Votepod'07

Sunshine in Leith

I went along to check out one of Lesley Riddoch's Votepod'07 events, highlighted in her YouScotland Guest Blog, this one in Leith last Thursday, the fourth last in a series of innovative nationwide hustings. This one was certainly innovative - it was in a half completed boxing arena in the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, with the political gladiators actually in the ring - no gloves though! But so too was the event, The Big Neigbouhood Debate, focussing on housing and planning issues, a great venue for such a debate as you could literally see out of the window the "yuppie flats" being built on the former docklands that will transform the Leith area - but to the benefit of the Leithers?

All five main parties were there, and for once ( so I am told), the Labour representative was not on the end of a duffing. Maybe this was because he was Malcolm Chisholm, local labour Holyrood candidate for the Edinburgh North and Leith seat, and much respected former Communities Minister who resigned - nae, was all but sacked by Jacko - for speaking out over Trident2. He also though had an obvious grasp of housing issues and an understanding of the very real dilemmas surrounding housing, planning, environmental and affordability issues. The other candidates - including Malcolm Chisholm's main challenger in Edinburgh North anf Leith, Davie Hutchison of the SNP were also good, and the overall quality of debate and contribution from the floor first class, informed but rarely angry, just as good hustings should be.

And all genuinely good. Nice venue, nice people, good music , some half time poetic satire, and great sandwiches! More please Votepod'07 . But why wait until Votepod'11? We surely don't need election for this sort of thing to be a good idea?

Link to Votepod'07

Reporter:Alan Smart

Comments

[Alastair Jamieson]

Didn't make this one but I was involved in organising one (The Big Wellbeing Debate) and attended another two. Well done Lesley, her team and all those involved in organising this series of events. One thing that has stood out is the quality of debate with hardly a hint of personal insults being traded which far too often, we all see when people with different political views get together.

The new Parliament is most likely going to demand more of a spirit of co-operation and hopefully our MSPs will realise that they do have to listen to the people that elect them. The Votepod series has ensured that voices have been heard and as Alan suggests, this new improved way of politicians and the electorate communicating should not come to an abrupt halt on May 4th.

Many of those involved in the Big Welbeing Debate are now talking of arranging a similar event in October to coincide with Mental Health Week. Our attitude is that we have heard promises but we want action. A similar event as a follow up will allow us to challenge elected members on what they have actually done in relation to their promises.

Several panellists at The Wellbeing Debate spoke of learning something on the evening. The Votepods and YouScotland are working towards improving communication and engagement and we musn't lose this energy for change. If people don't speak up no-one will listen. Thank you Votepods and YouScotland for improving the opportunities for people to speak up.