Sir,
In light of constant media speculation on the supposed inevitability of election results, I think it would be only fair to put out a little message of encouragement to the many members of our island community who say they are definitely undecided and thinking of changing their previous vote.
The choice this week is to elect someone to represent these islands to very best effect in Holyrood – it is not about joining a bandwagon of a national campaign in presidential style for admirers of a former First Minister, copying old Tory slogans and dress styles on billboards.
Letter: Time for a local change
3 May 2016
Rather, it is about challenging the actual record locally of Alasdair Allan and SNP government over the past nine years and questioning their many false claims, such as free bus passes and the new schools, not forgetting free personal care and Skye Bridge tolls – all of which were introduced by previous Labour/LibDem Scottish Governments.
In a democracy, citizens should be allowed to question a government’s actions and a former MSP’s press secretary’s false statements without being accused of “talking the country down” or worse.
Voters are saying loud and clear on the doorstep they do not want another independence referendum to be raised in this campaign, even as a dangling carrot offered by Alasdair Allan to try to retain the SNP vote.
Voters are saying they don’t want all the cuts to councils handed down by the SNP and they are willing to use the new tax powers at Holyrood to protect local services.
Voters are strongly questioning Alasdair Allan’s proclaimed list of achievements while being our MSP including his many excuses for inaction due to having been a government minister.
Rhoda Grant presents a positive case in her campaign, an understanding of our needs, having close family connections to Harris and Lewis. She has already served these islands well as a regional list MSP for two terms with a number of successful campaigns, notably against the privatisation of Cal Mac, the delivery of an MS nurse, as well as achieving recognition for one of our most important exports, black pudding.
For those who are considering shifting away from the SNP, please be assured, you are not on your own, there are many up and down these islands and elsewhere who are with you.
Be brave, be of independent mind, and in the security of the polling booth – reject Alasdair Allan and the SNP for their lack of service to these islands over the past nine years!
Vote Rhoda Grant and cast both votes Labour.
Ada H Campbell
Druim Dubh
Paiblesgarry
Isle of North Uist