Council row over hand-picked five for Ayr

Jan 23 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

FIVE high-flyers have been hand-picked to boost Ayr’s fortunes.

But their selection caused a row at South Ayrshire Council.

For some councillors believe there should have been more openness about the choice.

The five have been picked to serve on the board of directors of Ayr Renaissance LLP.

They will be joined on the limited liability partnership by four representatives from South Ayrshire Council.

Chief executive David Anderson said a whole range of names had been considered before it was decided to approach the five.

And he said it would be wrong of him to disclose other names considered for the unpaid roles.

Mr Anderson said the board would have ‘the highest standard of probity’.

And if there were any conflicts of interest, the individual concerned would step back from the issue.

The five chosen by the council are:

nAlan MacDonald, chairman of Dawn Construction, with expertise in building and property development.

nPat Kennedy, formerly of Digital and involved in a range of commerce and enterprise agencies.

nKirk Murdoch, senior partner in international law firm McGrigors, who went to school in Ayr and who now lives in Troon.

nEvelyn McCann, former chief executive of Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, now on the board of Skills Development Scotland.

nStuart Cresswell, port director for both Ayr and Troon for Associated British Ports.

Labour’s Helen Moonie called for a delay on the appointments, to allow ‘a more publicly-documented process’.

She said: “Given the high profile of this project, we would surely want to embark on a high-visibility, open and transparent process.”

Tory council leader Councillor Hugh Hunter insisted: “The council is showing a huge amount of openness. That’s why this is before you now.

“These are five extremely talented people. I doubt if we could do better. We should approve their nominations and get moving with this initiative.”

Councillor Hunter’s motion carried the day by 23-7, with only Labour group councillors opposing.