Focus must be on economy

’New’ administration does not mean a change of policy

Are Argyll and Bute taxpayers under the misconception Lib Dem councillors are selfless above personal needs and wants?

In recent weeks, our regional papers have led with articles and published various letters relating to the forming of a “new” Argyll and Bute Council administration in Kilmory. An administration led by 12 SNP councillors in partnership with, amongst others, five Lib Dems councillors.

The very same Lib Dem councillors who, in the previous TALIG administration along with nine Tories, voted for a 10 per cent council tax increase. Already in the depths of a cost of heating, eating, fuel and rent crisis, they would have willingly imposed further hardship and impoverishment on the working households of the region.

Kintyre and the Islands Councillor Robin Currie, Lib Dem group leader, is on record stating “the prospects of being in opposition didn’t fill me with much joy...”. For 12 consecutive years Councillor Currie, former leader of the TALIG administration, has been in local government holding the high offices of leader, both policy lead for economy and development and policy and resources plus chairperson of the Mid Argyll Kintyre and Islands area committee.

The electorate should be under no illusion, this past decade, both the Lib Dems and their former Tory partners were central to Kilmory’s decision making. The challenges in housing, health and care, schools, roads, streetlighting, bins, public spaces now being faced here in Argyll and Bute.

Last month South Kintyre’s electorate lent a vote for change and reform in the workings of Argyll and Bute Council. Councillor Robin Currie has been appointed, in the newly formed SNP-led administration, high office positions of deputy leader and policy lead for economy development, islands and rural communities, and housing.

Some of the players have changed, yet the stakes remain high for taxpayers. With “yesterday’s man” in the “new” administration, it is very likely the playing field and rules will remain the same. Councillor Tommy Macpherson, South

Kintyre Ward 01

It is vital that whoever is successful in becoming the next first minister refocuses their efforts on boosting Scotland’s faltering economy.

The ending of the Bute House Agreement now affords a clear opportunity for a reset with the business community, and to refocus on delivering a thriving and competitive business sector, prioritising investment and boosting economic growth.

Such growth is essential if we are to raise living standards and fund public services.

A new first minister’s priority must be to look at the regulatory and tax burden that faces many of our businesses, clearing away barriers to investment and growth, which includes a review of non-domestic rates.

As a nation, there are a number of long-term challenges facing the economy, including slow economic growth, slowing population growth and a decline in oil and gas activity.

However, there are tremendous opportunities as we seek to deliver a low-carbon economy in the drive towards net-zero.

The next first minister has an opportunity to establish a new and strengthened partnership with business, a chance that must be grabbed with both hands.

Alex Orr, Edinburgh