We’re ready to talk, says new Labour supremo Devine
Horse trading begins as parties consider coalition
The new leader of the Labour group at Renfrewshire Council says his party is open to offers to form a new administration.
Councillor Eddie Devine took the reins of the party following its disappointing showing in last weeks local elections, and says he is open to discussions about a potential coalition.
With no party gaining a full majority, a period of horse trading is likely to take place between the various parties.
Mr Devine, who represents the Paisley Southeast ward, was elected unanimously by the Labour group, says he is in listening mode.
He told the Paisley Daily Express: “We are willing to have discussions with other parties. Not the Conservatives but the other parties.
“We are willing to speak to them about how we go forward.
“If other parties want to have talks, then we are here and ready to talk.”
The SNP picked up 19 seats during the election, three short of a majority, with Labour winning 13 seats.
Following a nationwide surge, the Conservative Party picked up eight seats. Two independent councillors and a Liberal Democrat Eileen McCartin make up the 43 council members.
Earlier this week, new SNP group leader Iain Nicolson indicted that he was willing to enter into negotiations with Labour for the sake of “the best interests of the people of Renfrewshire”.
Mr Devine, 67, who worked for 30 years for the gas board before turning his hand to local politics, wants his party to focus on social issues.
He explained: “We will work hard to improve mental health services across Renfrewshire, especially with regards to young people where I think we can be doing more.
“We will work hard and focus on a number of social issues such as education and social care. These are areas that I would like us to make a priority.”
Labour took just 13 seats at the election, down from 22, with some big hitters such as long time councillors Tommy Williams and Sam Mullin missing out.
Other big names such as former council leader Mark Macmillan and former provost Anne Hall chose not to stand for the party this time round.
A clearer picture of who will run the local authority is likely to emerge at a meeting of the full council on May 18.
If other parties want to have talks, then we are here and ready to talk