YOUR LETTERS

IF as stated on Wednesdays Daily Bulletin, Sr. Antich believes the appointment of Sr. Nadal as Head of Tourism for the Balearic Government, will strengthen said Government, he must be living on another planet to the rest of us! Its yet another case of politicians deciding to take over/stay in power - whatever the cost to the Balearic Islands.

Whilst the political infighting and back stabbing continues important decisions are being sidelined:

1) New Ring Road - (vital as anyone unfortunate enough to have to use the existing one will testify). This we know is unlikely to become a reality due to the “horse trading” that occurred - involving minority parties, when the present Government was formed.

2) Public Transport - how about improving the service before buying new buses - then they'd know how many buses to buy! Anyone passing Marineland is all too painfully aware of the long queues of families waiting on appalling conditions for buses, that when they do eventually arrive - are full! So much for the saying “The Tourists - a Friend”.

3) Education - a farce! Laughable if it wasn't so serious! What kind of forward thinking government decides “students will be taught, mainly, in Catalan” and then appears to encourage teachers to - as reported in local Spanish press - ignore requests by children for food, drink or toilet - unless request is made in Catalan. What does this also say, about teachers who practice such behaviour? (or perhaps they know no better, themselves having gone through the Catalan system of training). No wonder parents are fearful for their children's future.

4) Weekly weekend “Botellon” on Paseo Maritimo - if other Councils have the guts to make such “gatherings” illegal and are prepared to issue fines - why not Palma Council? - or are they so (afraid of losing the “young vote?) What about Palma taxpayer who pays for cleaning up after the Botellon?

5) Unemployment/crime/drugs - all intrinsically linked the list is endless. Isn't it time for someone - anyone to show true leadership - instead of dithering on the sidelines afraid of losing their job.

Claims and counterclaims regarding political corruption are rife - there's nothing to choose between any of the parties - they're all at it but some get caught. But until the judicial service sorts itself out - remembers its code of conduct/appointment, ignores political interference - and allots a cross party panel of judges to hear/judge cases of political corruption the General Public will remain totally disillusioned on a system that allows politically appointed judges to hear - and “archivo” cases that share the same political “leaning's”. Surely the judiciary - not politicians, should decide which judge or better still - judges are to be involved?

Public confidence on those that are governing the Balearics is at an all time low - but do they care? No - they stumble from one disaster to another - and we are paying their wages.

M. Irving,

Portals Nous

P.S.: Latest comment re: Botellon

This morning the Daily Bulletin informs us of the halfhearted attempt by Palma Council to control the Botellon. If my memory serves me correctly, they've already tried the softly approach and it hasn't worked. Also, its interesting to note, that, they have not withdrawn the extra central reservation parking which they (the Council) provide for the revelers. Finally the argument “they'll only move somewhere else” shows their lack of commitment to solve the problem - if such occurrences where made illegal, and hefty fines issued, the “problem would soon die a death”.