A day I will never get back

I spent (too) much of the day at the Full Council Meeting, The agenda can be read here.

It lasted a mere 6 1/2 hours which is short for recent times. (when we were in charge 4 hours was long and it was often less).

As well as the main business there were 19 motions for debate. This is where those of us in opposition can raise issues of concern to our constituents and other Edinburgh Citizens who want their voice heard.

The libdem/SNP administration have taken an odd line on this. Anything that calls for change or progress they respond with a motion saying "no action". This happened at least 7 times out of the 19 motions! Having gagged delegations of parents coming to speak about schools they want now to stop the opposition having their say.

Mind you, I should not be surprised. "No action" has become their motto (see Meadowbank and the Zoo, to name but two examples), although it got a bit farcical when they claimed that a commitment made by one of their number to begin the planning process for the new Portobello School at a public meeting in front of 200 people was denied. Its one thing to call for no action on our motions but its another to agree to something and then not to act.