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Audience rejects the suggestion of 'island's minister'

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Published Date: 25 June 2008
By JOHN ROSS
ISLANDERS last night rejected the idea of a dedicated minister to represent their needs in the Scottish Government.



An island minister was called for at the Scottish Islands Federation conference in November, which heard that Scotland's 95 inhabited islands should have a common voice to help tackle issues such as high transport costs and delivering health services.

But those attending The Scotsman's debate on the future of the islands last night in Benbecula ruled out the idea. The majority of the 70-strong audience was against such a move, with just three in favour.

The idea was supported by Calum MacAulay, a hotelier from South Uist, who said: "We need to have the heavyweights of the Scottish Government looking after our interests. At the moment, it floats between departments depending on what you're talking about."

But many in the audience felt it would not help and the minister would have too big a remit and geographical area.

One of last night's panel Ron MacKinnon, a member of Lochboisdale Community Council in South Uist, said: "I don't think it will make much difference how many people you have in Edinburgh – you won't get anywhere."





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  • Last Updated: 24 June 2008 11:55 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Scottish Executive
 
1

Guga II,

Rockall 25/06/2008 06:04:20
I suppose they have a point. It didn't help us when we had an MP who was the Minister for Transport.

Then again, that useless article was a member of the New Labour Sleaze and Corruption Party.

2

SouthernSkye,

25/06/2008 08:32:03
I think the last paragraph says it all:
....."I don't think it will make much difference how many people you have in Edinburgh – you won't get anywhere......"

Isn't it sad that the people(in this case people of the islands) have such faith in our political masters that they think "there's no point"?!

That's where politics is today, no-one trusts politicians or thinks they will be of any use.
It has very little to do with the needs of the islands, but much to do with the state of our politicians.

3

Guga II,

Rockall 25/06/2008 09:43:30
#2. That's only because so many of them are greedy, corrupt, self-serving liars and charlatans that would sell their own mothers.

4

GlenB,

Skye 25/06/2008 09:58:07
Could the islander's view be affected by their experience with the local council politicians who seem to be totally out of touch with the constituents views?
5

Geomac 1,

Scotland 25/06/2008 13:12:59
Once again, it appears that people have more sense than politicians!!
6

SouthernSkye,

25/06/2008 14:51:46
Speaking of the islands, I heard yesterday that Skye is to get a Lidl and a Tesco in Portree!
Now I had heard that Lidl was to be given the OK and that Tesco was to be rejected. I even looked up the planning advice in an on-line PDF.doc that advised Tesco should be rejected.That would have suited me fine.But it seems the CoOp will now have double-trouble on their doorstep. it might make them raise their game somewhat...if we are lucky.

 

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