Ferry announcement delay questioned by MSP

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has questioned what he believes to be an inconsistency towards ministerial announcements during the local election period.

Mr McArthur raised concerns after the announcement on the new Northern Isles ferry contract has been shelved until after the poll on May 3.

The preferred bidder announcement was due to be made by the end of April but has now been delayed, because it is deemed too politically sensitive during the election period.

Mr McArthur said: “To avoid the impression that ministers may be ‘buying votes’, strict guidance exists on what governments can announce during local council election campaigns. Despite this, the First Minister was busy trumpeting extra cash for councils last week. By contrast, in a recent meeting with myself and leaders of Orkney Islands Council, the infrastructure secretary suggested that no announcement could be made on the successful bidder for the Northern Isles ferry contract during the so-called election ‘purdah’ period.”

He added: “The fact that election ‘purdah’ is being used as an excuse to prevent this announcement, but not one that has a far more direct and unambiguous bearing on the council elections, will only serve to heighten suspicions about the SNP’s motives and raise concerns in the islands about what the new ferry contract might contain.”