The Vice-Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has appealed to MP Angus Brendan MacNeil to stop making cheap soundbites and get on with representing the Western Isles in a responsible manner.

Mr Angus Campbell said; “Mr MacNeil’s comments on the schools issue have been unhelpful. Perhaps he should speak to the Comhairle before making such ill informed, cheap soundbites which achieve absolutely nothing. The Comhairle has been dealing with a very difficult issue. I have not seen much, if any, evidence of the MP or the MSP trying to assist the Comhairle in any way. They certainly haven’t persuaded the Scottish Government to come up with additional funding.    

I would now call on Mr MacNeil to start effectively communicating with the Comhairle on a range of issues, most notably those within his own remit.

He could start with the issue of Energy Transmission charges and join the Comhairle in lobbying for a cap on the charges for the Western Isles. No decision has yet been taken by Westminster on this issue and it is still out to consultation. I would have thought that the MP would be leading the charge and yet he seems strangely silent. I would call on Mr Macneil to respond to the consultation. The Comhairle would be more than happy to brief Mr Macneil should he require it”.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk