The nationalist voice - Ronnie McColl, council leader

Published 31 Aug 2010 10:00

IT is not long since we had another death perpetrated by a knife carrying thug.

There are those who think carrying a knife is an essential part of their dress for a night out.

We must make the punishment severe to make them think twice.

Labour’s policy of mandatory sentences with undefined exceptions is neither a deterrent, nor is it deliverable with the current prison estate.

Under Labour, sentences would be as short as six months.

With time off for good behaviour, a knife carrier would be back on the streets within eight to 10 weeks.

Labour’s policy, like the failed Anti-Social Behaviour Order, is a badge of honour rather than a deterrent to these mindless idiots.

With the revolving door of sentences this would create, we do not have the prison accommodation to operate Labour’s policy.

At least two more prisons would be required if this policy was put into practice.

I do not see any mention of where or when the funding is coming from for Labour’s plans.

So how do we create a policy that will stop people taking knives out with them?

One idea would be a range of stiff minimum sentences of two to three years for carrying a knife, with no automatic remission.

This would vastly reduce the number of knife carriers with only serial offenders risking capture and a long jail term.

This is just one example of how we could address the problem.

What is needed is a proper cross party debate, without the political posturing we are seeing from some opposition politicians, to achieve results for our communities.

The way ahead

WE have many big decisions to make over the coming months - stock transfer and council finances will top the agenda.

The SNP administration is very clear that the residents of West Dunbartonshire will be an integral part of these debates.

The partial stock transfer process has been firmly embedded in our communities and council tenants will decide if it is right for them.

This administration will abide by whatever decision our tenants make.

Our primary goal is to improve the living standards within our communities.

There are tough decisions to be made.

The reality is that around £40m could be taken off the council budget over the next three years.

We want staff and residents’ views on what services you expect from the council and how you think they should be delivered.

There will be meaningful staff and public engagement during the next few months, and I assure you that this administration will listen to what is said.

If we are to deliver, then it is crucial that we all pull together.

Councillors must put aside the political bickering of the past.

We must be honest about what can be achieved and work together on a shared agenda.

At this critical time for West Dunbartonshire and our nation as a whole, people expect councillors of all political persuasions to work together to battle the storm. This SNP administration stands ready to deliver on that expectation and I call on other politicians to make the same pledge.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 31 Aug 10

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