Talk Elections

SPEAKER

Order! MPs shall sign in before speaking.

SPEAKER

Order!

Since there are MPs sitting currently, the floor is open. Motions to recognize?

Gentlemen.

As you are no doubt aware, the Pitfarris Firth, seperating Pitfarris from Antilla has been unbridgeable for centuries. As a frequent user of the ferry service across the Firth, I can attest to it's reliabilty. However, recent proposals have surfaced which I believe the Parliament should consider. After surveying and three years of pre-planning, it has been estimated that it is feasable to link the two islands by an undersea combined road and rail tunnel. Let me assure you, that the Pitfarris National Party is not ideologically opposed. We believe that Pitfarris and Antilla should have close co-operation, preferrably as two equal nations. Such a link would facillitate development and increase communication.

There are of course issues that concern us. As the Firth has been unbridgable for centuries, it has been thanks to ferrymen, many of them Farrian that the two islands have been connected at all times of the year. The Union of Shipbuilders and Ferrymen appear to be opposed to such moves; it would no doubt hinder if not kill off the the ferries. Ironically, their employers the ferry companies are also opposed to a tunnel.

I would ask the Parliament to consider a response.

Gentlemen,

I would like to thank the honourable member for raising this issue, that most certainly lives in our mutual consituency. While I personally am highly in favour of the eventual realization of this link and of the symbolic closure it would offer to the process of Pitfarrian intergration into the Antillian nation, I would urge this house to take the potential social consequences of their acts into account.

The USF and the owners of the ferry-companies are right when they assert that the result of the creation of this bridge would be dramatic for the industry. I would then suggest that, as the bridge won't be built for years anyway, we start both a commision to look into concrete plans for a bridge/tunnel, and a commission to prepare compensations for the workers hit hardest by this measures. I'm thinking specifically of re-schooling and subsidizing the transformation of our ferry fleet into a fishing fleet, where possible.

I thank you for your attention.

Speaker, Fellow Members,
The Cooperative Party as always espoused the philosophy that all acts and measure taken by this house should take into consideration social and environmental consequences hand-in-hand with economic ones when pursuing policies to be enacted.

The Cooperative Party will require that the commission must be presented with an environmental assessment of both a tunnel and bridge option, as to ascertain which option is the most sustainable for integration into the fragile Firth ecosystem.

The Cooperative Party believes the old, antiquated gas automobile should not be given continued priority in dictating policy and daily life in Antilla; Cooperative municipal/regional governments have been leaders in establishing expansive mass-transit systems as well as redeveloping districts of our cities into pedestrian only zones. With that said, we will only support an electrified Rail link option, preferably one that can be integrated into the national TGV network we have begun to develope nationwide.
The Antilla ferry fleet is a vital part of our national transit network, most of our large centres are along the cost  with hundreds of thousands of islanders relying on this to move about the country. With greater desire to protect farm land and expand our nation parks system, building highways is just no longer a sustainable option. Keeping our rich ferry network intact must be a priority.

The second commission is one we support, but with some trepidation as put forward by the member. We do not support any further expansion of the already uniquely healthy fishing industry, this is a resource that needs to be continued to be managed closely but cannot support any expansion outside of generational and organic growth.

As stated during the election, we strongly believe that Pitfarris and all regions within Antilla should be given regional assembly's, as this house must realize that some matters are best handled on a more local basis. We feel this is one step to greater respect and realization of the regional distinctiveness that make a unified Antilla strong.

With those points made, i look forward to continued debate and thank you for this time

Speaking: Mr Anders MacPherson. NOTE: Probably best to put your characters name before each post

Mr De Bruijne, will you recognise, that the language used in defense of 'integration' will not be warmly welcomed by members from this part of the chamber. This proposal has nothing to do with nationalism or unionism. It is purely a measure to increase communication and improve transportation and aid the peoples of both Pitfarris and Antillia.

Mr De Wilde, I share your ecological concerns. Indeed, the fact that a tunnel is being proposed as the preferred is a reflection of these concerns, Indeed, it may be preferable to restrict the tunnel to rail only, similar to the Channel Tunnel connecting England, Scotland and Wales to continental Europe. This may make the ferry an attractive option for motorists and make continued services viable.

Iorwerth Roberts:

Surely Mr McPherson is aware that increasing communication and transport links between his island and the mainland will inevitably bolster the cause of unionism? It used to be the case that his fellow nationalists used to oppose any attempt at creating an undersea rail-link - which Members will remember was proposed by the Wansbeck government nine years ago - on that very basis.

Mr Anders Macpherson

I am impressed with Mr Roberts' recall. He is correct that many within my party were opposed to the proposals of the Wansbeck government. I am also aware that some members may still be opposed to such a venture today. However, the Wansbeck proposals focused almost exclusively on 'plugging' Pitfarris to the heart of Antillia and (hessitates) the government even considered creating a terminus for the rail link just inside Pitfarris, necessitating passengers to change at the terminus for overland services to Auldburgh. Little consideration was given to connecting the link with Auldburgh or improving transport within Pitfarris. Pitfarris will not be a deadend to what appeared to be an exclusively Antillian service. I may remind those in the chamber that as strong a supporter of the tunnel as I am, unless Pitfarris taxpayers get a good deal, then...(hessitates) we will not be prepared to support it. The service must terminate at Auldburgh.

Mr Iorwerth Roberts

I remember it well because I was responsible for negotiating the contracts for labourers who would have been employed by the scheme, as I'm sure Mr MacPherson is aware of. Of course he is correct to point out that that particular plan had its deficiencies; a more ambitious plan would have created thousands of extra jobs in Northern Antillia which was a depressed area then and remains so today... but I maintain that any plan would have been better than no plan and it was typical of the irresponsible attitude of the Nationalists at that time that they...

No, I will not give way.

As I said, it was typical of the irresponsible attitude of the Nationalists at that time that they opposed the plan on such a flimsy basis. An extension could always have been built at a later date, as Mr De Bruijne argued at the time. Nevertheless I am delighted to learn that a newer generation of Nationalist representatives have a more responsible approach to this most important issue.

I must now take issue with a remark by another member here. If Mr De Wilde thinks that the fishing industry is in good health, then he should take a visit to Fellsands or... haha... for that matter, to Auldburgh. If he did so, then he would surely note that the size of the fleet has declined significantly over the past three decades, creating new social problems in Auldburgh and making existing ones in Fellsands considerably worse.

Mr Christian Søndergaard

Surely, gentlemen, the time of this house would be better spent debating the issues at the present, than the ones of the past?

I join my Rt. Hon. friend Mr. MacPherson in welcoming a new connection tunnel.  While I am a staunch supporter for further devolved powers for Pitfarris, I seriously doubt connecting it with Antillia would serve to dampen the cause of the nationalist movement.

For example, look at the example Mr. MacPherson gave about the Channel Tunnel connecting Great Britian with France.  It entered operation in 1994, and since that time it has been a unrivaled success for transportation and trade.  Surely, this House cannot seriously believe that Britain has become more French from this partnership, or vice versa.

The mission of the Pitfarris Nationalists was never to build a proverbial wall between Pitfarris and Antillia.  We are proud of our heritage an know that we have a strong parter in Antillia, and this tunnel would only expand that partnership between our two people.

As for environmental concerns, as this House knows, I have long stood on a so-called "ecological-nationalism" platform.  I will support this proposal if, and only if, high-speed rail in used in the tunnel.  I also would support a plan to examine the environmental impact that the proposed tunnel would have on the Pitfarris Firth.

Mr Alexander Burke:

Gentlemen,

While I am naturally inclined to support expanding existing infrastructure as a sign of progress, I must echo the concerns of my fellow honourable members with regard to the cost of such a project as the one recently proposed to the treasury, to the environment, to business, and to labour. Now, Mr MacPherson said in his initial statement that the proposal has been in planning for three years. Surely, the planners must have come up with an estimate as to how much it would cost?

Mr Bastian De Wilde

If the Speaker pleases, i'd like to address the concerns Mr Roberts has with definition of healthy, he should note that we Antillians should be lucky we continue to HAVE a fishing industry at all. If it had not been for the actions taken by the predecessors to the Cooperative party, the Greens and Agrarians, in the way of pushing stubborn SDP governments for a ban on factory farm fishing and increased enforcement of protection of Antillian waters from Portuguese and foreign fishing fleets our waters would be as barren as the Grand banks of Canada. Understandably Social Democrats, as the old man of Antillan politics, like to rewards the good old boys, are adverse to change and sometimes we need to speak up when talking to them… (pauses as laugher comes from the rest of the Cooperative caucus) the point I was making reinforces Mr Roberts comments. Our fishing industry cannot afford more, figuratively speaking, “mouths to feed”.

It’s pleasing to see such support for a High speed tunnel Rail link… and with that we say that commission look only at High speed Rail link options, less work for any commission which should focus on costs, community impacts and environmental sustainability.

Ian Harlow

Honorable Gentlemen, the ferrymen of the firth have kept our beloved nation united for many, many years. Now, do we really want to throw them under the bus? The ferry workers have long since been a cornerstone to our nation. They have always worked hard so we can communicate and travel. Is this how we repay them? This tunnel to Pittfarris? Is it worth it? Is it worth putting so many of our citizens out of work? I have absolutely no issue at all with getting on the ferry. Surely, if one needs to travel fast enough, their is the more expensive option of air travel. I oppose putting the good Antillean ferrymen out of business, for such a expensive, and fruitless project.

Mr Roberts is heard to shout something else.

Mr Speaker:

Order! Did Mr Roberts say what I think he may have done?

Mr Iorwerth Roberts:

I said 'middle class walker', Mr Speaker. I understand that Mr De Wilde is a keen hiker.

Mr. De Bruijn

Gentlemen,

If Mr. MacPherson truly believes that a steady link with the mainland will not influence the integration of the Pitfarrian economy into our general economy, he must be very misguided indeed. In addition to that, I feel secure that the commission to be formed will repeat what I also said when simmilar proposals were on the table back in 2001, id est that the financial cost of this project will be compensated by the general growth of the aforementioned Pitfarrian economy.

Thank you.

Mr Bastian De Wilde
Speaker, Honorable Members...

To continue this debate, the Cooperatives propose that this government, and thus the Antillan people profit from this venture to the utmost. Meaning the ownership of said tunnel High Speed Rail link should lay in the hands of the state owned corporation, RailAntilla. To encourage Private sector growth as well we believe this is a perfect opportunity to work with partners from private rail industry to find a common end.
Our proposal would have RailAntilla build the link, and then lease the use of the Rail link to a) a single private partner or b) multiple partners in a competitive process.

This also leads me off topic some, but addresses comments made by my colleague Mr Harlow. We here do believe indeed that air travel, in its current state is far to expensive and pollutant and thus, like the gas-engine auto, and industry we should not promote as a viable island wide travel option. So we feel this link, as well as greater investment in our Ferry industry will both prove to be economic engines and an advancement towards a more sustainable island.

I yield my time...

Ian Harlow


Mr. De Wilde
Is the ecological concerns of the nation, more important the speedy communication between our citizens? First, this government promises to throw the Ferrymen who serve the Firth under the Bus, and then, condemn the pilots, and automobile drivers? I love Antilla dearly. I love our environment, and just like you, Mr. De Wilde, I am committed to keeping it. But, where do we draw the line?

Achilles De Bruijn

Mr. Harlow,

Could I just remind you of the fact that we are, indeed, debating this issue on the instigation of the PNF? The Government does not have an official line on the issue as of yet.

Thanks.

Mr Bastian De Wilde

To my colleague Mr Harlow, i understand the idea of nation building through government investment might be a foreign concept to the Patriots but the state at is more often then not best equipped to save economies after being ravaged by right-wing corporate greed... (pause for cheers and desk thumbing from the Cooperative caucus)...
More to your point, Antillans are tired of being fed the falsities that they "can have their cake and eat it too", Cooperatives believe that a society shift needs to occur to save our beloved land, and the shift starts with the truth! Mr Harlow, please note that i mentioned gas-engine automobile, this party has been pushing for an expansion to investment in mass production of alternates like electric and fuel cell for years. Not to dwell but experience as the Kristiana  government proved that moving away from building cities, and revolving our lives around the auto, we can grow and diversify economies thru livable, local pedestrian community, extensive rail transit, parks and localized farms... something the Nation needs to start doing.

To answer your question... "where do we draw the line", the answer is... Nowhere

(the Cooperative Causes rises and cheers....
Speaker: Order members... Order!

Mr Ian Harlow leaves the Chamber for a smoke, clearly defeated.

Mr Iorweth Roberts

Point of Order, Mr Speaker. Could a window be opened? Because all the hot air being spouted in the Chamber is making breathing quite uncomfortable.

Mr Christian Søndergaard

(Shouting from the back of the chamber) Mr Speaker, maybe if Mr Roberts took a trip to the Pitfarrian mountains he'd be able to cool down, and possibly learn to appreciate Pitfarris for it's full worth!

Mr Speaker
Order! The gentleman will sit down!

Mr Marcus Davenport

If certain members from Pitfarris wish to promote tourism to that island, they may do so in their own legislature. This is not the appropriate venue for nationalist bloviating.

Bastian De Wilde

Mr Davenport, if Pitfarris HAD their own assembly, indeed if all the Regions had their own assembly's, perhaps thats where this chatter could happen.

OOC - i believe we established that Pitfarris did not have a devolved level of government yet, correct?

OOC - Gotcha... so lets say i said instead:

Mr Davenport, tourism can indeed be a national issue... especially if Pitfarris wishes to see any money for programs come from the National government.

Mr Anders MacPherson

Gentlemen, may I ask you to stay on track. No pun intended.

Mr. De Bruijn

Mr. Speaker,

It appears that there is a broad consensus among the major parties in this House that Mr. MacPherson's proposal should be put before the Public Works commitee, where it will be judged on its merits and, quite probably, be passed back to us in its final form. As it happens, this would be my advice on the matter as well.

Speaker: As the Matter has been referred to Committee, is their new business for the house? The Speaker recognizes Mr Bastian De Wilde, Cooperative.

Mr Bastian De Wilde

Thanks you Mr Speaker, I would like the government to comment on the recent Debt crisis facing many European countries, in particular Greece. This is a worrying and troubling event of epic perportions that many of our European partners are demanding Greece adopt fiscal policies, these same policies of privatization and deregulation that led to the recession that the world is suffering through in the first place.

The Assembly has yet to be informed on what role, if any, Antilla has played in emergency financing of loans to Greece? Does the governments support of such force austerity in the rest of Europe mean these programs will soon see the light of day at home.

I strongly recommend that Assembly debate any involvement in the euro-zone debt program.

Thanks you, i yield my time.
 

Mr Iowerth Roberts

I had assumed that this was common knowledge but I can confirm to the Mr De Wilde that Antillia was not involved in the financing of any loans to Greece. There are two reasons for this: the first is that we are, of course, not members of the European Union. The second is that our own financial position is far too parlous to even think about bailing out other countries; I remind members that we were very fortunate to avoid being caught in a similar situation to that of Iceland.

Mr Bastian De Wilde

I would like to thank Mr Roberts for his response, and its never healthy to assume anything now is it my colleagues. As the Assembly is well aware we opposed EU membership in the last referendum and still do to this day, the Greece situation being a perfect example of why there is no benefit to this country.
I think this country does indeed owe a debt of gratitude to the MacDougal/Houstman governments... who governed in coalition with our predecessors, for their steadfast rejection of the Icelandic and Irish model of deregulation. Yes, i did just indeed thank the SPP for a job well done, i might be fiercely leftist but i will give credit where credit is due.
I was a meer youth, passionate even then, in the days of the Wanbeck government, but i knew then their policies of privatization and deregulation were wrong and I marched and protested in the streets, helping to shut down the Exchange District and the Ports in Kristiana. Those successful National strikes and civic protests are something i do not want to see again. So we in the Cooperatives are looking for commitment from the SPP that the EU pushed policies will not be in consideration as public policy.

Thanks you

Mr. De Bruijn

Our financial situation clearly is fundamentally sound and, barring unforeseen events, we should get trough the current crisis with very little to no problems, gentlemen, as has been said repeatedly in this house over the last 3 to 4 years. We all know that what has to be done immediately when we have the opportunity to do so, is to reduce our national debt, and to reduce the proportion of our national debt that's in the hands of foreign investors and banks. To that end we don't need to do anything beyond maintaining the intelligent and rational financial policies of the current government.

Ian Harlow


Mr. De Bruijn is absolutely right, we must reduce the debt, very, very soon.

Bastian De Wilde (since Stella Brunn-Bailey is still in debate)

I agree, as stated before, that thanks the previous SPP coalitions we are indeed on sound footing but i must disagree with my fellow colleagues Mr. De Bruijn or Mr Harlow on the state of the economy as where to proceed from here. The Cooperatives support paying off the debt but at this time, with the economy stagnant, we should not be increasing the amount of debt payments we are making.
With our own economy barely moving and Europe and America in financial uncertainty we must look to infrastructure investments, strategic partnerships and selective tax incentives to boost economic activity. We feel the best use of Government resources should be to help diversify and move our economy to be less dependant on external forces.
To my colleagues, if the government proceeds to increase the debt repayment, what will you cut to make this happen? who will suffer now?

Mr Iorwerth Roberts

It occurs to me that this bridge proposal is also relevant to the issue of the economy. Even in the short-run it would create a lot of jobs in the construction industry, many of them on the Adland peninsular (which is, of course, an official Depressed Area). The long-term benefits would also be substantial. Set against that, what does the cost matter?

Mr Anders MacPherson, rising

Does Mr Roberts feel his party can take on the ferrymens unions who will undoubtedly be opposed to this plan?

Mr Bastian De Wilde

I would like to state that we agree with the idea that the Tunnel, again we do not support the proposal for a bridge and again only support a rapid rail tunnel link in order to continue to support the ferrymen... but the idea that this will be a short term economic boom for a depressed area in both Adland Peterford and Bergenshire Pitfarris is one we should continue to pursue.

Mr MacPherson, the Cooperatives have a very close relationship with the Ferrymen union and we have heard their cries, we feel the restrictions placed on this Tunnel being only a trail link will temper their opposition, which as in our discussion with their executive, since the ferry system is also something we should look at improving and investing in. As Cooperatives we do not believe in putting the Unions against one another when all can benefit.

Mr Iorwerth Roberts

Mr MacPherson, the ferrymen are split between two different trade unions. If the figures that my researcher has given to me are accurate, then the largest group are members of the Transport Workers Confederation (TWC) and that the smaller group are members of the National Union of Watermen, Lightermen and Gasworkers (NUWLG). The TWC is affiliated to the SPP and I think that they could be convinced to understand any lost jobs in the ferry industry (which would certainly not shut down completely) would be replaced by better paying jobs that would come with the construction and implementation of the project. The NUWLG was one of the communist unions and while we do not have any organic links to them, I think they could also be convinced to see things from our position as well. I will also note that the bulk of the Labour Movement has long favoured this project and that it has been official FAW policy for more than twenty years.

Mr Bastian De Wilde

To compliment what my colleague Mr Roberts has stated; Its no secret that the Cooperatives have been actively pursuing a closer relationship with the TWC in hopes of gaining some support form the executive. Their support is not full or unanimous for this project but from our conversations support is growing.

The NUWLG is an integral part of the fabric that makes up the Cooperative Party and is more militant then the TWC for sure, and to provide the Assembly with some background our proposal for this tunnel to be strictly rail came from those discussons.

(OOC: gasworkers were people who worked in gasworks; factories that produced coal gas. Obviously there are none of them left now that we have natural gas; in the same vein Watermen and Lightermen are also redundant trades. The name is a play on the fact that union names (especially old fashioned ones) often have little to do with the workers represented by the union in question)

(OOC - I think my age is showing... thanks for the information... i will modify my statement)

Ian Harlow

Mr Roberts, constructing a bridge will only create more unemployment, with the loss of ferrymans jobs. Building a bridge will only provide temporary work for construction. Is it worth the permanent loss of others jobs?

Mr Iorwerth Roberts

Once again, Mr Harlow has demonstrated that he does not understand even the most basic things about economics. A reliable connection between the islands of Antillia and Pitfarris would be a boon to the economy of the depressed Adland peninsular over the long-term. Any fool could tell him that. It would also benefit the economy of the Antillian national more generally. If Mr Harlow does not understand this then he is a disgrace to the national legislature on account of his stupidity as much as his reprehensible views...

Angry exchanges on the floor of the House, cries of 'ORDER' from the Speaker

...his reprehensible views, views that are opposed to the principles upon which this great nation was founded. Mr Speaker, the only way that we are going to drag the economy of Peterford out of its eternal slump will be if we can direct investment and employment to the region. We will have a better chance of achieving this if there is a direct link between the region and the comparatively thriving island of Pitfarris which, as I do not need to remind the House, is also a direct link to our neighbour to the east.

Ian Harlow


Mr Roberts. Your idea of "benefiting" the economy is "screwing over" some people in favor of another. The Ferryman of this island have survived through good and bad economies, much like our nation. The employment created by this idiotic project is only short term, and is a weak promise at best.

More Angry exchanges on the floor

Whats best for Pittfarris is not whats best for Antilla, and vice verse. The ferryman have served as middleman for our islands, and have provided employment to people of both islands. If anything is misguided, it is Mr Roberts views, not mine.

Loud cheers in support and opposition.

Mr Bastian De Wilde

This Assembly knows quite well that the Patriots and Mr Harlow have never found a government project they DID like or they WOULD support... the party's sheer lack of fundamental understanding of how economies can run continues to surprise no one.

What saved us in the 30's was government infrastructure projects and they continue to be fiscally sound economic mains, sharks if you will, attracting remoras or other business in this case who feed off of these projects. The benefits will be felt in the construction industry, the rail industry, the local services economies of Peterford and Pitfarris... and yes we understand that the ferrymen might suffer some, but as you said "they have survived through the good and the bad" and this is neither for them. This is an opportunity to improve quality, look for efficiencies and diversify. We see this and both the Unions are starting to see this... can the Patriots take off their blinders to see this?

Mr Alexander Burke

If the concern is that this bill will cause ferrymen of the island to become unemployed, would the logical conclusion not be to pass an aid package of some sort? One which compensates unemployed ferrymen for lost wages, and provides them with job training so that they might go back into work as soon as possible?

Ian Harlow


If anyone has made any sense in this debate, it is Mr. Burke. At least he puts the people above the economic "needs" of the nation, and for that, I commend him.

Mr. David Valentine

Certainly would my colleagues agree that there are other areas worth pursuing other than bridge construction. What about new high speed rail or the fixing and building of new highways. Certainly those ferryman would not be in imminent danger if we tackled such projects first and in the meantime we may come up with a suitable plan on how to compensate them later? 

Mr Iorwerth Roberts

Only a few hundred people are directly employed by the Firth Ferries Corporation (which, of course, is owned by the Government of Antillia). Even at peak time (when many agency workers are laid on) total employment related to the ferries is never higher than about one and a half thousand, including back office staff and management. Work on the construction of a bridge or a tunnel (and given the considerations of weather and so on a tunnel would be preferable) would create thousands of jobs, while better links between Peterford and Pitfarris would create perhaps tens of thousands more, and most of those in Peterford which members will be aware is the poorest part of our archipelago and suffers from extremely high rates of unemployment.

Gentlemen, we have been an independent nation for over sixty years. Despite that, there is no year-round connection between the islands of Antillia and Pitfarris. While the ferrymen do great work in keep open the passage during the winter months, ever year there are days (often weeks) when the ferries cannot operate due to storms. How is this acceptable in a modern economy? Moreover, the great traditions of the ferrymen will not end with the construction of a road/rail link between the two islands. There will be cutbacks, of course, but not closure. During the summer in particular, there will be great demand for ferry trips, especially if they are developed as a heritage industry, perhaps with a few old fashioned steamers, such as the ones I can just about remember as a child, added to the fleet even as many newer boats are scrapped.

Johannes Overgaard (SPP), MP for Bronseland

"I agree that a bridge or tunnel connecting mainland Antilla with Pitfarris would be beneficial. While there are concerns that the ferry industry may suffer, those concerns must be balanced against the greater good of our nation at large. A stable, all-weather transportation link between Pitfarris and Peterford would provide great economic benefits to the people of both regions. As it stands now, whether or not a person in Pitfarris can conduct business on mainland Antilla (or vice-versa) is contingent on the weather. In maintaining the ferry industry as the only means of transport between the islands, we are perhaps contributing to the economic hardship of citizens of Pitfarris and Peterford alike.

My esteemed colleague from Peterford is also correct in his assessment that the ferry industry would still be in demand. I contend that if we were to subsidize the ferry industry, it would promote tourism and even further increase the economic benefits to Pitfarris and Peterford."

Mr David Valentine

I certainly agree with my colleagues about the need for this bridges, but I'm looking for a way we can make an effective compromise. Possibly giving those ferrymen temporary employment working on the bridges? This is a government effort and since they will be laid off, we should make it our responsibility to provide them either work or welfare. If we want to avoid putting them on unemployment, then why not try this?

Johannes Overgaard (SPP), MP for Bronseland

"That is still only a temporary solution, Mr. Valentine. I think Mr. Roberts was on to something when he suggested promotion of the ferrymen as a heritage industry. I am confident that the TWC and NUWLG would end their opposition if we promised to do so.  It would also promote tourism in the area and bring an even greater economic benefit than the bridge alone would."

Stella Bruun-Bailey
(OOC - i am going to mix it up with these two, again any opposed let me know)

I will certainly agree with my colleague that there is a need for a Tunnel... a bridge, that's all together another matter that we cant be so civil on (chuckles from the Cooperative benches) We do support Mr Valentine's approach that Ferrymen who will otherwise be left unemployed should be given preferential retraining to be able to work on the tunnel. But lets not get ourselves into a battle with the construction and trades unions. Other measures to soften the blow, so to speak, includes working with Firth Ferries and the Unions to look at early retirement packages for those most senior.
I would like to commend the SPP for its ideas in terms of directing support in to the public corporation to diversify, focus on history of our beloved Ferry's (again more work can be created by the restoration of various old steamers). Another consideration would be conversion of some ferries into cruiseliners, offering summer island cruises or expanding outside Antilla and offering ferry/cruise service to the UK and Norway.

The more we delve deep into the details, the more possibilities we can see for growth

Ian Harlow

Mrs. Bailey has raised a wonderfull idea, which I have yet heard of. Cruiseliners. Surely Cruises can be a adequate replacement to the Ferrymen, without throwing them out of work, or forcing them into another profession. The idea should be explored.

When will the Prime Minister announce the government appointments and when may we see the creation of a legislation thread?

As it seems half of the party is absent, it might be wise to wait a bit.

I suppose the Prime Minister will present a cabinet in due time.

He'd damn well better. We don't want to lose a confidence vote before we've even formed a government!

Well, if he's not going to do it, the party should pick someone who will. We can't wait forever.

My understanding is that things were more or less sorted out a few days ago. I've done a reasonable amount to move things forward behind the scenes but won't be doing any more for a few days at least; really not in the mood at the moment. If you've serious concerns, it'd be better off to contact the man himself.

Indeed. It won't be long before a government is formed.

At least we're getting there. :)

I do hope we actually are.

For the record, I have presented my ministry preferences to the Prime Minister. I am hopeful that a government will be formed soon.

I think by now everyone has.

OOC: Yeah, I just wanted everyone to know that it's not me they're waiting on.

OOC: Royal Cough

I think the issue may be the time of year.

So...

How about we start setting up those Parliamentary Committees?

Whoever opens the thread for one chairs it ;)

Seriously, that's probably the best way to do it. I'm about to open up Culture (I'd a feeling you might want to do Welfare or Health and Education) Everyone can sign in once the thread has started. We can also lay out some of the problems we may face that will require addressing.

Seems like the best way of doing things.

OOC: Cough Cough

Your majesty is absolutely right about the deafening silence in this house. Where is the Prime Minister? Where is the opposition? I should hope we are to keep in mind that the voters of this great nation do not pay us to sit in silence!!

:(

I'm still willing to play, but we need more activity. We can't be a two-man parliament.

I have not received any confirmation of the formation of the government... i sent out my parties prefered posts and have been waiting for anything.

pfft... SPP get a move on :P

I did send a message round a couple of weeks back, suggesting that it was time to get back to work.

Of course the last attempt at Town Hall ended like this as well; everything working very well, until, suddenly...

In that case someone is going to have to seize power...

I'm not really sure if any sort of coup would help; that would just make us like Fantasyland six years ago or so. :P

Games like this are as much of a distraction from work as 'owt else, so we shouldn't be surprised at a fall off in activity during the summer months. I think, especially now it's clear that we all want to move with this, that things can get back on track about, well, now, actually.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to rise today to draw the attention of the House to a communique from the United States government offering a new trade agreement. My office received overtures from their Ambassador that their country wished to offer free and unlimited trade with ours. I would respectfully like this item placed on the voting docket with a high priority.