Trust launches

Last updated : 22 April 2007 By FF
It's time to stop bleating and start working. The Scottish parliamentary and local council elections take place on May 3rd. Like the kick-off time for a football match, election dates are rarely moved - you can't say afterwards you didn't know. The date has been set for years.

So, get up off of your backside and start working - either get out and help a candidate or make you views known through the media or by writing/emailing candidates directly.

Many Rangers fans complain about the behaviour of politicians, but if you don't do something to change this then you can only blame yourself. Proportional representation means that more power is in the hands of voters/fans and, literally,every vote counts

You can change things. Don't dream up excuses - take a few hours out of your life in the next few weeks and get active with one of the parties or candidates.

Here are just a few issues you might want to raise:



Supporter representation - do candidates favour fan ownership and involvement? How can they help us ensure the voice of the real supporter is listened to?



Media issues - are we reasonably and fairly portrayed? What do candidates think about making the press more accountable for their actions? Can the Press Complaints Commission and Ofcom be proper regulatory bodies with real enforcement powers?



Policing and stewarding - what do candidates think about making the Police more accountable to those they serve? How do we improve safety and facilities when clubs take millions of pounds in gate receipts and put nothing back?



Sectarianism - what do candidates see as the main causes of sectarianism? Is it a 'crunch' issue, or less important that sky-high murder rates or urban poverty? What do candidates think about faith schools? Should religious apartheid be funded by the taxpayer?



We have deliberately made this message as wide-ranging as possible, recognising that the Rangers support is a genuinely broad church which includes people of all political persuasions.

Let us know how you get on. For too long we have been content to let a few people do all the work. Keep us informed if you make contact with a politician - doesn't matter if they are SNP, Tory, Labour, Lib Dem, Green or an independent - who is sensible, sympathetic, or a Bluenose.

Contact us at Rangers Supporters Trust, PO Box 3099, Clydebank, G60 9AN. or citizensmith@rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk and let's get to work.

Get organised, make an effort and together we can ensure that we change things for the better.