LETTERSFrom Patrick Methold, Cowes:
INSTEAD of the current dialogue about the number of MPs needed by the Island, the Electoral Commission should note the 110,000-odd Island residents are well served by one hard-working MP and adjust the rest of the constituencies in the UK to a similar number of voters instead of the average of 77,000.
The resultant reduction in MPs, their salaries and expenses would show a worthwhile saving to the country. MPs could not complain they would be overworked as our own Andrew Turner has demonstrated he is comfortably able to represent this number of constituents.
This in not my sole idea but arose from a recent general discussion among a small group of friends. However, I believe the proposal would receive considerable support from the electorate in general.
From David Moorse, Shanklin:
No brainer: I cannot understand the logic behind the campaign on the IW that is trying to achieve the least possible representation for the Island in the UK’s parliament.
The insular, parochial, isolationist perspective (that regards any involvement of 'the mainland’ in 'Our Island’s’ politics as contamination) has been whipped up in an ill-informed frenzy under the banner of 'one Island’.
One MP or two … to represent Island views at the highest level in the land? Seems a no brainer to me!
And with a majority of Islanders at the last election not voting for our current MP, perhaps having two might deliver a representation in parliament that is more truly reflective of all Islanders’ views. Have I just stumbled upon the hidden agenda of the 'one Island’ campaigners? If boundary changes bring increased IW representation in parliament, I support it wholeheartedly.
From Brian Dennis, Horringford:
No criticism: Some people read my letter (CP, 06-08-10) supporting the case for two MPs to represent the Island as a criticism of Andrew Turner, the current MP. That was never my intention, indeed I count Andrew as a friend and I have worked closely with him on several occasions and have seen his total commitment to his constituency. There are good reasons for him being called the Island MP.
The point I was trying to make was that it is possible for someone who is not Island born and bred to come here to work and live, to 'become an Islander’ and do a first-class job.
Many people supporting the OneWight campaign appear to argue that only an 'Islander’ can represent the Island.
Ideally, we should reduce the number of MPs nationally by 200, which would mean they are all closer in size (electorate) to the IW but the House of Commons would not countenance that any more than the proverbial turkeys would vote for Christmas!
So, given the options, I still believe two MPs, albeit sharing one with the mainland, is the fairest way forward.
From Don Smith, Newport:
Two MPs are best: Why not have two MPs for the IW? Surely two heads are better than one.
Does our MP not want any competition? Who’s paying for this campaign?
I am informed that Crossprint are supplying the logos, petition forms and posters, and the Chamber of Commerce is involved; the County Press is supporting the petition and is maintaining the website. Why is a petition being organized for OneWight and not one supporting a vote for 'Two Wight’? When I telephoned the organisers of OneWight, I was informed Southern Vectis was meeting the cost for the campaign bus. Southern Vectis is cutting bus services, yet finds a bus to meet the needs of this already failed campaign.
Central government takes no notice of petitions. Andrew Turner should know this. And with Jack Straw on board — enough said. Just why all these private companies should want to get mixed up in politics puzzles me. Well, it doesn't really; what’s in for them all?
Then there’s the 'green footprint’. How can driving all over the IW in a bus, then driving the bus all the way to London, help the environment? Petitioners could use public transport to deliver the petition. And what did the last two petitions achieve? Nothing!
The last one I supported ended up with the ferry fares being increased. I support two MPs for the IW simply because two representatives are better than one. I support two MPs to cater for the needs of more than 100,000 constituents. It is far too much work for one MP. Far better to have two wards with approximately 50,000 constituents in each ward.
The CP informs us that 5,000 signatures are supporting the OneWight campaign (13-08-10). There are more than 100,000 voters on the IW, so I wonder what the other 95,000 feel about the campaign? I honestly do not think they care.