FLYGLOBESPAN – SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PURSUING VITAL ISSUES

FLYGLOBESPAN – SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PURSUING VITAL ISSUES

GRAY FAILS TEST OF LEADERSHIP

Commenting on the ongoing problems caused by Flyglobespan going into receivership, SNP MSP Christina McKelvie welcomed the speedy response by the Scottish Government, contrasting it with Iain Gray’s failure even to raise the issue in Parliament as the main Opposition leader.

Commenting Ms McKelvie said:

“In a week when hundreds of workers and thousands of travellers and their families are affected by Globespan going into receivership, the Scottish Government’s response has been swift and effective, focusing on the key issues.

“John Swinney has called for answers on what happened to the money owed to Flyglobespan held by E-Clear, and he has urged that protection is extended to customers who make flight only bookings.

“These are the subjects being discussed in homes and workplaces across Scotland, because they are of enormous importance to the lives and livelihoods of people across the country.

“Yet rather than focusing on real issues in the real world, Iain Gray and Scottish Labour are grubbing around in the virtual world, obsessing about process, personality and online blogs.

“Iain Gray had the opportunity to raise the Flyglobespan issue at First Minister’s Questions, yet completely ignored it – effectively snubbing all the people affected, who have a right to expect leaders of all parties to raise issues of importance which touch their daily lives.

“Stranded holidaymakers and Globespan workers will be staggered and disappointed that Iain Gray chose instead to pursue petty party politicking.

“Iain Gray is supposed to be Labour’s candidate for First Minister in 2011, and this was a key test for him. He failed it completely – putting a poor effort to seek party advantage ahead of the needs and interests of the country. The contrast between the actions of the SNP Government and the response of Labour is clear for all to see – it shows that Iain Gray isn’t fit to be First Minister of Scotland, and is even making a poor fist of being opposition leader.”