Salmond seeking talks with public on 'vital' Cabinet summer road trip

Published on Saturday 16 May 2009 19:53

THE recession means it is "even more important" for politicians to discuss issues with the public, according to a spokesman for First Minister Alex Salmond.

The spokesman argued it was "vital" for ministers to "do all that we can to take government to our communities".

He spoke as details of the Scottish Cabinet's summer programme were revealed.

Last year, Holyrood ministers held meetings across the country throughout the summer recess.

The initiative is to be repeated this year, with Cabinet meetings planned to take place in Dundee, Melrose, Stornoway, Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Salmond's spokesman also insisted the programme was "extremely cost-effective" with the bill for last year's meetings – which took place in Dumfries, Inverness, Pitlochry and Skye – amounting to 60,550.

The spokesman added that was "less than one of the UK Cabinet meetings held outside London".

He stressed: "It is vital that we do all that we can to take government to our communities, discussing issues – both local and national – with members of the public right across Scotland. That is even more important this year, as we work together to fight recession.

"Our summer Cabinet programme allows the ministerial team to hear the views and concerns of wider Scottish society, helping the Scottish Government keep close to the communities we serve."

As well as holding Cabinet meetings in the towns they visited last year, ministers were also questioned by the public at a number of events.

Salmond's spokesman said: "Having the whole Cabinet team in one room to discuss the issues that matter most to people and their communities is something that was widely welcomed last year, and we look forward to developing these opportunities this year with the people of Dundee, the Borders, the Western Isles, Aberdeen and Glasgow."