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Search for politicial candidate to “defend our day of rest”      22/7/09

Sir,

After last weekend's sad events, and now that the local Lord's Day Observance Society is a discredited laughing-stock, the formation of a new campaigning group - of broader focus and sturdier leadership - is now under active consideration.

Anyone interested in the defence of our day of rest, our island way of life, our local democracy and support of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and its entire right to legislate on local affairs without the despotic interference of the Scottish Government, should write me at the address below or email me at jm.macleod@btinternet.com . Hate-mail. negativity and 'flamers' will be ignored.

If sufficient support is evident, we hope to consider a referendum on the Sabbath ferry issue, assess legal options to test the validity or relevance of recent 'equality' law on matters of local Sabbath observance, and field a suitable candidate at the next Westminster general election - all in all, to defend our way of life here in a way that is robust, intelligent, cheerful and brave.

We would look besides beyond the Sabbath and 'push-button' Christian issues to advocacy of, for instance, the rights of villages to set up a small-scale community energy project, the menace of an increasingly unaccountable environmentalist lobby, and the desperate need in South Uist for a direct ferry link between Mallaig and Lochboisdale - in general, the defence of these islands against all abuse of power, secrecy in high places and an increasingly corrupt political establishment, and from a moderate left-of-centre perspective.

Any island resident would be welcome to join and no church connection is deemed necessary. We would also welcome application from anyone who is interested in standing for Parliament on our behalf and who would be prepared, at short notice if necessary, to devote three or four weeks to a full-time campaign. Some experience of public life, of dealing with the media and command of fluent, spoken Gaelic would be decided advantages.

John Macleod

Drover's Rest,

Maryhill,

Isle of Lewis,

HS2 0DG.

Letters @hebrides.biz

Letters should include name and full address for publication. Please include a phone number for verification.