Poster tradition

Sir, I was among the first to congratulate Timothy Billings in person on his election as a councillor last Friday.

However, as election agent for the two successful SNP candidates in the ward, I take issue with his views on political posters (Arran Banner letters, May 6). It is ridiculous to suggest the purpose of the signs is ‘to annoy people’.

The intention is to engage the public, remind people of their right and duty to vote and increase involvement in the democratic process. Voter turnout in this election, after all, was a disappointing 35 per cent. Postering at elections is a long-standing tradition across the UK and has taken place on Arran for as long as I can recall.

The Conservative Party, in other parts of Scotland, makes extensive use of posters much less discrete than ours. I have observed large Conservative hoardings while travelling in the Highlands and in Argyll in the last couple of weeks. I might disagree with the message, but I would defend to my last breath their right to engage in the political process.

Yes, we have a ‘beautiful island’, but it isn’t a theme park. People live, work and suffer here and are entitled to challenge the effects of the Tory austerity agenda, politically. Visitors who find democracy in action ‘ugly’ might consider another destination for their next holiday - Disneyland, perhaps? Back in the real world, the Arran SNP posters comply with electoral law, and I have had no complaint about them in discussions with council officers. Many, of course, are on supporters’ private property.

The Arran SNP posters will be taken down promptly after close of poll on June 8. Finally, perhaps Councillor Billings could remind us whose idea it was to hold an unnecessary and divisive general election so soon after our local government poll? Yours, Dr Malcolm Kerr, Election Agent for Councillors McMaster and Gurney.