People power lies behind successes of 2008

December 29th, 2008

For my last column of 2008, it is a good opportunity to look back on what has happened politically, both in the Scottish Parliament and locally here in Greenock and Inverclyde.

Of course, the big story has been on the global stage, with the credit crunch and banking crisis dominating the headlines.

We have had to learn a whole new language of finance and banking to understand it but there is no doubt it has impacted on us all.

But fortunately it hasn’t been all doom and gloom and we in Inverclyde can be satisfied at the progress of the significant investment that has been made in our area over the last few years.

That is now becoming visible on our waterfront, and with our new housing and schools.

People power saved the maternity unit at the Inverclyde Royal Hospital from closure and made Greater Glasgow re-think its plans to centralise health visiting services.

Another successful campaign, led by bereaved parent John Muir, called on tougher action on knife crime.

It reached a whole new level with a 15,000 signature petition handed into Parliament that will result in a debate taking place in the chamber next month.

In the Parliament, two bills that will be warmly welcomed at home both passed the first stage of scrutiny and are well on their way into becoming law.

The Disabled Persons Parking Bill and the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) Damages Bill both deal with issues that are important here in Inverclyde.

While I was pleased to play my small part in those achievements, the real success was down to people fighting for what they believe is right and all those involved in these campaigns should feel very proud of their efforts.

Now we can look forward to seeing those issues – and some new ones no doubt – through in 2009.