.
Fret not and don’t be so unreasonable. They will have written letters to “the” government not “their” government. Their many friends at radio na Gael( where kenny flip has unfettered access and a regular platform) will trot out their “actions” faithfully reporting them – in the sure and certain knowledge that no one will ask them if they ever get a response, never mind a solution. Cuts in medical provision at the lewis hospital will be the next thing they’ll be “writing to the Government” about: seeking this, seeking that and the next thing. Job done. Letter written – action taken, media satisfied…..same old pathetic formula. We shoukdnt knock it – get’s them re elected.