OLDFATHER DYNASTY BITES THE DUST
Dyson Cleans Up • Published 15 Jan 2010 15:31
AND lo! It came to pass that in the first month of a new decade the political
dynasty of the Oldfathers was over before it had really began.
Not that they were ever likely to rival the Kennedys as a family of political
giants, but the ignominious nature of Ryan - Kilwinning councillor and son of
MSP Irene - Oldfather's conviction for crashing a car and refusing to give a
breath test to police perhaps fittingly bookends the Labour member's short
career.
Over the years a number of councillors across the country have seen fit to
resign over matters of such seriousness, but that isn't a call for me to make.
What I find more concerning is that this is only time we ever hear from or about
Cllr. Oldfather.
The 26-year-old was surprisingly elected in 2007 as one of four members for the
town in what seemed to be an influx of new blood alongside fellow young politico
Andrew Chamberlain.
However, prior to this misdemeanour, Ryan Oldfather's main claim to being
noticed was being pulled up for calling himself an 'alcoholic' on his own social
networking website.
Inbetween times he has been more noteable for seemingly acting as a mere limb to
be waved in the air come voting time, while keeping his head down most of the
time.
This lack of vocalness on the council hasn't been been missed by his fellow
colleagues. Of course, there are many councillors who could be tarred with the
same brush - those who don't stand up and be counted in the name of their
constituents.
And it is perhaps unfortunate for Ryan Oldfather that it is his situation which
can be used to so graphically illustrate the point.
After all, it has been pointed out that he is a nice lad. Not councillor
material however.
Would he have secured his place without having a name that locals recognise? Who
knows. However, we must remember that councillors are paid very well to do what
is pretty much a part-time job and have to be held to account.
Yes, election time is the occasion to show displeasure at how councillors have
performed.
But it is clear that hearing about a councillor ONLY when they are doing
something negative is a bad thing indeed.
This blog appeared in Irvine Times 13 Jan 10
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