To make RET permanent vote SNP

“Economic downturn”

Angus MacNeil SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar has stated  in the final days of the election campaign that the introduction of RET by the Scottish Government in October 2008 on all routes from the Western Isles to mainland ports has been the most successful policy for the Western Isles economy.

The SNP delivered on its promise to the islands. I now hope that islanders send the signal at this election to the rest of Scotland that RET has political support in the islands.

Mr MacNeil who had been campaigning for RET for many years said that its success has been beyond the majority of people’s wildest dreams especially given the economic downturn. .

“Protect RET”

Mr MacNeil commented:

“When the Scottish Government announced that it was looking into an RET pilot study, many critics rounded on them saying that they were using delaying tactics and that RET would never come. Its introduction in October 2008, at a time of a global recession has confounded many doubters, and in the Western Isles we have seen the passenger and traffic numbers on ferries rise by as much as 40% during this period.

“We must however be aware that RET was delivered against a backdrop of cuts to Scotland’s budget by London Labour.  To continue what was a political decision and make RET permanent it will be an easier case to make for myself and Alasdair Allan MSP to make if we have a good SNP vote on 6th May.”
In short to protect RET vote SNP.

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