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The truths they don't want you to read....

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Enjoying 'hospitality'

brown envelopesI am sure that the senior manager at the Comhairle has made sure that his line managers are well aware of the magnificent entertainment he recently enjoyed from a contractor who is hoping to get some work from the Council.

I am sure that nothing untoward can be inferred from the whole event, but as other contractors are keeping a very close eye on who wins future tenders, it would be sensible for the individual concerned to protect his back by making a full disclosure; before it is disclosed by others.

Of course, he is only following the example of a very senior officer who is using insider information to promote a family members' business interests, and make a profit for themselves - and yes, I do have times, dates and names.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

(Shurely not: Ed)

Anonymous said...

Does the soup and sandwich I accepted last week, and failed to declare, put me in the firing line?

Seriously, having made the allegation I believe you have no option but to follow it through, before innocents are wrongly targeted by the 2+2=5 brigade.

Dr Evadne said...

1.00pm: It really depends on whether or not the 'soup & sandwich' were before or after the sex.

Anonymous said...

Angus

Forgive me for not knowing the form here but if you have any evidence of alleged high level corruption, should this not be put in the hands of the police or, say, the audit commission or similar body ?

Anonymous said...

Perception IS Reality
Other people's perceptions can dramatically shape our self concept and self esteem. It can also make or break a career. Whether the perceptions are accurate or not, if your actions portary sleaze, fiddling , corruption, laziness, rudeness or a lack of professionalism, whether it's deserved, or not, it can make or break a career path.
It beggars belief that people living in the Goldfish Bowl that is Lewis still think they can get away with it and put themselves above the common herd.

Anonymous said...

This is better than MP's expenses and slease. Bribes ... sex ... senior officer ... but where is the politician in all of this?

Anonymous said...

8:53 PM Yes, they have got away with it for years, decades, longer, because it's a self-enclosed community. The outside world didn't know, or care, what went on here.

That's changing now. This blog, other blogs, book(s) coming out soon about living in the Outer Hebrides and how it functions as a socio-economic entity. These all shine a torch on it. And people outside the islands are more interested and more aware. Added to that the rampant need to cut costs, redistribute finances and tax revenue in every sector of UK society, and large-scale corruption and wastage does not look good.

Really, don't be surprised one bit if Cameron et al holds up a few examples of corruption - with taxpayers money - in the Outer Hebrides as a sign of bad things that will change...

Anonymous said...

9.26

Senior officers in the council are virtually politicians - it just mainly depends on which politician they are serving at the time.

Anonymous said...

8.53 They do get away with it on a routine basis.

Anonymous said...

Okey cokey.

If we are aware, or suspect, that our council/politicians are acting inappropriately - where do we go ? To whom do we report this in hope of an investigation and real action ? If anyone suggests that we wait till the next election - well that's 2012 if I remember correctly. Just how much damage can be done before then beggars belief.

Anonymous said...

Having moved to Lewis 18 years ago, I was aware of dubious practices in other councils.
However I must say that this shower in the "White House" really take first class honours for corruption and waste of rate payers money. I remember the police raiding the council offices and taking away files a few years ago. It really is time the whole lot was blown out of the water for everyone to see.

Anonymous said...

@11.15

Don't kid yourself that the rest of Scotland doesn't know about the shower here. I lived for many years in the Highlands and the contempt in which the (agencies of the) Western Isles are held is enormous - such that I thought it was irrational prejudice, until I came to live here and realised it was all true, and worse.

Anonymous said...

I agree with 8.22pm the police or Scottish office should be informed if you have the evedence you say you have .Start at the top and work all the way down, there are people in the white house that think they are above the law and act like they are the law.

Anonymous said...

11.15am
So Cameron is going to shine a torch on the Outer Hebrides to show how he will tackle abuse of taxpayers money. Will that be before or after he shines his torch on Belize & Lord Ashcroft? Of course, there's no taxpayers money involved there - Lord A didn't get round to paying.

Anonymous said...

Despite the problems that we perceive, do you not think that we enjoy a high quality way of life up here in the Western Isles, I happen to think so, and I am very grateful for that.

Saying all that, I am probably one of the biggest moaning cnuts in the battalion but when I calm down, and think about it, I do realize what a lucky cnut I am.

Anonymous said...

apologies for being off topic. But i see thon zoomer is back with the old tit for tat never on a Sunday letters on heb news

Anonymous said...

To 3.44 - yes and the Council were completely cleared and the police issued an apology - duh!

Anonymous said...

Talking of perception - have a look at the dear Leader's declaration of interest - he sells "fuel and newspapers " to CnES. Now IF he had principles he would not do this would he?
It makes a bit of a mockery of a Comhairle employee not being allowed to stand for the council. Is it not surprising that councillors especially senior ones are permitted to contract with the cooncil, Ah but I hear you say "he declared an interest" You bet he has an interest..£££££££££££££££££

Anonymous said...

Angus

I think you need to step up to the plate here. I spend most of my time fighting fraud on the internet. Without fear or favour. I suggest you do the same with regard to the Western Isles.

Anonymous said...

Let me add to my post at 11.03 or whatever it was. I have a rich internet life. Lots of fun, giggles, help to those needing it, .......

But. When it comes to fraud, I take no enemies. I don't talk about dealing with it - I just deal with it.

Angus - if you have evidence of inappropriate behaviour,just submit it. Don't play with it.

Anonymous said...

Why bother submitting it, to get lost under piles of white paper....just spill, if it is factually correct, nothing to worry about....right!

Anonymous said...

9:54, looks like he's just lost the argument, again!

His series of letters leading up (or down) to this capitulation is really stunning in its arrogance, misplaced self-assurance and, in places, downright nastiness. Even the local religiosos cringe at these letters and who can blame them.

Anonymous said...

11:18 another ranter is back as well in the form of C.I. Macmillan. Um, is there an election coming up?

Dr Evadne said...

Is this a good time to ask what happened to the last caption contest featuring Norris, Gary and Dobbin or indeed who won it? I wouldn't want to miss out on that fantastic prize of a week's supply of Butcher's dog food (beef).