Pro-Westminster candidate

Sir,

A remarkable aspect of Dr Wilson's little list of AB MacNeil's 'hard-working' achievements - published recently - is how conservative a document it is. Focussed almost completely on how much he talks in the House of Commons, it is as if Angus B MacNeil lives entirely in the Westminster bubble, an establishment figure earning his living by speechifying endlessly within its walls.

We can see this in Dr Wilson's extraordinary definition of what he deems 'officially hard-working.' It is not a description that I would apply to Mr MacNeil. Other MPs write regular columns in their local newspapers, even when these oppose them, reporting back on all they have done. (Mr MacNeil does not. He lacks the political courage to even talk to one of them).

Other MPs visit their local councils regularly, both criticising and condemning them while also trying to work together with them on matters of common concern. (Mr MacNeil does not, openly within the letter column of a local newspaper disparaging the entire notion of working 'shoulder to shoulder' with them or - it seems - with anyone else). Other MPs visit the largest employers in the area, seeking out ways in which they can help them. (In contrast, Mr MacNeil visits places like the range only when he wishes to reap petty political advantage). All very sporadic; all very irresponsible; all very 'unofficially' lazy.

There are other aspects in which Mr MacNeil falls some degrees short of being an effective modern MP. He does not attempt to promote the islands' culture and industries in any imaginative or productive way. (His counterpart in that other distinctive constituency, Orkney and Shetland, for instance, puts on regular trade fairs in London, trying to appeal to the huge international market that exists there). Worst of all, however, for all that MacNeil entered parliament some ten years ago calling for clarity, transparency and accountability in our political system, he singularly fails to practise them himself.

Instead of answering questions, he dodges them, aided by a gang of superhero accomplices, Messrs MacDonald and Harper who perform startling kung fu moves whenever anyone has the nerve to ask for openness, clarity and accountability from their MP. In this, there are many ironies. These individuals would claim they are anti the British establishment. In shielding their MP from any awkward enquiries, however, they are both 'High Tory' and pro-Westminster, representing parliament and the British establishment at its most defensive and worst. It is a trait that has even perpetuated controversies. Why, for instance, is MacNeil still attempting to cover and conceal his earlier dealings on the Benbecula range and the interconnector? Isn't he aware that both his behaviour - and the denials of his supporters - give rise to the strong suspicion that he has much to hide?

After ten years, the time is now up for Angus Brendan MacNeil to even attempt to get up-to-date and begin to act as the kind of representative he sought others to be when he first entered parliament - open, accountable and transparent, an ambassador for the community to which he belongs.

As there is no sign of him doing this, one has to conclude with the words of a singer once popular in our community, the late great Jim Reeves.

This is not a man for our time. 'He'll have to go.'

Donald S Murray

Seasgair

Casho

Shetland

Letter: MacNeil - “the pro-Westminster candidate”

21 April 2015