Labour candidate calls for referendum on Tarbert Sunday ferry 7/1/11
Donald Crichton, Labour candidate for the Western Isles, has called on the Scottish Government to hold and fund a local referendum to allow the people of Harris to decide whether they want the ferry on Sunday or not.
Mr Crichton said: "There should be no Sunday ferry to Tarbert without the people of Harris having a real say and a meaningful vote in deciding whether the sailings should go ahead.
“After 15 years of sham consultations by CalMac, it is time to stop these charades and let the people decide. There should be a local referendum to allow the people of Harris to decide whether they want the ferry on Sunday or not.”
Mr Crichton added: "I am personally opposed to the introduction of a Sunday sailing but I don't have the right to impose my personal views on this issue upon others, and neither does CalMac, nor the Scottish Government.
“I will respect the outcome of a referendum if it differs from my own personal views, and so should the Board of Calmac and the SNP Government."
He continued: " A referendum would be simple, quick and inexpensive to organise.
It would be cheaper and more meaningful than paying some superannuated consultants.
Direct democracy is a well-
"That is why am calling upon the Scottish Transport Minister, Keith Brown, to agree to a local referendum and to abide by its verdict. The Scottish Government owns and funds CalMac and pays for all its services so it is obvious that they have the ultimate say."
He concluded: "This is a matter of personal conscience and local democracy, not one for party politics. That is why I am also inviting the local MSP to join with me in a joint approach to the Minister for a local referendum.
“This is not a matter for civil servants or businessmen to decide. It should be for the people and the communities who are affected by it."