Welcome was like first day at school
Grown-up consensus policies needed
My first day at Castle Grayskull reminded me a lot of my first day at primary school.
Perhaps the greatest similarity was that – even at five years old – you can tell straight away who are the adults . . . and who are the children!
Thankfully, at last week’s ‘induction day’ the grown-up approach was in the majority.
I was warmly welcomed by representatives of all the main parties And like any first day at school, you quickly suss out those of a friendly disposition.
Politics aside, what’s not to like about Labour’s chatty Ian Cavana, Maybole’s gentleman Tory, Iain Campbell, or the extremely helpful ‘father of the house’, my fellow independent, Hugh Hunter.
I received good wishes from the three main party leaders. But, as a better writer than I am almost said, “All good wishes are equal . . . but some are more equal than others.”
Disappointingly, there were a few in the opposite camp. As we shuffled from room to room for various registrations, there were some who wouldn’t give you a nod if they were a rocking horse.
Before the election campaign, I stated on this page that Labour didn’t like me ... the Conservatives didn’t trust me . . . and the SNP refused to acknowledge my column existed at all!
After last Monday – I’m sure the same situation exists . . . but the order might have changed!
Happily, the grown-ups included every South Ayrshire Council executive and employee.
From my old pal Willie Adams at the front desk to chief executive Eileen Howat, SAC’s management and staff couldn’t have been more welcoming or helpful.
For goodness sake, has peace broken out between SAC and their arch critic, Bob Shields? Already? Er . . . no.
I have never been at war with the personalities . . . just the policies.
When I attack decision makers ... it’s because I believe they’d made the wrong decision. All that’s changed since the election is that I now know at least 1909 of you agree with me!
We’ve had five years of an administration that promised to consult, listen and be transparent.
They didn’t deliver. SNP leader Peter Henderson has personally promised a new regime of “consensus and collaboration”.
And he better deliver it. Of course, before that, there is the small matter of Peter’s minority executive being voted into power.
As I write, I have no idea what Brian McGinley and his Labour comrades are thinking. But one thing’s for sure . . . they’ll be thinking alright! Martin Dowey’s Conservatives are rumoured to favour a policy of “sitting on their hands” or “green lighting”.
That’s not an opposition . . . that’s a capitulation. Consensus politics is everyone agreeing to one decision – not everyone agreeing to the decision of one. As I prepare to take my council seat for the first time – I’ll make my position clear.
I’ll support any party on any issue if it passes my own little ‘triple lock’.
1) Is it what the people I represent in Ayr West would vote for?
2) Is it honest, fair and in the best interests of Ayr and South Ayrshire?
3) Finally – is it basic bloody common sense?
If SAC had applied these basic principles a few years ago – the riverside “High Flats” would still be occupied . . . and the Citadel’s future would be secure whether I’m embraced – or emasculated – in the council chamber is of no personal importance. I’d happily sit down for a pint with Messrs McGinley, Henderson or Dowey.
Come to think of, SAC might be better served if I shared a beer with all three at the same time!
But I didn’t become a councillor to try and make friends. I did it to try and make Ayr and South Ayrshire a better place to live, work, shop and enjoy. For this generation . . . and the wee generation I’m watching grow up.
Peter Henderson has personally promised a new regime of consensus and collobaration