Steve Finan

3 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Steve Finan

I’ve been observing the electoral gains of Reform UK down south, and the rash of district councillor defections to Reform in Scotland. I don’t tell people how to vote. I think they’re quite capable of making their own mistakes. Indeed, I hold all parties in equal disdain. They all have egregious failings. So whether you think Reform’s rise is a good thing, or not, is up to you. However, there are other factors to take into account with Reform.

1 month ago | thecourier.co.uk | Steve Finan

I’m going to present a paragraph of Dundee City Council-speak. Then give a translation. The council-speak is: “This valuable greenspace will support Dundee’s nature network, with increased biodiversity, habitat and climate-resilient woodland areas, as nature restoration funding becomes available.”The translation is: “We haven’t got a clue what to do”.

1 month ago | thecourier.co.uk | Steve Finan

The city is gripped by traffic chaos – gridlock at Gallagher Retail Park, mystery road requirements delaying Dundee FC’s stadium and the Berlin Wall was easier to get round than the Swallow Roundabout. We need the bypass we were promised. A dual carriageway from west of Longforgan to north of Tealing – like Aberdeen’s western peripheral. There would be fewer problems at the Swallow, difficulties for the stadium would be greatly reduced, and the Kingsway’s Forfar Road junction would be much quieter.

1 month ago | thecourier.co.uk | Steve Finan

How entertaining it has been to watch the Angus version of Fawlty Towers playing out another episode of high farce. Who is in what job on Angus Council? Who is in which party? Who has any credibility left? The councillors decided they had no confidence in each other. That, at least, reflects the way their constituents feel. And, believe me, the chaos isn’t finished. Angus has a rookie councillor, who is ex-SNP, leading a coalition with eight Tories in it. What could possibly go wrong?

1 month ago | thecourier.co.uk | Steve Finan

Dundee City Council has a tried and tested way of dealing with difficult stuff. They ignore it. When they should give information they clam up, lay low, and hope no one notices. Some of the time, this tactic works. Because it’s difficult for news reporters to keep a subject at the forefront of attention when there’s nothing new to report. But columnists make comment when they think it is needed. And choose for themselves what to comment about. So I won’t let silence put me off.