With thanks to Ann-Marie Parry, Parliamentary Assistant, Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond has welcomed the announcement that Scottish Government Ministers will be coming to the North East of Scotland this month where they will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from local people in a public discussion meeting.
The Cabinet will meet on Monday 16th February and anyone interested is welcome to attend the “town hall meeting” style event taking place in the Music Hall from 19:00 to 20:30 that evening.
Attendees must pre-register online or by phoning 0300 244 2138.
Welcoming the news, Alex Salmond said:
“One of the most effective ways we brought government closer to the people during my time as First Minister was to take the Scottish Cabinet to every corner of the country, to hear first-hand about issues affecting local areas.
“I’m delighted that this initiative is being continued and that the people of the North East of Scotland will have a chance to put their questions to Nicola Sturgeon and her government colleagues at the Music Hall on 16th February.
“I would encourage anyone who is able to head along for what should be a fun and interesting evening, as well as a great opportunity to make your views known on a variety of issues – local and national.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“The government I lead intends to be open, listening, and available in a way we have not seen before – the most open and accessible government that Scotland has ever had.
“That is why we are making sure that the business of government is open to everyone who wants to be involved, and why we are taking cabinet meetings to all parts of the country. I’m hugely looking forward to meeting up with members of the public and hearing their views when we come to Aberdeen later this month – and those views will not only be head, but will also result in real action.
“Our strongest focus is on growing our economy, protecting public services, tackling inequality and empowering our communities. But we must be united in the business of making Scotland a better place to live and work. Together we can build a fairer and more prosperous country.
“If you are in Aberdeen and you want to raise an issue or have something you would like us to see then get in touch through @scotgovFM using #ABcab, our Facebook page or give us a call.”
Info – pre-register for the event at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ministers-touring-scotland-tickets-15598395220.
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One has to laugh at the incessant barrage of SNP propaganda, much of which would, in my opinion, make them a laughing stock, were it not for the ideologically obsessed hordes who appear to hang on their every word.
The new leader of the SNP – Ms Sturgeon, says she intends to lead a government which is “open, listening and available” just as her Finance Minister bypasses the national negotiating body for local councils, to issue a direct threat that any councils, who cannot recruit sufficient teachers, will face stringent financial penalties as a consequence and that there can be no negotiation on this self – defeating strategy.
Of course, it seems like only yesterday that the SNP claimed to have legal advice on EU membership, in the event of independence, but claimed that to publish their advice would be in contravention of parliamentary regulations. When they were ordered, by the courts, to publish this advice, they used public money to fight this ruling, only to eventually concede defeat and admit that, not only did they not have the advice they had claimed could not be published, but that they had never even sought such advice. In other words, they had lied.
Then again, there is the example of Mr Alex Salmond refusing to account for £54,000 of public money, claimed by himself during a short stay in an exclusive Chicago hotel. When an FOI request was submitted, it was claimed that to disclose the nature of this secret, could compromise his personal security. Mr Salmond, when challenged in Parliament, infamously described the sum as a mere “frippery”.
One might suspect that Ms Sturgeon’s idea of being “open, listening and available” may be slightly different to that of most reasonable people.