Foulkes challenges Salmond to test public view on walk

Published on Wednesday 4 June 2008 10:24

LOTHIANS Labour MSP George Foulkes has challenged First Minister Alex Salmond to go for a walk with him along Princes Street to test public opinion.

The move follows an exchange between the two political heavyweights in the Scottish Parliament last week.

Mr Foulkes wrote to Mr Salmond: "During First Minister's Questions on Thursday you clearly implied that I did not talk to my constituents. That very morning I had spoken to dozens of them at a protest against your SNP-led council's decision to close half the city's crche facilities.

"I also spoke to several constituents and community groups about the council's decision to slash primary school budgets by 10,000, secondary school budgets by 50,000 and to close 14 of the city's 18 nursery school kitchens.

"I attended a public meeting in Portobello where a hall full of people expressed their deep concern about your party's complete failure thus far to match Labour's school building programme 'brick for brick'. It strikes me, therefore, that it is perhaps your good self who is not 'listening' to the people."

But a spokesman for the First Minister said Mr Salmond frequently walked from St Andrew's House to Bute House.

"It always takes him ten times longer than it needs to because everyone wants to talk to him or have their picture taken with him," he said. "It's George Foulkes who needs to get out more and, indeed, take a hike."