Working from the inside

Firstly I would like to thank, if I may, everyone who took the time to vote for me during the recent Local Elections.

Sadly Covid 19 and thereafter heart problems resulting in a short spell in hospital prevented me campaigning fully. Nevertheless, I maintained my share of the vote from the last election in what was a disappointingly poor turnout this time.

Congratulations to those who won one the day, and I hope they will do their very best for the local community and not necessarily for their national party colours.

The disappointing factor during the count was the continuing number of wrongly filled in papers. An issue that should have been sorted and eradicated a long time ago, But I fear the leading part in Scotland who are clearly very good at networking locally, in community councils etc are quite happy, as their particular share of the vote seems to be maintained.

So they see no mileage in fully educating the voters to the fact this is a Local Election and clearly differs from the procedures employed in a General Election.

The one really bright and heartening aspect of the whole election process this time around, was the number of Independents who stood this time, around 12 in total.

A very healthy number, and many of them new. Sadly others seem to have run out of hats to wear and they used this aspect as a flag of convenience.

And they should be ashamed of such a deception. In my Ward at least they were found out.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate my friend Bob Shields for his election victory.

Having highlighted many of the shortcomings of varying councils over the years in his newspaper column, he can now manipulate from within. Best of luck with that one Bob.

Andrew Bryden, Meadowpark Drive Ayr