In a flap about a flag

A petty row has erupted between councillors over a flag being hung in their offices in Paisley.

SNP councillor Kenny MacLaren has hit out at Labour rivals after a Union Jack was draped across a window at Renfrewshire House.

He be l i e v e s it is “hypocritical” after his party was banned from hanging a Saltire in 2013.

Councillor Maclaren, who represents Paisley North West, said: “This is astounding hypocrisy, even for Labour politicians.

“A few years ago they banned the SNP from displaying a Saltire in our offices and now they are displaying the Union Flag in the very same window.”

He claims that after complaints from the Labour group over health and safety fears the flag was removed.

He added: “This cynical and hypocritical move by Labour councillors show the public exactly what Labour think of Scotland.”

However the Labour group has hit back, urging Councillor MacLaren to get on with the day job.

Labour group leader Eddie Devine said: “He would do well, rather than be a single issue councillor obsessed with the constitution, to support the regeneration of Ferguslie Park – the area he represents – and to throw his weight behind the campaign to keep the children’s ward open at the RAH, and to oppose the closures of the day units for our most vulnerable citizens with learning disabilities at West Lane Gardens and Whitehaugh.”