Copyright 2001 Scottish Media Newspapers Limited
The Sunday Herald
January 21, 2001
SECTION: Pg. 8
HEADLINE: Readers'views
BODY:
Lobbyists don't
DAVID Miller's claim (News, January 14) that business interests dominate the Scottish political scene where policy is made, surely does not stand up to scrutiny. Similarly, his argument that we have a secretive parliament characterised by "subterranean lobbyists" is scarcely credible.
The Standards Committee survey of MSPs indicated that less that half had ever been "lobbied by a professional lobbyist". All of the bodies involved in public affairs have argued for openness and transparency in any dealings with the parliament. The two bodies that specifically represent consultancies already ensure that members publish the names of their clients. However, there is a risk that David Miller's argument for statutory regulation will undermine the spirit of openness, creating barriers to communication that will actively dissuade organisations from working with the parliament.
Ian Coldwell
Chairman
Institute of Public Relations (Scotland)
LOAD-DATE: January 24, 2001