Editor – I was pleased to read the first few paragraphs of Barnaby Grays letter clearly accepting the excellent work of Medical Aid for Palestine and the fantastic fundraising event held in Strachur with guest speaker Brendan OHara MP. I was delighted to be invited to contribute too and as practicing Christian and supporter of Christian Aid for decades it was a privilege to be invited to speak at this event highlighting the multiagency approach to this man made humanitarian disaster.
I dont quite comprehend the notion that elected representatives in Westminster, Holyrood or the Council should be perceived, as is suggested in Barnabys letter, as neglecting their duties by attending such fundraisers. I do not see a correlation between supporting such events at a national or international level somehow then reduces my or any other representatives level of concern for localised issues and constituent concerns. I was elected over 14 years ago and I do my best to represent all of my constituents whether they voted for me or not. Barnabys letter seems to me to be just a snipe at the SNP representatives for the sake of it. I wonder if Barnaby would have put similar concerns in writing if a representative from The Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats, Labour or Independent elected representatives were invited to speak. I was delighted to see Cllr Forrest and ex Cowal Ward Councillor Alan Reid in the audience and supporting the event.
As a proud Scot I am adamant that we continue to support the underdogs thats part of our psyche which perhaps other nations dont embrace as much as they should. The UK is the fifth richest country in the world, after all, and yet foreign aid has been drastically cut. We unite around such causes abroad because we care and appreciate a common humanity with others, and such teachings are generally embedded in us regardless of faith or any other conviction.
With regard to not reflecting the priorities of local people I can assure Barnaby that my work, and the work of my colleagues from all political parties, serving on the Council and, in particular, Bute and Cowal Area Committee, will remain focussed on what is best for Bute and Cowal. We are listening to people through a variety of channels but in a democracy, at the end of the day, its majority rule. What is important is maximising participation through community councils, development trusts etc. The majority need to engage more rather than a vocal minority who seem to carry more weight at the moment.
Compassion about the situation in Palestine and elsewhere must be backed up with grass roots action. I am sure Barnaby will agree the organisers of the event in Strachur should be commended.
