Mick_OC12 Apr 2018 21:06
Hi Mick. I appreciate that, I do. I am more looking at the fact that now they have actually got down to examining "all" submissions, which is something the Government itself hasn't had to do before in our case, the time it takes to reach the final conclusion and bring us the decision cannot be rushed. Precisely due to its paramount importance. The appropriate care and therefore time must be taken, and is being taken, as this final decision will obviously affect people's lives. The Government has to also avoid at all costs, leaving itself wide open to any legitimate claims of bias etc, such claims that would be bolstered by a quick decision.
We know it's the final stage, and that all observations and comments are in. We also know that the Government is actually going through those submissions at the moment. That's something we should be pleased about. That our application isn't lying unviewed on a desk, the submissions lying unopened. It's also only been a few weeks since all submissions were in. If the Government has lastly given everyone a month or a little longer for submission of comments, surely it must give itself two? I do feel it would also be highly appropriate for the Government to give its decision before the elections, so there may well be an unwritten internal timeline.
Only my view that though.
Mick, I do understand your frustrations, and I don't know if I've explained myself too well, but it's the importance of this decision that merits however long it takes to come, at this last stage. It has just been such a long time actually getting our application to this stage, which has worn most of us out and made this final chapter an absolute chore.
But now we are here and the elections are not too far away. Unfortunately it has been somewhat of a political ride, but one which must conclude.
I'm not sure what else I can say, only that we must try and stay positive. As you know, my plan was to leave last October, but with what I'd potentially be giving up, I couldn't bloody bear it.
Best wishes.