Row over government minister’s visit to Prestwick

Aug 13 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A SCOTTISH government minister has been accused of visiting Ayrshire on a junket.

Transport chief Stewart Stevenson is due to tour the new air traffic control centre at Prestwick today (Thursday).

But rival politician Brian Donohoe insists the trip is nothing but a freebie for the minister, who holds a private pilot’s licence.

Mr Donohoe, MP for Central Ayrshire, claimed: “As far as I can tell, there is absolutely no reason for this visit to take place.

“I’ve been informed that Mr Stevenson will tour the facility as he’s travelling between Dunbar and Inverness.

“But correct me if I’m wrong, it’s quite a detour to come from Dunbar to Prestwick.

“Given his interest as a pilot, it seems to me that he just wants to come for a wee look at the taxpayers’ expense.

The NATS facility, which received a visit from a Tory MP David Mundell just three weeks ago, comes under the control of Westminster.

And Mr Donohoe says that raises further questions about Mr Stevenson’s arrival on the scene.

“I can understand him being interested in the facility,” admitted Mr Donohoe, “but he has no apparent ministerial business to undertake and he’s not coming to bring investment to the area.

“Instead, this will simply end up costing the taxpayer needless money.”

However, the government has hit back in furious fashion and launched their own assault – on Mr Donohoe.

A spokesman for Mr Stevenson said: “This is a ridiculous and hysterical reaction from a Labour MP with too much time on his hands.

“Mr Stevenson’s visit to the NATS control centre at Prestwick is at their invitation after he was unable to make the official opening earlier this year, and will give him a chance to thank staff for their efforts during the volcanic ash crisis when flights to and from airports in Scotland – including those owned by Scottish Ministers – were badly disrupted.

“Mr Stevenson will also visit Prestwick Airport, given that Scottish Ministers have responsibility for the planning and development of airports.

“Rather than issuing petty party political attacks, Brian Donohoe would do better to join SNP Ministers in supporting these important local employers who contribute so much to the Ayrshire economy.”