My main interest lies in serving my constituents and enhancing the welfare of our islands.
I have been constantly renewing my efforts to maintain and improve our public services with RET being one of the SNP’s success stories. Passenger and private vehicle RET is overwhelmingly successful; massively disappointing was the survey conclusion that the 50% average reduction in commercial fares was not reflected in cost reduction to customers. This I’m certain is not true of all haulage services. I do not support the demand to increase fares by 15% on passengers and cars for hauliers but returning to previous crippling LibDem/Labour prices cannot be countenanced.
Much has been achieved and there is a lot to do. Defining the service needs in the draft Ferries Plan is a major achievement and must be carried into the full plan. The aim for Barra and Vatersay is a daily service to Oban at sensible times, additional winter sailings will go a long way towards that and work remains to be done.
South Uist and Eriskay desire a Lochboisdale/Mallaig service and though the financial cuts hinder it presently, the campaign has come a long way since 2002 when councillors refused to support my proposal.
The new contract for the Barra / Glasgow air service is fast approaching and timetable for securing new aircraft must be monitored. The increased services are welcomed but more are needed to meet the demand for seats.
There is opportunity for the council and the air ambulance service working with other
partners to improve their services. The council must abandon its attempts to withdraw
the inter-
Care in the community is one of the most important services the Comhairle must provide
with equity of provision throughout the islands. The Comhairle needs to suport and
build on the excellent work that is done at local level. That must include new fit-
The economy, the ability of people to earn a living must be at the heart of what we do. It is often forgotten that everyone who earns and spends money is part of the economy. Surviving Westminster's financial incompetence will be painful but I believe there has never been brighter prospects for our islands; the ever expanding tourism industry, aquaculture and renewable energy in all its forms are enormous opportunities.
The infrastructure must be secured, this includes mobile and broadband capability, roads piers, airports and transport services. Better efforts must be made to strengthen and modernise the fishing fleet.
Securing a decisive role for the community in managing our environment is essential as is parity of fuel costs.
Education is the building block of any community and I will continue to support the
Parent Councils of Eriskay and Eoligarry and pre-
Serving has been a privilege, and if re-
Donal Manford, SNP
Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eirisgeigh & Uibhist a Deas
Barra, Vatersay Eriskay and South Uist