AN SNP councillor in the Western Isles claims an additional councillor from Benbecula and North Uist will boost the party’s ongoing efforts to re-establish the inter-island flights which fell victim to council budget cuts in 2013.
Councillor John A MacIver, who sits on the transportation committee, said that as well as detrimental economic effects, the reduction of flights between the islands had caused considerable logistical difficulties for many patients and their families at a time when they are least able to cope.
“I have constantly kept this on the agenda and will welcome another strong voice to make the case for Uist. I know that Roslyn will be a tremendous asset to our group, and to the community she will represent on this and many other issues.
Roslyn Macpherson will make the lamented flights a priority
SNP candidate Roslyn Macpherson added: “The SNP’s council group fought hard against the devastating reduction of flights which cut us off, not only from Barra and Stornoway, but also from Inverness and further afield. Since that time, I believe the Comhairle has failed to recognise the impact this has had on our community – particularly for those accessing healthcare, and also those escorting or visiting them. The Comhairle has full responsibility for this issue, and must accept full responsibility for the consequences.”
Ms Macpherson has vowed that, if elected, she will bring first-hand experience from the ward to the group which has most consistently backed a full schedule of flights.
“Even in the context of further cuts looming, it has to be recognised that this was a cut too far for the Uists, and must be reversed.”
Sorry to put a damp squib on these comments! Where has Roslyn been in the previous year when this issue of resumption of 5-day per week flights from Benbecula to Stornoway has been discussed at meetings of Benbecula Community Council (where I sit as a councillor and secretary), the Association of Community Councils, and meeting with the Council Leader Angus Campbell? Conspicuous by her absence! This matter is being addressed by many in a quiet and efficient way behind the scenes, and further meetings planned, including meeting with Loganair CEO. Increasing a small snp group in the comhairle by one member is neither here nor there – other independent and party-affiliated councillors will require to give support in terms of finding the necessary cash resource to make this happen, and supporting a vote. My track record on this issue is well known, so little point in differentiating between the two candidates on this one issue.
So let me understand this: according to an invisible SNP councillor, the best way to fight the cuts imposed by the SNP Government is to bypass the MP and MSP and elect an SNP councillor who has pledged to accept the cuts.
Indeed, she promises to make more cuts to fund a pork barrel in her back yard.
Hold me back….
“quiet and efficient way behind the scenes” and there is the problem with the council writ large.
Party politics don’t appear to feature highly at the Comhairle (not officially anyway). There is a total complement of 31 councillors, only six of whom at present have a party affiliation to the snp. One other is affiliated to Labour, according to records. All others are Independent as far as I can ascertain. Party politics in my view should not play a prominent part in the present by-election, Ward 2. I am standing as an Independent, and this gives me free rein to vote on issues according to local opinion and service need, and not as dictated to by a party machine in some remote location, pulling the strings. Read more here about all our councillors:
http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/members/
Another snp c’llor if voted in on 26th March will strengthen the snp group by one member, this is true, from six to seven, but … will this make much difference overall within the comhairle in terms of policy and voting? I don’t think so. The snp group will remain very much a minority party.
At the time of voting on budget cuts, including Benbecula/Stornoway and Barra/Benbecula flights, if I recollect correctly, the snp group did not participate with other c’llors in the “scoring” exercise, but rather chose to sit on their hands, thinking they were adopting the moral high ground, and would not contemplate or vote for any cuts. Quite irresponsible really, and most concerning as we move forward contemplating further cuts of up to £12m over the next three years. Stormy waters ahead, of which I am fully aware.
Vote Independent to get an honest and committed councillor, with a proven track record as a community councillor, volunteer worker and campaigner, for Benbecula and the Uists on the 26th March.