SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 09/09/05

Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran today called for the Scottish Parliament to end the privatisation of Cal Mac

Frances, MSP for West of Scotland, said:
"The tendering process and privatisation of Cal Mac has brought problem after problem - the issue of the pensions deficit being the latest in a long line of unresolved concerns.
"Privatisation is not in the interests of the islanders and others who use the ferries, and it's not in the interests of Cal Mac workers.
“In fact, it's hard to see whose interest it is in!
“We've hardly had people taking to the streets of Stornoway and Kennacraig demanding the ferry service be sold off, or filling the newspaper letters pages singing the praises of the free market.
"Instead of pandering to the whims of the shareholders and fat cats, the Executive should stand up for the communities that they represent - keep Cal Mac public."
[ends]