Comments for For Argyll http://forargyll.com Mon, 21 May 2012 17:49:41 +0100 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Ken MacCollhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978328 Ken MacColl Mon, 21 May 2012 17:49:41 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978328 George, Your intervention is timely and welcome. It is to be expected that the old and discredited administration would try every trick in the book and a few outside it to cling to power- why would they change in a few weeks - but I believe that genuine pledges have been made by those who seek to form the new administration and that those will be honoured : see what I mean -a new and differing ball game from Day One. However such tacticsas we are hearing reported ; lies, threats and shameless inducements, expose the principals as people wholly without principles and we should all take note of that behaviour and determine that their departure from the bridge will be permanent. George,

Your intervention is timely and welcome.

It is to be expected that the old and discredited administration would try every trick in the book and a few outside it to cling to power- why would they change in a few weeks – but I believe that genuine pledges have been made by those who seek to form the new administration and that those will be honoured : see what I mean -a new and differing ball game from Day One.

However such tacticsas we are hearing reported ; lies, threats and shameless inducements, expose the principals as people wholly without principles and we should all take note of that behaviour and determine that their departure from the bridge will be permanent.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Dr Douglas McKenziehttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978326 Dr Douglas McKenzie Mon, 21 May 2012 17:46:58 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978326 LOl - good to hear George ... though your last comment immediately reminded me of numerous vampire films when everyone thinks the vampire is dead only to have it rise from the dead again. But vampire films are just fantasy and I'm now reassured from various directions that tomorrow will see the Coalition forming the Council's administration. LOl – good to hear George … though your last comment immediately reminded me of numerous vampire films when everyone thinks the vampire is dead only to have it rise from the dead again.

But vampire films are just fantasy and I’m now reassured from various directions that tomorrow will see the Coalition forming the Council’s administration.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Robert Wakehamhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978325 Robert Wakeham Mon, 21 May 2012 17:46:54 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978325 Rats? - no, I mustn't insult rats. Rats? – no, I mustn’t insult rats.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Robert Wakehamhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978324 Robert Wakeham Mon, 21 May 2012 17:45:11 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978324 Walking into Lochgilphead from Castleton along the A83 would almost guarantee getting knocked down, hence my outrage at Councillor Donnie Macmillan's hostility to the idea of a footpath (partly on Council land). Walking into Lochgilphead from Castleton along the A83 would almost guarantee getting knocked down, hence my outrage at Councillor Donnie Macmillan’s hostility to the idea of a footpath (partly on Council land).

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Robert Wakehamhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978318 Robert Wakeham Mon, 21 May 2012 17:36:59 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978318 Probably not an appropriate comparison, but Indiana Jones springs to mind (I really can't say who the flipfloppers remind me of, but think Lord of the Rings and one of the more repulsive characters) Probably not an appropriate comparison, but Indiana Jones springs to mind (I really can’t say who the flipfloppers remind me of, but think Lord of the Rings and one of the more repulsive characters)

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Councillor George Freemanhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978313 Councillor George Freeman Mon, 21 May 2012 17:26:49 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978313 Can I make it clear that my position and that of Cllr Robert MacIntyre from Lomond North has not changed and will not change. We remain committed to the proposed new administartion with the SNP, Argyll First and Cllrs Robertson and MacDonald. The Alliance have been trying every trick in the book to try and increase their numbers without success. They have even been phoning Bily Petrie asking if he wiould do their dirty work for them. Certain Alliance members have even been phoning one Independent member to try and get them to joing the Alliance while at the same time, theyu have been asking if their is a position for them in the proposed new administration. Two faced if you ask me but not surprising. The majority remains at 20 - 16 and will still be that way tomorrow. I hope that this helps to reassure everyone that the old ConDemAll aministration is dead and buried. Can I make it clear that my position and that of Cllr Robert MacIntyre from Lomond North has not changed and will not change. We remain committed to the proposed new administartion with the SNP, Argyll First and Cllrs Robertson and MacDonald.

The Alliance have been trying every trick in the book to try and increase their numbers without success. They have even been phoning Bily Petrie asking if he wiould do their dirty work for them. Certain Alliance members have even been phoning one Independent member to try and get them to joing the Alliance while at the same time, theyu have been asking if their is a position for them in the proposed new administration. Two faced if you ask me but not surprising.

The majority remains at 20 – 16 and will still be that way tomorrow. I hope that this helps to reassure everyone that the old ConDemAll aministration is dead and buried.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Anne Bairdhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978309 Anne Baird Mon, 21 May 2012 17:24:39 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978309 How much? How much?

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Integrity? Not in the ConDemAllhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978308 Integrity? Not in the ConDemAll Mon, 21 May 2012 17:22:11 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978308 You won't. I realise that leaves me wide open to ridicule if you do but I am loudly confident. More interesting are the rumours about who else in Dick Walsh's fun factory tried to persuade McCuish to let them flee the sinking ship. You won’t. I realise that leaves me wide open to ridicule if you do but I am loudly confident.

More interesting are the rumours about who else in Dick Walsh’s fun factory tried to persuade McCuish to let them flee the sinking ship.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by JayChttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978305 JayC Mon, 21 May 2012 17:20:45 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978305 That's a relief, for a short while I thought we were going to be denied the opportunity of witnessing a few of the educated, experienced and highly principled "New Dawn" in action. CSB if you're looking for a home for your popcorn I suggest the MAKI area, the Area meetings will be well worth watching.... Robert maybe even worth the walk into town when being held in Lochgilphead -watch you dont get knocked down tho. That’s a relief, for a short while I thought we were going to be denied the opportunity of witnessing a few of the educated, experienced and highly principled “New Dawn” in action. CSB if you’re looking for a home for your popcorn I suggest the MAKI area, the Area meetings will be well worth watching…. Robert maybe even worth the walk into town when being held in Lochgilphead -watch you dont get knocked down tho.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by phillhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978304 phill Mon, 21 May 2012 17:18:33 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978304 I personally dont see any shocks. I personally dont see any shocks.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Dave McEwan Hillhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978303 Dave McEwan Hill Mon, 21 May 2012 17:16:35 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978303 The incompetence of the "experienced" councillors was the more noteworthy aspect to be considered The incompetence of the “experienced” councillors was the more noteworthy aspect to be considered

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Integrity? Not in the ConDemAllhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978301 Integrity? Not in the ConDemAll Mon, 21 May 2012 17:12:08 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978301 I have it on good authority (that is just for you Simon) that this is all total nonsense. Tomorrow will see the SNP led coalition as our new Administration. I have it on good authority (that is just for you Simon) that this is all total nonsense.

Tomorrow will see the SNP led coalition as our new Administration.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by scruffhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978298 scruff Mon, 21 May 2012 17:07:41 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978298 Lol, ain't it always. The thing is though, I don't think Dick is in a position to offer them any money. Unless all four of them go over to him he won't have a majority and won't be leader, therefore can't offer inducements. Now, unless hell has frozen over in Lorn the SNP coalition will have at least 18 councillors, that gives McCuish the right to become leader and decide who gets what posts. Lol, ain’t it always. The thing is though, I don’t think Dick is in a position to offer them any money. Unless all four of them go over to him he won’t have a majority and won’t be leader, therefore can’t offer inducements.

Now, unless hell has frozen over in Lorn the SNP coalition will have at least 18 councillors, that gives McCuish the right to become leader and decide who gets what posts.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Dr Douglas McKenziehttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978289 Dr Douglas McKenzie Mon, 21 May 2012 16:56:08 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978289 I think what "Simon" is experiencing here is rapturous schadenfreude. The rumour mill is indeed active at the moment with indications that one councillor has left the Coalition "as there was no money in it". Good to see that he entered politics for the right reasons. However, I'm sure he will feel comfortable with the Alliance. However, as Tim's list shows, the Alliance also need to have swung one of three principled councillors to their side (Cllrs Freeman, Robertson and Iain MacDonald). Few things surprise me these days but the defection of any of these three would do just that. I need my laptop so I'm not going to offer to eat mine if one of them does turn. And yes, the thought of another five years of divisive, incompetent, money-wasting, pork-barrel flavoured maladministration under the leadership of Cllr Walsh does indeed fill me with despair though I can see why you may not share those sentiments "Simon". We will wait and see. I think what “Simon” is experiencing here is rapturous schadenfreude.

The rumour mill is indeed active at the moment with indications that one councillor has left the Coalition “as there was no money in it”. Good to see that he entered politics for the right reasons. However, I’m sure he will feel comfortable with the Alliance.

However, as Tim’s list shows, the Alliance also need to have swung one of three principled councillors to their side (Cllrs Freeman, Robertson and Iain MacDonald). Few things surprise me these days but the defection of any of these three would do just that. I need my laptop so I’m not going to offer to eat mine if one of them does turn.

And yes, the thought of another five years of divisive, incompetent, money-wasting, pork-barrel flavoured maladministration under the leadership of Cllr Walsh does indeed fill me with despair though I can see why you may not share those sentiments “Simon”.
We will wait and see.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Crazy She-Bathttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978277 Crazy She-Bat Mon, 21 May 2012 16:45:07 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978277 It always floats... I guess we will be in for a long wait until we know the results. re: the Samaritans. No, no, no, no, no, no Simon. We've had a year to recuperate - ready to go at it again w00t! :twisted: It always floats…

I guess we will be in for a long wait until we know the results.

re: the Samaritans. No, no, no, no, no, no Simon.

We’ve had a year to recuperate – ready to go at it again w00t! :twisted:

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Simonhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978276 Simon Mon, 21 May 2012 16:43:24 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978276 I think Phil has probably put his finger on it - the premature pronouncement, promotion and appointment of untested, inexperienced and newly elected councillors to very senior positions has probably given some experienced councillors cause to pause and reflect. I think Phil has probably put his finger on it – the premature pronouncement, promotion and appointment of untested, inexperienced and newly elected councillors to very senior positions has probably given some experienced councillors cause to pause and reflect.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Crazy She-Bathttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978275 Crazy She-Bat Mon, 21 May 2012 16:43:06 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978275 Money Scruff. "I'll make you spokesperson for toilet paper and you get an extra £10k a year" Money Scruff. “I’ll make you spokesperson for toilet paper and you get an extra £10k a year”

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Integrity? Not in the ConDemAllhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978272 Integrity? Not in the ConDemAll Mon, 21 May 2012 16:42:35 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978272 Far more likely will be that someone jumps ship because despite being a brand new councillor they are unhappy that they haven't been given a position which increases their salary beyond the standard councillor wage. I tend to agree with Tim's assessment that the worst case scenario is a 19-17 split in favour of the SNP coalition and, if that is the case, anyone that walked due to promises from Walsh will have no more money and will have thrown away their oportunity to represent the people who voted for them at the top table. Far more likely will be that someone jumps ship because despite being a brand new councillor they are unhappy that they haven’t been given a position which increases their salary beyond the standard councillor wage.

I tend to agree with Tim’s assessment that the worst case scenario is a 19-17 split in favour of the SNP coalition and, if that is the case, anyone that walked due to promises from Walsh will have no more money and will have thrown away their oportunity to represent the people who voted for them at the top table.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by Crazy She-Bathttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978270 Crazy She-Bat Mon, 21 May 2012 16:40:30 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978270 They could have went ahead and convened the Council anytime last week then. They could have went ahead and convened the Council anytime last week then.

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]]> Comment on Argyll and Bute Council: the empire strikes back with Argyll facing worst of all options by scruffhttp://forargyll.com/2012/05/argyll-and-bute-council-the-empire-strikes-back-with-argyll-facing-worst-of-all-options/#comment-978268 scruff Mon, 21 May 2012 16:38:51 +0000 http://forargyll.com/?p=53614#comment-978268 I'm a bit lost here, what has Cllr Walsh got to offer? I would of thought unless Walsh can get all four of them over he isn't going to be in a position to offer any inducements as the SNP will still be the largest group on the Council, albeit possibly governing as a minority coalition. If three of these Councillors decide to join Dick the scores will effectively be 18-18. As the largest political group the SNP will be offered the first opportunity to form a group to govern. I am guessing they will take this opportunity. If the SNP go ahead and propose Strong as Provost the voting obviously goes to 17-18 but even then Dicky can't offer the inducements as he isn't in power. Of course, the SNP could withhold proposing Strong for Provost! Either way Dickie isn't in a position to offer anything as he won't be in power, it will still be an SNP led coalition. So effectively what the three waivering Councillors are considering is, do I join Dick effectively paralysing politics in Argyll and Bute for the foreseeable future. Remaining impotent in opposition and reducing local politics to a bun fight where there will be no winners only losers (or financial gain). Or join a Coalition that will be able to govern effectively with an appropriate working majority. Providing Argyll and Bute the opportunity to continue to move forward and develop. If they are truly independent councillors who only want to put the interests of Argyll and Bute first, only one choice really... If they decide not to make that choice and effectively become individually responsible for crippling Argyll and Bute for the next four years! Hope they have broad shoulders. I’m a bit lost here, what has Cllr Walsh got to offer? I would of thought unless Walsh can get all four of them over he isn’t going to be in a position to offer any inducements as the SNP will still be the largest group on the Council, albeit possibly governing as a minority coalition.

If three of these Councillors decide to join Dick the scores will effectively be 18-18. As the largest political group the SNP will be offered the first opportunity to form a group to govern. I am guessing they will take this opportunity.

If the SNP go ahead and propose Strong as Provost the voting obviously goes to 17-18 but even then Dicky can’t offer the inducements as he isn’t in power. Of course, the SNP could withhold proposing Strong for Provost! Either way Dickie isn’t in a position to offer anything as he won’t be in power, it will still be an SNP led coalition.

So effectively what the three waivering Councillors are considering is, do I join Dick effectively paralysing politics in Argyll and Bute for the foreseeable future. Remaining impotent in opposition and reducing local politics to a bun fight where there will be no winners only losers (or financial gain).

Or join a Coalition that will be able to govern effectively with an appropriate working majority. Providing Argyll and Bute the opportunity to continue to move forward and develop.

If they are truly independent councillors who only want to put the interests of Argyll and Bute first, only one choice really… If they decide not to make that choice and effectively become individually responsible for crippling Argyll and Bute for the next four years! Hope they have broad shoulders.

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