Compromised position

Tavish Scott, in his speech to the Lib/Dem conference themed “solutions for Scotland” said: “Local people know what’s best for their area, not bureaucrats at Holyrood.” How true! He also said: “Scotland deserves honesty.”

Shame then that he continues to body-swerve the most controversial issue facing his Shetland constituents at the moment. Eleventh-hour calls for a referendum and inquiry cannot disguise his sidestepping the issue of the Viking Energy windfarm; a half-hearted posturing that indicates support in my book.

As our MSP it is not so much “solutions for Scotland” he should be seeking but solutions for Shetland. Unfortunately, as leader of the Scottish Lib/Dems he sits in a similarly compromised position to his Westminster coalition colleagues when it comes to representing the best interests of his island constituents.

Shetland deserves fair representation of its unique needs, albeit within a nationally responsible context. It does not deserve to be environmentally plundered with ill-conceived developments for a political agenda set in Holyrood. The true voice of the Shetland people is not being heard. It is high time it was.

Billy Fox
Brennek,
Quarff.

COMMENTS(4)

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  • Gordon Harmer

    • March 8th, 2011 13:45

    For once I agree with what Billy Fox says, as his letter also applies to the other side of the wind farm debate. As our MSP Tavish Scott should climb down off the fence and sit on one side or the other, by staying where he is the only person he represents is himself, and a party who sold their sole to the conservatives. We can put this right at the next election, but will we, you bet your sweet bippy we should. To get fair representation for our unique needs we would need a true local representative but that might mean voting for a conservative. Would a majority of Shetlanders do that for the good of Shetland or will we do what we have always done. What ever you believe is good for the future of Shetland the time is coming to do some thing about it.

    REPLY
  • Ian tinkler

    • March 10th, 2011 22:55

    To take a position you have to have a backbone. Those for and against Viking could hold a friendship fancy dress party, call it a Tavish and all dress up as jelly fish.

    REPLY
  • John Kryton

    • March 11th, 2011 10:16

    To take a position you have to have an opinion and you have to respect the opinion of those who disagree with you. This encourages healthy debate where you or your opponent may find your opinion is flawed if you are honest with yourself. Ian what you are intimating creates arrogance which is not conducive to healthy debate.

    REPLY
  • Ian tinkler

    • March 12th, 2011 20:49

    What I am intimating, sorry stating, is that our elected MSP a political eunuch, or castrato and prostitute to public opinion. Afraid or too stupid to make an opinion. If that is arrogant I am happy to be arrogant. I do not suffer fools well and diplomacy has never been my problem. With regard to Viking, those for and against, could hold a friendship fancy dress party, call it a Tavish, and all dress up as jelly fish. Just to emulate our MSP!!!!!!

    REPLY

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