New transport role for MP

Jun 19 2009 by Cheryl McEvoy, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYRSHIRE MP Brian Donohoe has been confirmed as the new parliamentary private secretary to newly appointed Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis.

Already the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Aviation Group and Labour’s Transport Committee, Mr Donohoe aims to raise the profile of local MPs’ influence in matters of transport.

He said: “Transport is a key issue in Ayrshire, with air, rail, road and marine issues facing us regularly.

“The role of a PPS is not full-time and will not distract me in any way from the other important issues that need addressing in Central Ayrshire, such as employment and fighting for public services.”

Acting as Lord Adonis’s eyes and ears in parliament, the new PPS will make sure the minister is well informed of backbench opinion on his or her performance.

His newly earned position is also regarded as the one of the first steps towards ministerial office.