Party political spin

Published 24 Nov 2009 09:00

WE are, at present, being treated to the spectacle of both major political groupings on the council vilifying each other in relation to stolen money.

When the last Labour administration systematically stole millions of pounds from the Housing Revenue Account over a number of years, it was in a vain attempt to be the authority which declared the lowest increase of Council Tax in Scotland.

The SNP councillors of the day condemned the party for stealing from tenants.

The Labour councillors who perpetrated the crime against tenants are now outraged that the SNP administration has stolen its policy of theft from tenants.

Now, this presents a classic dilemma for the electorate — which party is most deserving of your support and the answer is that they are both as bad as each other.

This fact has been apparent since the last election when Labour, in power, closed the public toilets and, for an encore in opposition, demanded the SNP reopen them — notwithstanding the fact that it, pardon the pun, had awarded a watertight contract to the providers of the mechanised toilets we now have, and will have to endure for the remainder of the contract.

We are not in a position to fund twin provision of public conveniences, so we will have to continue to be inconvenienced.

The Labour group also became enthusiastic proponents of the Single Status issue and sought to introduce an agreement, which it could not afford in 2008 and it was unable to introduce in the period 1997 to 2007.

How can a policy, which is decried when you are in opposition, become acceptable when you form an administration?

And by the same criteria, how can a policy, which is an integral part of your political vision, become anathema when you are no longer in a position of power?

This is what is wrong with party politics today.

The days when political parties existed to postulate a principled point of view have been consigned like dinosaurs to the pages of history.

The battleground today is spin, advantage and to hell with those who are disadvantaged.

AN important date is coming up for the residents of Milton.

On Thursday December 3 a meeting will be held in Bowling Hall to determine the next move in the campaign to have a community facility in the village of Milton.

It is vital that everyone with an interest in this issue should be in attendance to express their point of view.

Free transport will be provided to and from the meeting.

The heart was torn from the community of Milton when the school was closed and this was evidenced at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony held recently in the village when only six people turned up to the wreath laying ceremony.

This is another example of the need for a community facility, which is demonstrated and is apparent to all but the people who would deny villagers this golden opportunity.

AS we move to the close of this year of Homecoming I would fervently wish that the fortunes of our town centre traders can be improved by the cash which has become available and hope that we can see a town centre renaissance in 2010.

Party political spin

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 24 Nov 09

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