Spending debate: 'Consensus is key to finding the way ahead'

WE are living in a very different world to the one in which Tony Blair famously declared his priorities as a new prime minister would be education, education, education.

Today any politician trying to be straight with the public might reasonably adopt an alternative mantra of cuts, cuts, cuts, as all levels of Government grapple with Britain's record peacetime deficit.

This is the grim reality in which city councillors are facing decisions about spending priorities in the Capital.

But are they right to be cutting back investment in our potholed roads to a lower rate than anywhere else in Scotland?

And will slashing the budget for policing by 15 per cent simply stretch the thin blue line too far? What about a 21 per cent cut for the fire service?

These are vital questions to the future of our city - and there are no easy answers.

Council leader Jenny Dawe has outlined plans for a mass public consultation before some of the toughest decisions are made. It is easy to be cynical about such exercises, yet the crisis we are in demands a different approach.

Yes, we elect our political leaders to lead, but it is right to try to forge a consensus ahead of such momentous changes.

It is to be hoped the city authorities can find a way to engage the public in this debate, whether through traditional town hall meetings or more innovative approaches.

Best of awards

today the News is pleased to present the first of our shortlists for the new "Best Of..." awards which are seeking out the area's stars.

We start with one of the most important categories, community involvement. Here we acknowedge the work of some real local heroes, many of whom work quietly and usually without reward.

Our shortlist of nine awaits your votes, as do the post offices which have received most nominations in their own category.

Tomorrow we will outline the runners and riders in what is likely to be one of the most fiercely contested sections - to be crowned the best pub in the Lothians. We'll also feature the finalists in the award for best fish and chips.

Finally, on Friday we will seek your votes for the best Hibs fan and best Hearts fan. Again, this is sure to be hard-fought. You can have your say by casting your votes, as outlined on page 12 today.