Florence

Is it not the Code of Conduct that should be revisited? As it stands at the moment it doesn't appear to be representive of a democratic administration. If there are matters of serious concern to the general public neither councillors or officials should be allowed to hide behind a seemingly fascist doctrine. Adhering to the Code of Conduct as it stands leaves the door wide open for councillors and officials to mislead the public. Also... the legal issue as regards whistle blowing has not been discussed. I think this legislation would supercede SICs Code of Conduct.

The minutes would be ratified at the next meeting. Does anyone know when that is? I see its set for 24 March. I predict it may be sooner!

The minutes of SIC meetings are sent to the Community Councils and, I think, are available for the public to view through that forum.

On a more general matter: Too often in the public sector (SIC/NHS) people "act up" in jobs for a long period of time and are then ousted in favour of someone from outwith the Isles because they have had more experience with SIC/NHS in another region. We then pay for these people to move up here who later decide that they or their family can't settle here. If someone is already performing very well in the job, and are local, can we not add weight to that aspect in the recruitment process?

It is the tradition in the private sector to promote people who have performed well in their positions. Inevitably the promoted person has to work with their former peers. This has worked for centuries across many cultures and creates an incentive for people to do well in their jobs.

One question from me. Why did our elected members not follow standard SIC employment procedures that would have protected Shetland Islands Council and the Shetland public from this happening? It appears there were many events in Mr Clarks employment that would have resulted in the instigation of SIC employment procedures in any other case. Why were these procedures not implemented in Mr Clarks case?

Presumptiously, it would appear that we have no other option other than to pay this settlement to Mr Clark because legally he would win his case and the settlement would be much higher. What questions and what answers come of this?

I think what the Sun publishes should be taken into context. In 1989 Shetland Catch shared the front page with Kylie Minogue. The story was about immigrant workers and it had no foundation. I'm not saying there's not a story here. What I'm saying is that the Sun exposure is not as important as it is being portrayed.

The property is owned by Roy Whitehead.