Youngest voters put city’s leader in election spotlight
GLASGOW City Council Leader Frank McAveety has been put under the spotlight by some of the city’s harshest critics – teenagers.
Mr McAveety is visiting nine city schools to speak to pupils in fourth to six years ahead of the council elections on May 4.
He attended Eastbank Academy, in his own Shettleston Ward, to be put through his paces by inquisitive politics and modern studies pupils.
The council leader’s plans caused some controversy last week when the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association said schools should say no to visits this close to an election.
They come in the first year 16 and 17-year-olds will be entitled to vote in council elections.
However, Mr McAveety said in response: “Trust young people and know that young people have got their own awareness and understanding and they will not tolerate anyone that is trying to use their position for propaganda purposes.
“If we are building a society where young people have an informed choice then give them the chance where elected members, whoever they are, are encouraged to come in to school and speak to them about the i mportant issues.”
He added it is vital young people are given plenty of information before they reach the ballot box.
The former teacher said: “Every school I’ve been in, the kids have been spot on and the questions have been really precise, and they care about the issues.
“Obviously you’ve got a situation where you’ve got teenagers having the chance to be able to vote in council elections and I’m really concerned that young people can answer the question, ‘What does the council do?’”
Headteacher Gordon Shaw said that Mr McAveety was quick to point out that elected members from all parties, including Scottish Tories leader Ruth Davidson, have carried out visits.
Mr McAveety took a class of pupils of varying ages through a presentation about the council’s structure; income and spending; and its vision and priorities; before taking questions.
The Labour leader was asked by pupils why he supported the Labour party and what Brexit would mean for Glasgow.
One youngster asked what the party would do if they failed to gain a majority and would it form a coalition with the SNP.
Mr McAveety did not rule out the idea – but made it clear he would never join with the Conservative party.