Dave Thompson MSP

The SNP reached the end of 2007 having had the most successful year ever for the party, myself included, and for the future of Scotland. Few people outside of the SNP believed we would win the election when the year started but we ended the year in Government and with the continuing support of the people of Scotland.

The most recent polls show the Scottish Government is supported by the majority of Scots, that voters think the First Minister is doing a good job and 40% support Independence for Scotland. The SNP has made real strides, both for the country and as a party.

With the national conversation taking off around the country and the opposition parties all engaged in the debate for more powers for Scotland the year saw a huge shift in Scottish politics. The contrast between the negative attitude of Labour and the SNP's positive vision was strong during the campaign and is even stronger now we are in Government. Labour spent the election telling voters the sky would fall in if the SNP won the election. How wrong they were!

On a more seasonal note I signed a parliamentary motion calling for the reinstatement of the Parliament's traditional Christmas Carol Service after plans were revealed to replace the Carol service with a festive evening, essentially removing Christ from Christmas! I am glad to say that common sense prevailed with an excellent Carol Service with Christ at the centre.

Unfortunately, common sense has not prevailed in relation to drink driving as the Westminster government has told me that they do not intend to take any action to reduce the limit but will only keep the matter under review by publishing a further consultation paper later this year.

This is very disappointing as there is overwhelming support for a reduction in the drink driving limit from 80mg to 50mg in Scotland with the BMA, ACPOS, ROSPA, SHAAP, the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice and many others in favour.

With over 800 people in Scotland being caught drink driving over the festive season there is obviously a real need to deal with this matter and I will be leading a debate in the Parliament in February on reducing the limit and introducing random breath testing to help with enforcement.

This is another example of Westminster holding us back and, with such huge support in Scotland, if Westminster will not make the changes then they must give us the power to do it ourselves.

Finally, I must express my concern over Westminster's Post Office closures with 7 out of the 18 in Highland being in Ross-shire. They are Rosemarkie, Contin, West End Dingwall, Maryburgh, Duncanston, Saltburn and Killearnan. A further three, Edderton, Kildary and North Kessock are proposed for a reduction in service to outreach status.

These closures and reductions in service will have a detrimental effect on these communities and small businesses who use their services will be badly affected. As far as outreach services are concerned a visit by a mobile post office once or twice a week is no substitute for the provision of full Post Office services.

If we are to save these post Offices then local people must get involved in the consultations and demonstrate the importance of their local post office to their community and I would ask all who are concerned to contact the Post Office at the address below by 18th February 2008.

Sally Buchanan Network Development Manager
c/o National Consultation Team
FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

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