Letters / Lib Dems have actual ‘seat at the table’
SNP candidate Hannah Mary Goodlad claims electing a SNP MSP would give Shetland a (mythical) “seat at the table” at Holyrood.
However, the current minority SNP government needs other parties’ votes to pass bills into law.
By holding the balance of power, the Lib Dems have enjoyed an actual “seat at the table” in crucial annual budget negotiations, resulting in an extra £2.8M for Shetland, principally, to reduce NorthLink peak season ferry fares this summer.
Without Lib Dems representation, this most welcome result would not have happened.
Election pollsters predict a similar outcome, a minority government with the SNP slightly worse off and the Lib Dems slightly better off than now.
If elected, Goodlad would be just one of about 60 SNP MSPs, all squabbling “at the trough” with no negotiating leverage.
A minority government with isles Lib Dems holding the balance of power is the best possible outcome for Shetland.
Voting for Emma Macdonald (Lib Dems) is the best way to ensure that happens.
John Tulloch
Aberdeen
