 Allan
Wilson MSP has accused the Scottish Nationalists of being 'mean spirited'
and 'failing to see the wood for the trees' over their opposition to
London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic games..
Speaking in a debate in the Scottish Parliament, which was sponsored by
Central Scotland Nationalist "list" MSP Alex Neil, Mr Wilson said:
"Youngsters are inspired to to achieve sporting excellence and to seek the
holy grail of success on the sporting field by role models - people such as
world champion Graeme Obree, the famous Scottish (Irvine) cyclist who
competed at the highest level on the Olympic stage.
"What better inspiration is there than having the world's greatest sporting
festival on their doorstep? I suggest respectfully that the only place on
these islands that can secure the Olympics is London" said Mr Wilson.
He continued: "In addition to the considerable economic benefit that could
accrue to my constituency, we would fail the people of Scotland if we did
not fling our whole-hearted support behind hosting that world festival on
our doorstep and thereby help to inspire Scotland's young athletes of the
future.
"The Nationalists are in danger of of seeing the price of everything and the
value of nothing" concluded Mr Wilson.
Sports Minister Frank McAveety also rejected Nationalist claims that
Scotland could lose more than £30m of sports money to pay for the London
Olympics.
"I want to clarify and emphasise that there is no intention that Sport
Scotland's share of the lottery sports fund will be top-sliced to pay for
facilities in London. That suggestion is absolutely wrong. " said Mr
McAveety.
Local MP Brian Wilson - who spoke in similar terms when the issue was
debated at Westminster - said this week: "I am surprised that the Scottish
Nationalists are continuing to paddle this particular canoe in the hope of
stirring up a bit of anti-English sentiment. The vast majority of
Scots support the London Olympic bid because they know this is the nearest
>we could ever get to having the Games on our doorstep.
"In addition, there is the local factor that some of the water sport
preparations, if not the actual events, will almost certainly come to the
Firth of Clyde. If that happens, we will benefit from new facilities which
will be here long after the Olympic Games have been and gone, as well as
the short-term economic boost." |
