Liberal Democrat Highlands and Islands List Candidate Jean Davis today commented on the spat between Island candidates on the subject of fuel duty.

‘I am appalled at the ongoing grandstanding by SNP and Labour candidates on the subject of fuel duty costs in the Western Isles.’

‘In 13 years of Government the Labour party did nothing to alleviate the problem and Crichton’s call for a probe into fuel price differences between the mainland and the islands smacks of kicking the issue into the long grass – again. Perhaps he should talk to his fellow Labour supporter who stood at the last Westminster election and who had spent considerable time looking into the issue (though of course not to any material benefit for the islands).’

‘As for the SNP they have made the case along Party lines rather the good of the islands. Their dysfunctional relationship with the previous UK Government was to the detriment of islanders. Whilst some agreement did break out during the last campaign in my view this was clearly because their position was untenable.’

‘In 10 months of Government we have opened discussions with the EU on a fuel derogation, are considering a fuel duty regulator and the Chancellor has hinted at a change to the previous Labour governments fuel duty escalator. We shall see the outcome on 23rd March when the budget is announced but in any event more has been done in the last 10 months that over the past 13 years.’

‘As a previous resident of Stornoway and experiencing the costs of fuel in Inverness which is now at the level the Islands were experiencing a year ago I understand the problem. Whilst the current Government’s actions may not fully address the increased fuel prices in the islands they will at least reduce the pain felt.’

‘I also note the concerns expressed regarding heating fuel costs which is a particular concern for islanders who have no option but to use oil to heat their homes. This issue too must be addressed especially given the high levels of fuel poverty in Island constituencies’