‘Roasters’ comment sparks fury
Equalities spokesman insults women’s group during Twitter spat
Dundee Council’s equalities spokesman is at the centre of a row after he called a women’s group “absolute roasters”.
Gregor Murray made the remark during a Twitter argument with Talat Yaqoob, founder of the Women 50:50 campaign group. Ms Yaqoob said improvements were needed at the council on equality. Murray reposted: “Oh look, the absolute roasters at the Women 50:50 campaign smearing us, again.”
Dundee City Council’s equalities spokesman has become embroiled in an online row after he branded a women’s group “absolute roasters”.
SNP councillor Gregor Murray made the remark during a Twitter spat with Talat Yaqoob, founder of Women 50:50, a campaign group which calls for equal representation for women in local and national government.
In a series of exchanges, Ms Yaqoob said “many improvements were clearly needed” within Dundee City Council on equality, a claim which Mr Murray – who is also the Children and Families Services convener – called “false”.
Murray reposted this tweet on his own timeline, saying: “Oh look, the absolute roasters at the Women 50:50 campaign smearing us, again. Refusing to debate, spreading lies — how not to win ppl over!”
Asked about the row, Mr Murray said he had “no intention of apologising”.
He added: “I would never consider taking down the tweets. I believe it is better they are up there so people can make up their own minds. I don’t think I said anything over the line – I’m allowed my opinion.
“The use of language was probably not acceptable – I think they were picking on me and trying to harass me and send me abuse and I lashed out. I probably shouldn’t have lashed out in that way.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, co-founder of the Women 50:50 campaign, criticised his online comments and said he should apologise.
She said: “These are absolutely disgraceful comments.
“The Women 50:50 campaign is absolutely essential to ensure women get fair political representation — and it rightly has cross-party support, including from Nicola Sturgeon. Gregor Murray should apologise for these comments.”
The SNP distanced itself from Mr Murray’s comments. A spokeswoman said: “These views expressed do not represent those of the SNP.”
Emma Ritch, director of women’s equality organisation Engender, said: “The Women 50:50 campaign has attracted cross-party support across Holyrood and council chambers because of the urgency of the challenge of tackling men’s over-representation in political life.
“We would expect to see council equalities spokespeople actively promoting the call for equal representation.”
Following the exchange, many Twitter users rounded on Mr Murray.
One user, going by the user name Southsidegrrrl, said: “I’m just sorry that someone from my party has behaved in this way Talat.”
In another tweet, she said: “You’re tweeting like a MRA [Men’s Rights Activist]. You’re an embarrassment to the party right now.”
Mr Murray responded by accusing her of “bullying” him. And Twitter user Vvfabs said: “You aren’t the first to pit women against other minorities and sadly you won’t be the last.”
Councillor Kevin Keenan, opposition leader, said Murray needed to “reflect” on his behaviour.