Thanks to all who voted for me

Sir, I would like to thank everyone who voted for me in the council by- election. I was overwhelmed by the support and the good wishes.

Many of you trusted me with your vote and although those were not quite enough (though the SNP led on the first count), I was honoured.

While campaigning, I have listened to your concerns about issues that affect you and I will work with the SNP councillor in ward five, Julie MacKenzie, to address these concerns.

It is to be regretted that the winning candidate, Kieron Green, whom I congratulated on the night and who assured every voter during the campaign that he would oppose cuts, austerity and the bad decisions of the current Tory/ Liberal administration as a true independent, decided after only four days as a councillor to join that administration.

By so doing, he has signed on to supporting the very things he criticised in his campaign and – ever more damagingly – to standing shoulder to shoulder with the Tories in the council and voting with them for more slashing of school budgets, music tuition, staff and services in our community.

I believe those actions greatly discredit our politics. Instead, we need more people power because grassroots movements can achieve great things. I have, therefore, started a project that will offer a platform for community councils to engage with a much wider audience, which I hope will lead to greater community participation in the key decisions that are presently being made at Kilmory.

I am also leading a group who want to see change and improvements in delivery of services which are causing increased costs and real problems for those who live here and for small businesses. A public meeting regarding this issue will be announced shortly.

Please email me at breege.snp@mail.com if you have any suggestions or would like to help.

Breege Smyth, Achnacreemore, North Connel