I think it's pretty clear that dropping the train lines is more political than practical. I suspect they simply believe it will get them more votes in the long run by implying how "fiscally responsible" they are - in other words, "austerity" (although I suspect they're rather out of touch with the mainstream voters, clinging to what they *want* to believe rather than how it actually is - a lot of that going around these days). And Stan, tourists are only one beneficiary, and this has nothing to do with high or low season. Connecting the more remote areas will have sizeable economic benefits both for residents and tourists alike. It will facilitate more people to live in more of the island regardless of where they work. For tourists, less need to hire cars or private transfers (though it does beg the question of how much influence the taxi cartel has on this decision. They were big PP voters after all).

Richard PearsonI wasn’t suggesting or even “accusing you” of anything. Please don’t twist my words. I was simply asking a question, a) or b) just for clarification. Of course you are entitled to have an opinion on anything, just like everybody else. There’s enough information available about the dark side, I don’t think there’s any need for me to elaborate in the MDB. I’m no ‘expert’, just life’s experiences. As for not giving personal details, that’s fine but then you shouldn’t have asked me for mine “before giving me yours” (your words). I’m not going to start another ‘ding dong’ (another reader’s expression) so my comments on this subject end here.

Stan, we will never have a railway around the island, far too expensive. However the Manacor Arta line is crying out to be finished. Use the Tram funds if necessary, I see the tram as a project too far. A better electric bus service should cover that route. Yes some steam trains would be popular as long as private funding was used. Palma is a dead cert for more electric bike lanes - a no brainer. can someone tell me what a Language Office will do and why we need one ? Surely the locals know which language they want to speak and when. The only issue is the classroom and doesn't that come under the Education Dept ? As for Sara and Richard, Spain has never had a proper reconciliation - surely that should be a priority at a national level.

SaraAgain, you are mistaken about “questions”. For obvious reasons, I will refrain from broadcasting my personal details, but I am always willing to back up any statements that I make, and also more than willing to admit that I am wrong if proven so.

Donald JumpDamn sight cheaper as well. No parking fees, no ORA, no fines so no stress and most importantly, invariably being able to park close to where you are going.

SaraAre you suggesting that just because I wasn’t in Spain during the 50’s that I can’t have an opinion about what life was like and what Spain was going through ? If that is the case, I suggest that you should write to Paul Preston and accuse him of the same thing. And seeing that you are obviously an expert on the matter, please tell us more about the dark side of those years, that is presupposing of course that there weren’t any light sides.

Richard PearsonIs your knowledge of Spain in the 1950s based on first hand experience or just what you have read? I don’t suppose you’ll answer that as you’re not wont to answer questions, only expect others to answer yours. I ask because your idealised summary conveniently excludes the dark side of those years.

I knew this project was a slop from it's inception. They should have instead improved electric scooter lanes around the city. I am one example of a person who leaves my car at home and go to the city with the scooter. It's about 4 times faster and frees up space around the city so that other trade can take place.

Jeremy Ponsenby-SmytheNo need to worry about Mallorquin kids. Nepotism is still very much alive and well.

Zoltan Teglas1950’s ? A lot of people you support through lax border policies want to take us back to the Middle Ages or even possibly to the turn of the first millennia.