Common sense and responsibility

The other night I went out and found that a one way street close to my home had just had a further set of bollards installed.


The effect of this is to reduce the amount of parking available to local residents and will further restrict the flow of traffic in an area already congested due to silly restrictions.

My main concern though, was not the restriction itself but rather the simply irresponsible attitude to public funds. At a time when the country and Edinburgh council in particular, is facing a huge budget deficit why on earth has somebody authorised pointless and unnecessary expenditure like this?

It is time that the LibDem/SNP coalition on Edinburgh council recognised that the funds come from the taxpayer, who is facing financial cutbacks and started reducing spending accordingly. Indeed, they are trying to close schools and reduce the care budget while spending money on pointless projects in minor roads. You couldn't make it up!

Sadly the LibDems are fundamentally incapable of recognising this basic concept of economics. It is time we had a change. We can start with Westminster and work our way down, electing Conservatives who will treat the taxpayer with respect and will exercise restraint when making spending decisions.

Conservatives on Europe

Yesterday David Cameron announced a revised stance on Europe. He announced that there would be no referendum on the Lisbon Treaty for reasons he had previously explained. Given the treaty has now been ratified by all and will be implemented, there is little point closing the door after the horse has bolted.


Let us be very clear about the Lisbon Treaty. This is a betrayal of monumental proportions by Gordon Brown who promised a referendum and then reneged on that promise, treating the British people with complete contempt, demonstrating his lack of spine and character.

The Liberals are worse because they too abrogated their promise, and when they had the opportunity to force the government to hold that referendum, they nailed their colours firmly to the fence and sat on their hands. If the LibDems had voted according to their promise, there would have been a referendum. Shame on them!

True to his word however, David Cameron is not letting matters rest there. He has promised specific legislation to ensure no further transfer of powers to Europe without a referendum and another that explicitly puts Parliament superior to any diktat from Brussels.

I support these actions and will campaign strongly to ensure that these proposals are implemented strongly and effectively. To do that, however requires that I am elected as the Conservative MP for Edinburgh West. I say therefore, go out and tell your friends and acquaintances that we have a candidate who believes passionately in the Union, in the sovereignty of parliament and who will defend the right of the people against an ever increasing interference from the European Union