The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Time to make some new year’s resolutions
Sir, - Given that this is the time for new year resolutions, the Scottish Government could take the opportunity to bolster our failing education system and our faltering NHS.
A continuing lack of funding, perennial cut backs, and a paucity in progressive forward planning could be countered by simple yet highly effective measures.
Firstly let us be rid of the unpopular ‘named person’ scheme which has already cost £800,000 in legal fees alone.
We also have the un-selective and costly baby box scheme.
On top of that there is the ever increasing army of spin doctors paid out of the public purse, apparently required to deflect everyday governmental shortcomings.
There are, of course, the many think tanks, often known as quangos, which many believe have become vehicles for politically correct ideals and which translate into practice with unnecessary tinkering in our ever increasing nanny state.
Perhaps we could abandon costly and largely ineffective junket trips, usually to sunny climes, on the dubious premise that we will somehow benefit from these.
Then we could save money on the many failed renewable schemes.
These are simple measures requiring only a modicum of radical thinking, but could represent a start toward a more effective and progressive Scotland – if only our political masters have the courage and determination. David L Thomson. 24 Laurence Park, Kinglassie.