Helensburgh Advertiser | Opinion | Not surprised by SNP member's comments

Friday, 25th July, 2008

Published: Thursday, 17th January, 2008 14:50

Not surprised by SNP member's comments

Given that he is a member of the SNP and stood as an SNP candidate at the May elections, the comments in Richard Trail’s letter in last week’s Advertiser relating to the appointment of the chair of the area committee do not surprise me.

He was clearly unhappy that I had publicly corrected the “misleading” statement that had previously been made on this issue and for which Councillor Robb had already apologised.

It appears that Mr Trail would prefer that the public believe the original and incorrect statement. He states that members of an administration are required to take collective responsibility for decisions. Maybe that applies in the cosy world of party politics but I can assure him that, as an independent councillor, while accepting personal responsibility for my actions, I will not accept responsibility for the decisions of others with whom I have clearly disagreed. All too often we see politicians using the words “collective responsibility” in an attempt to avoid accepting personal responsibility for their actions. My first priority is to the constituents I represent and not to any political party. That is why independent councillors in Argyll and Bute are free to vote as they see fit.

Mr Trail’s letter indicates that the decision could have been based on having a “younger man” in the job. It sounds as if he is promoting age discrimination which became unlawful under employment law in October 2006. Although I consider myself relatively young, is Mr Trail suggesting that all those councillors who are older than me should not be given positions of responsibility? If his argument is on age, then there are 10 SNP MSPs all older than myself who would need to consider their own positions in the Scottish Parliament.

Councillor George Freeman

Ward 9 — Lomond North

Argyll and Bute Council

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