IT is a shame that last night's special cabinet meeting became something of an exercise in political mud-slinging.

Tory councillors blamed the Labour Government for the plight Swindon currently finds itself in.

Labour councillors said the Tories were to blame for giving the borough an appalling financial settlement at the end of their reign in 1997, so setting the trend.

There is a semblance of truth in both statements. But one feels there was as much political manoeuvring last night as there was sensible debate.

Council seats will be up for grabs in May when local elections are held, so you can bet that events in the council between now and then will be tainted by argument and spin.

You can also be sure that whatever unpalatable decisions are made in this year's budget, the main political parties will blame each other.

It is a great shame.

In councillors Mike Bawden and Sue Bates we have two worthy party leaders who genuinely work very hard for the town.

Let's hope they can organise the members of their parties so that some kind of consensus can be found and sensible debate can be maintained.

The council has some difficult decisions to make that could affect the town deeply and may bring many job losses.

Our councillors owe it to us to ensure these decisions are made with thought, consideration and, most of all, with dignity.

IT is a shame that last night's special cabinet meeting became something of an exercise in political mud-slinging.

Tory councillors blamed the Labour Government for the plight Swindon currently finds itself in.

Labour councillors said the Tories were to blame for giving the borough an appalling financial settlement at the end of their reign in 1997, so setting the trend.

There is a semblance of truth in both statements. But one feels there was as much political manoeuvring last night as there was sensible debate.

Council seats will be up for grabs in May when local elections are held, so you can bet that events in the council between now and then will be tainted by argument and spin.

You can also be sure that whatever unpalatable decisions are made in this year's budget, the main political parties will blame each other.

It is a great shame.

In councillors Mike Bawden and Sue Bates we have two worthy party leaders who genuinely work very hard for the town.

Let's hope they can organise the members of their parties so that some kind of consensus can be found and sensible debate can be maintained.

The council has some difficult decisions to make that could affect the town deeply and may bring many job losses.

Our councillors owe it to us to ensure these decisions are made with thought, consideration and, most of all, with dignity.