Comment posted Successful Schools campaigner, Ewan Smith, elected in Angus by Robert Wakeham.
And the schools issue, cougar – a figment of people’s imagination?
Recent comments by Robert Wakeham
- Minutes of today’s meeting of ‘Concerned Councillors’ Group
Perhaps Argyll should be reclassified from a local authority area to a semi-wilderness zone not suited to self-government, of a similar standing to the Northwest Territories in Canada; if that doesn’t work, then how about the Tribal Areas of Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier? – anarchic groups that continually disintegrate and morph into new allegiances, beyond rational control and inviting attack by pilotless rocket-firing drones controlled from outside the country’s borders. Attacks noisily condemned by a dis-functional central government, but secretly welcomed. - CalMac geared up to start Campbeltown-Ardrossan ferry service on Thursday night
If indeed Calmac were ‘thrown a curve ball’ by the Scottish government then it doesn’t bode well for the future, if indeed the government is into cynical manipulation of public finances to enhance their popularity.
The trouble is, this would fit with the apparent cynical manipulation, by this government, of Argyll & Bute Council politics – and if this really is all in character then it reinforces my cynicism about politicians in general.
You can find some decent ones, in most parties, if you try – but anyone listening to Alex Salmond jousting with James Naughtie on BBC R4 ‘Today’, this morning, will have heard him claim that Denis Healey (whom I respected for his ability in government) has said that the Treasury deliberately underplayed the value of Scottish oil in years gone by to make independence seem less attractive.
A plague on the lot of them. - Walsh to lead all but Lib Dems, Conservatives and George Freeman
I’m just wondering if this is a wild goose chase – barking up the wrong tree, so to speak – and it might be a creature of a different political colour altogether? - Walsh to lead all but Lib Dems, Conservatives and George Freeman
Talking of Conservatives, and bearing in mind the ornithological wonders of this part of the world, has anyone yet spotted a swivel-eyed loon? – or is it an imaginary creature? - First Minister’s choice not to condemn mob behaviour proves Farage point
Farage was in Edinburgh to raise the profile of UKIP – don’t underestimate wee Nige.
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Congratulations to Ewan and all in Arbroath!!!
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I’m not sure i could be happier with the way the results have gone! Congratulations to Ewan, a well deserved win!
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Excellent news and richly deserved success for Ewan.
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Congratulations to Ewan. Was with him at the count, he and his wife went through every emotion possible but brilliant to see them so happy at the end of it all.
Peter Nield, the main proponent of the superschool, was what can only be described as humiliated. Less than 200 first preference votes for a sitting education convener must be something of a record. He did not appear at the count – one of very few candidates who did not make it.
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Congratulations Ewan!
Now, how about a parent as convener of the Education Committee now that Mr Nield is no longer qualified to do the job?
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Well done Ewan and let’s hope the judicial review goes your way too!! Otherwise you will have got where you are through false allegations. Never mind though, either way you’re a winner – now that the SNP have power there will be no low cost affordable housing built in (the Muirfield site) your neighbourhood.
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Sour grapes much?
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And the schools issue, cougar – a figment of people’s imagination?
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On the matter of the Judicial Review Angus Council gave raised against the Education Secretary on the Muirfield determination – we understand and, on 3rd May, as the electorate voted, Angus Council instructed its counsel to ask for the case to be ‘continued’ – postponed – so that some of their arguments could be changed.
The case has now been ‘continued’ until 28th and 29th June.
Since counsel usually charge retainers, this continuation will be expensive.
As objective observers who have seen the evidence – and so has anyone who reads the articles we have published on this because we reproduced it – there is no question of ‘false allegations’ of flaws, distortions and procedural failures in the Angus case.
This is not something we – or anyone – wishes to see; but when we do, none of really have the option of ignoring it, if things are ever to be better.
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My understanding was that the judicial review was on the point of the legality of the govt decision and whether they exceeded their power and nothing to do with any claim that Ewan might have got any facts that he presented wrong.
The court time so far will have to be paid for by the council tax paying public, as those who decided not to await the result of these elections before forging ahead knew would be the case.
If the new administration pulls out of the case then at least the cost will be a lot lower than seeing it through to the end only to be told that the government did not exceed its power.
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Brilliant! Well done Ewan.
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Also worth commenting that the SNP have overall control of Angus Council now which should mean the ridiculous attempt to overturn the decision to keep Muirfield school open should come to an abrupt end.
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Well done Ewan. Your result brought a smile to my face. Rather more tense here in Argyll tonight!
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A storming result for Ewan and Angus! No doubt the judicial review will be cancelled and they’ll spend the money on something much more useful;-)
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