Opposition attacks SNP on media row
OPPOSITION parties have demanded the SNP respect the freedom of the press after the resignation of a senior STV journalist targeted for criticism by two of the party’s MPs.
Stephen Daisley is quitting as digital politics and comment editor after five years with the broadcaster to become a freelance writer.
His departure follows a row about him allegedly being “gagged” and STV “buckling to Nationalist pressure” after complaints from SNP MPs Pete Wishart and John Nicolson.
A friend said Mr Daisley had felt “unsupported” by STV management through the episode.
Tory culture spokesman Jackson Carlaw said: “It’s utterly unhealthy for the governing party in Scotland to think it can get rid of journalists. But that appears to be what has happened here.”
Scottish Labour’s Lewis MacDonald added: “It is right that governments and politicians are held to account by the media, someTHE thing Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly stressed.
“Alex Salmond has launched a number of petulant attacks on the BBC, while Pete Wishart and John Nicolson clearly desired to gag an STV journalist, who has now resigned.
“This sets a dangerous precedent.”
The SNP said they were “ludicrous rent-a-quote attacks” which would have slightly more credibility had Ms Sturgeon not been the only party leader in Scotland to oppose the Conservative Government’s press reform plans.