What is going on?
Nicola Sturgeon (Minister for Health) - Monday at the Health Board - cancelled.
Jim Mather (Minster for Enterprise) - Thursday in Barra to speak at the Initiative at the Edge conference - cancelled.
Richard Lochhead (Minister for Rural Affairs) - Friday in Stornoway to Chair the "Coast Hebrides" conference on the impact of global warming on the islands, and to give a keynote speech - cancelled.
The finger is being pointed at the MP and MSP for being at loggerheads with the Council,but I think the answer is slightly more complex than that.
Certain people in the Council are happy to keep the MP and MSP at arms length and to have a rift, and the MP and MSP are walking straight into it by refusing to take advice from the SNP Group in the Comhairle, and by their continuing and repeated failure to engage with the Council.
It has been strongly suggested to me that the strongly dismissive words in the recent article (Part 1 and Part 2) by John MacLeod are attributable to Mr Allan: "We have been doing our best to persuade the new ministers that the Western Isles simply are not stupid and incompetent", says a despairing source, "because that's what Edinburgh civil servants tell them all the time."
That was most certainly NOT the case in the dealings I had with the civil service, and suggests that a lot has gone wrong since the election. Any civil servant who describes other public servants or elected politicians as "stupid" should be hung, drawn and quartered and it shows the level of inexperience in the Government that they are allowing themselves to be manipulated in such an easy fashion.
Jim Mather (Minster for Enterprise) - Thursday in Barra to speak at the Initiative at the Edge conference - cancelled.
Richard Lochhead (Minister for Rural Affairs) - Friday in Stornoway to Chair the "Coast Hebrides" conference on the impact of global warming on the islands, and to give a keynote speech - cancelled.
The finger is being pointed at the MP and MSP for being at loggerheads with the Council,but I think the answer is slightly more complex than that.
Certain people in the Council are happy to keep the MP and MSP at arms length and to have a rift, and the MP and MSP are walking straight into it by refusing to take advice from the SNP Group in the Comhairle, and by their continuing and repeated failure to engage with the Council.
It has been strongly suggested to me that the strongly dismissive words in the recent article (Part 1 and Part 2) by John MacLeod are attributable to Mr Allan: "We have been doing our best to persuade the new ministers that the Western Isles simply are not stupid and incompetent", says a despairing source, "because that's what Edinburgh civil servants tell them all the time."
That was most certainly NOT the case in the dealings I had with the civil service, and suggests that a lot has gone wrong since the election. Any civil servant who describes other public servants or elected politicians as "stupid" should be hung, drawn and quartered and it shows the level of inexperience in the Government that they are allowing themselves to be manipulated in such an easy fashion.
37 comments:
Nicola Sturgeon's visit was cancelled at the request of NHS Western Isles, as has been widely reported.
Jim Mather's visit surely was always a long shot considering he would have had to be back in Edinburgh to vote that evening in parliament, anyway I have heard that he is still speaking at the event but by video link instead.
To suggest that this was to do with relationships with the council is just a bit far fetched, even for you
There is more to the Western Isles than the council.
A long shot? That'll be why IAOO advertised it widely.
Or perhaps you are suggesting Jim Mather regularly lies to community organisations about his plans?
And why has Richard Lochhead snubbed the Comhairle and the people of the Western isles?
The website you kindly provided a link to says "Jim Mather will address the conference".
If Jim Mather speaks at the event by video link, he is addressing the conference. It didn't say he'd be there in person. That's one of the benefits of modern technology.
Good point by anon 5:31.
Unfortunately, I am very reliably told he was due in Barra to speak in person and glad-hand, but instead of arranging a video conference, he has pulled-out all together.
Can anyone confirm or refute?
"If Jim Mather speaks at the event by video link, he is addressing the conference. It didn't say he'd be there in person. That's one of the benefits of modern technology"
It looks as if the world of spin is alive and well in the SNP
They've all seen the week's tea rota for the control tower at the airport?
Oh you hav hit a raw nerve with some Angus. As I said long before the election all that matters to Alex Salmond is the East Coast and if you don't follow me you will be chucked away like a peice ofdog dirt on the bottom of his shoe.
Why Angus you should know remember the e-mail you received for Scotland. So the answer is don't rock the boat and our 2 goofs will not do that. Remember they are Alex's poodles in the Western Isles and not the Western Isles men at Westminster and Holyrood.
Oh by the way still no news on what ABM has done for the Western Isles.
SNP supporters out in force, perhaps one will forward to Angus the round-robin email from Bayhead encouraging them to vote in the poll.
Anon 6:21
When the Prime Minister addresses the nation, he doesn't gather everyone in a big room before he starts speaking.
It's not spin, just technology.
It is well seen that the local branch of the SNP are split. Anon 1.04 You cannot be serious that they are e-mailing members to vote on Angus's poll, to tell us what a wonderful MP ABM is.
p.s. I hope it is not from a parliamentary e-mail address this has come.
Delusions of grandeur anon 5:39, comparing Jim Mather with the Prime Minister
"It's not spin, just technology"
So is wind power but our parliamentarians don't seem to be embracing that
Yes, Madrudhach, the local SNP party is so split that it has managed to win the last two elections in a seat which Labour considered to be extremely safe.
You keep blustering away, sunshine, but despite your best efforts, the islands are represented by SNP politicians.
Rather than come back with your usual "tell me 5 things ABM has done...", how about you suggest something you'd like the Scottish government to do. In any parliament, but more so one with a minority government, ALL the parties should be puting forward their agendas, rather than just critising the government.
Sunny Side Up,
I have no delusions of grandeur.
And there's no way I'd compare Jim Mather to the last Prime Minister.
Jim Mather wouldn't have sent hundreds of young Brits, including many Scots, to their death in Iraq and Afganistan on a false premise.
Labour's most successful leader has blood on his hands. But I guess that won't bother him in his new career as a peace ambassador!!!
Have heard on the grapevine that ABM and AA are taking credit for Scotland beating France tonight.
madrudhach, it's too late, Alex Samond has already issued a press release reminding people that the inprovement in the team's perfromance is directly related to outcome of the election in May. Oh, and his advice to Alex McLeish. And his suggestions on the team selection. And that he ensured the weather was good in Paris last night.
I can confirm Jim Mather was expected to be in Barra - yes an actual physical presence was promised a long time back, as HE felt it was an inportant meeting.
Hence he was due at (and promised to be in) Northbay and in Kismuil Castle, physically, not virtally.
We haven't been offered a video-conference alternative -- he's just pulled out and left us in the lurch.
anonomous replying to Mudraker(!) he ensured the weather was good?!
has Alec Salmond suddenly been promoted to God? - surely he would have sent out a press release for that one!
Madrudhach and anonymous 8:17,
Why do you bother? With the entire nation celebrating, you can't give the politics a break. What a pair of losers.
iaao,
Thankyou for reminding us what this posting was originally about.
I'm very sorry that you have been let down by the parliamentarian and the SNP although the apology should be coming from them directly. It is a disgrace that once the election dust settles, promises are broken and commitments unkept.
I hope this makes you think different next time you vote for a parliamentarian in the Western Isles (assuming you voted SNP last time)
having attended the Barra conference and listened to what Jim Mather had to say I thought I would come back with a suitable retort for all the small mind new labourites that congregate here but then I decideded to something more constructive and
"Any civil servant who describes other public servants or elected politicians as stupid"
Isn't that what you do regularly on this blog, Angus, under the thin veneer of 'constructive criticism'?
I wouldn't call any public servant 'stupid', but my experiences with a few of them has taught me that there is a measure of arrogance, bigotry, narrow-mindedness and, occasionally, obsequiousness that is not doing these islands any good. And I'm not referring to the MP/MSP!!
Any of the apologists like to tell us which piece of parliamentary business was so important that Jim Mather couldn't come to Barra?
eyoop, you may not have noticed, but I ceased to be a public servant in May. During the eight years I was in the Comhairle, I treated colleagues, officers and civil servants with the full degree of respect that they are entitled to. Except one fellow Councillor with whom I had a few battles.
I wrote stroppy letters to civil servants and Ministers, and criticised their decisions and opinions in the chamber, but never insulted the individuals. And I challenge you to find anything different.
Now I am free of these restrictions. Presumably you also write to complain about all the opinion columns in the newspapers having an opinion (with which you disagree)?
BTW, I notice you have never had a go at me for attacking Labour....
I wondered where you'd been Eyoop, obviously unsuccessfully trying to swing Angus' latest poll.
"I wouldn't call any public servant 'stupid', but my experiences with a few of them has taught me that there is a measure of arrogance, bigotry, narrow-mindedness and, occasionally, obsequiousness that is not doing these islands any good. And I'm not referring to the MP/MSP!!"
Of course nobody could ever accuse you of being arrogant, a bigot or narrow minded, nor your illustrious parliamentarians could they. Or maybe you have your head stuck somewhere dark and warm as usual?
Your comments are the reason why the council has such a bad relationship with AA and ABM. Rather than try to work for a common goal you just ignore, berate and insult thinking you are better. Shame on you.
Bring on the insults...
My goodness Angus you must be amazed at the the amount of Master Debaters you have loging in on your site like eyoop and neues labor no more and the odd anon aswell.
Well Angus may I thank you on the poll you held regarding our MP.
It is well seen what people think of him. When you think of the amount of nationalists who visit your site and only 51 out of 151 people who voted on your site thought he was good or excellent, the other 100 thought he was poor or rubbish.
p.s. Surely out of these 51 people someone can tell us 5 things that our MP has done for the good of the Western Isles.
"I wondered where you'd been Eyoop, obviously unsuccessfully trying to swing Angus' latest poll."
I don't have the time or the inclination to 'swing' any poll. I did vote though...once.
"Of course nobody could ever accuse you of being arrogant, a bigot or narrow minded"
Gee thanks, SSU. Unusually generous of you.
"nor your illustrious parliamentarians could they."
They're not just 'my' parliamentarians, they're ours, like it or not. I don't know about 'illustrious'...time will tell.
"Or maybe you have your head stuck somewhere dark and warm as usual?"
No, I wouldn't want to be a member of any club that has you as a member.
"Your comments are the reason why the council has such a bad relationship with AA and ABM."
Why so? I have nothing to do with either of them. (Part of) the council has shown some expertise in forging bad relationships with the public for the past umpteen years (especially the last four), so maybe it's just become force of habit now as regards the SNP. I think the council is worse now than when Angus was there, and it's probably going to get even worse.
"Rather than try to work for a common goal you just ignore, berate and insult thinking you are better. "
No I don't.
Madrudhach,
I'm not one of the 51 people who voted 'for' ABM in the poll, nor did I vote for him in 2005. A quick search of the web suggests the following list:
1) Worked successfully (with others including, I understand, Alastair Morrison) to prevent the closure of Bethesda.
2) Worked to ensure the North Harris wind turbines would be allowed to progress.
3) Objected to the school closures proposed by the council recently.
4) Campaigned against Cal Mac fare increases, and highlighted the shortcomings of the previous executive in their discussions with the EC regarding Cal Mac.
5) Campaigned for the Gaelic digital TV channel, which should bring a number of jobs to the isles.
6) Along with our MSP, mediated in the recent issues regarding the Stornoway Cliff Rescue Team.
7) Campaigned to maintain the Air Ambulance Service for the Southern Isles.
8) Campaigned for lower island fuel tax.
9) Campaigned for the BBC to change their weather map.
10) Acted to help resolve the issues at the airport regarding the shortage of air traffic controllers.
These cover a range of issues from health and education to transport and culture.
On top of this, he also exposed the cash for honours practice, and he won Best Scot at Westminister in 2006.
Given that he didn't have the backing of an overwhelming majority to support him, as our previous MP had, I think this would indicate he's been quite successful. I'm sure you'll beg to differ...
Anon:12:47
1) Preventing the closure of Bethesda. I can tell you know that neither ABM or AA or Alex Salmond had anything to do with this. It was the Care Commission who stepped in and they were trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes by telling us they saved Bethesda.
2)Is this stopping the public inquiry that his own party had demanded? Where he was another Johnny Come lately on the Lesley Riddoch show. My word he got some doing that day from Donald John Macsween.
3)The easiest thing in the world to do is object to something. But is he going to tell us where the council is going to get the money from for all the new teachers they will need to keep these schools open when the new 3 - 18 curriculum for excellence comes in. I have already heard him on RnG blaming both the council and Westminster for this.
4)Where has he campaigned against Cal Mac,and what has he achieved from it.
5)Campaigned for Gaelic Digital Channel. Where is it? When Calum Macdonald was our MP he campaigned for this and if he had been re-elected I am sure we would have had a Gaelic TV channel by now in Stornoway. (Where are the jobs and will they come to the Islands or will they go to Skye, Inverness or Glasgow.)
6)Now you are completely losing the plot. It is his duty to intervene when he is asked to by someone in his constituency.
7)Campaigned for the Air Ambulance service in the Southern Isles. Can you remind me of what the outcome was?
8)Campaigned for lower Island fuel taxes. Where are they.
9) Campaigned for the BBC to change their weather map. HOORAAAAAY his one and only success. Can you tell me what benefit did anyone in the Western Isles gain from this?
10) Acted to help resolve the issues at the airport regarding the shortage of air traffic controllers. Has he achieved anything from it? I don't think so.
So there you have it. Where are the jobs, the new schools, RET and all the other broken promises.
At the election in 2005 when the Scalpay factory closed what was he not going to do. Well these people are still waiting for an update. Where is the report he was having carried out by some professor on RET two weeks after being elected?
I wonder if there is any other MP in the country who refuses to meet their local council.
Good try Anon 12:47. Next time try and tell us something ABM has done to benefit the Islands.
Madrudach,
I couldn't have responded better myself.
What a load of tosh Anon 12:47, and if you didn't vote for ABM that can only be because you didn't live here at the time.
Aaaah maybe you are Mr Allan then?
If so, could you add the five things that you have achieved for the Islands since May.
No, didn't think so.
Madrudhach and Sunny Side Up,
Thanks for meeting my lowly expectations.
You may have missed the part in my post about ABM not having an overwhelming majority to support him. Without such backing (indeed even with such backing!), it is almost impossible for ANY politician to accomplish all of their objectives. The job of an MP is to represent their constituents to the best of their ability.
ABM has worked hard for his constituents, as the list suggests, and for him to have achieved some of his objectives demonstrates how well he has done.
Again, I'm sure you'll beg to differ.
I've taken your oft-repeated "5 things" challenge, so here's one in return:
Justify the following actions of the Labour Party in recent years:
- taking us into an illegal war in Afganistan
- taking us into an illegal war in Iraq
- cash for honours
- fast-tracking passports for the Hinduja brothers
- the lack of humanitarian action in Palestine, Darfur, etc
(And for the record I'm not your MSP.)
And for the record I'm not a Labour supporter so I'm not about to start justifying their actions.
BUT I do tend to look much closer to home to see how my own community is faring before I look nationally or internationally and I have been sorely disappointed for a very long time.
Anon 5:48
If you are not AA then perhaps you are ABM himself or Alex Salmond.
While Calum Macdonald was in opposition he delivered new hospitals new schools and other jobs to many to mention.
Illegal wars you state. You must be Alex Salmond why did you not opposse the bombing of Kosovo?
Cash for honours. Was anyone prosecuted over this £1million waste of taxpayers money and police time?
Lack of humanitarian action in Palestine. Why this is why Tony Blair was made the Mid East peace envoy. Wait a minute Anon 5:48 an arab loving so called Scotsman. No it can't be you are not George Galloway are you.
Tony Blair as middle east peace envoy! Oh the irony.
Madrudhach,
I see you've not justified ANY of the points I raised.
Instead of taking a look in the (political) mirror and holding your hands up, you've pointed the finger of blame elsewhere. How typical. Perhaps that's why people are so fed up of politicians.
Rather than just slag off the MP /MSP, why not add something positive to the debate? Or just leave the debate to those who are willing to try and make things better.
Madrudhach,
How can you forget Alex Salmond getting pilloried in the press for condemning the Nato bombing of Kosovo as an "unpardonable folly".
Labour MEP Alex Falconer later commented:
"Alex Salmond has been proved correct and I do respect his views as an honest politician in this particular area.
"I don't think he was there to score political points therefore I would think he was correct in this.
"The situation we have now got is that Nato has breached the international charter. The only group of nation states that can authorise this kind ofr action is the United Nations and we should return to the UN."
Please get your facts right before trying to lecture us.
Post a Comment