Published: Tuesday, 27th October, 2009 4:07pm

National Conversation is a "scandal" says MP

by Kevin Dyson

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THE FORTHCOMING arrival in Ayrshire of the SNP's 'National Conversation' on the issue of independence has been rubbished as a 'scandalous waste' of taxpayers'

cash by MP Brian Donohoe.

But his nationalist opponent in next year's General Election has decried

Labour's own consitutional review - which refuses to countenance independence - as a 'closed shop' and has called on Mr Donohoe to speak at the Ayrshire event.

Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe told the Times that the National Conversation

was a "total waste of time and a scandalous waste of taxpayers' money."

He added: "To call it a conversation is a complete misnomer. In reality it is

nothing short of a Party Political Broadcast on behalf of the Nats, and as such

I believe it constitutes a misuse of public funds.

"Whilst I believe in consultation I would have thought this could have been undertaken by local members and not through having parts of the 'Salmond

Stagecoach' wheeling into town."

However, the SNP candidate for Mr Donohoe's constituency, John Mullen, told us:

"Unlike the Calman Commission which was selective in who was allowed to

contribute to it, the National Conversation is open to anyone who wants to voice their objections or their support to it.

"Mr Donohoe is more than welcome to attend and explain his thoughts on how it is not in Scotland's interest to expect more than he and his unionist colleagues

have to offer."

The event in question is being held on November the 9th at Ayr Academy (6.30-

8.00pm) and will be attended by John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth.