07 June 2002
Pat Watters, president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, said Holyrood's first minister should be praised for coming up with a package that placed a firm emphasis on strengthening communities.
'Instead of pie-in-the-sky policies, he has gone for tackling real problems on the ground, that will make a real difference to real people's lives in the real world.'
Watters made his comments after McConnell outlined the programme of legislation he plans to introduce between now and the Scottish Parliament elections next May, at a session of the body held in Aberdeen.
The first minister pledged to bring forward Bills to boost child protection, reduce homelessness and improve educational support for children with special needs.
But McConnell did not commit himself to introducing proportional representation for local government elections. Instead, he said his officials would prepare legislation reflecting the various options outlined in the white paper published in March. A final decision will be taken after the consultations end in July.
'We have given a firm commitment, which I restate today, that we will consider the responses to the consultation,' he told MSPs.
He also called on the other parties to work with his administration to tackle problems such as vandalism, graffiti and anti-social behaviour. 'These are issues for the people of Scotland that transcend party difference and political positioning.'
PFjun2002
