Horns of a dilemma
Whatever the outcome on the 7 May, Holyrood election day in case no one has noticed, the prospect for Shetland does not look good.
Almost certainly it will be the SNP forming the new government, either with a working majority or in coalition with the Green Party holding the balance of power.
The latter scenario would actually be the worst, utter chaos I would imagine!
Quite how this can happen after two decades of SNP incompetence and corruption beggars belief, the real blame must lie with the profound dearth of any competent political opposition, very sad indeed.
For Shetland it will be either SNP or Lib/Dems, both unedifying prospects. Hannah Mary Goodlad presumably is still employed or at least linked with Equinor. While they are still significantly invested in oil and gas they are transitioning to renewables, their plans for Shetland in that regard is worryingly unknown.
Lib Dems retaining the seat is equally worrying. SNP are keen to oust them, a feather in their cap they have long cherished, amply illustrated with their election campaign full of promises, which really could have been acted upon over the last couple of decades.
Should they fail to gain Shetland I fear they will show little or no positive interest, possibly negative, until the next election.
With the Lib Dems most likely in single figures nationally we would be in apolitical wilderness for the next five years.
The horns of a dilemma really does not do justice to the situation we face, and I see little optimism going forward.
I write this letter as a cathartic exercise for my own mental health. My apologies for that, it hasn’t made me feel much better!
Billy Fox
Quarff
