Doogan apologises for ‘quislings’ remark
Perth and Kinross Council’s SNP deputy leader has apologised for a speech he made which sparked offence with opposition groups.
Dave Doogan’s words, in Gaelic, were meant to support proposals for a new plan for the language.
After the PA ran much of a transcribed version supplied the Perth City North ward member, the matter was raised in the Scottish Parliament with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon asked for her views on parts of what was said.
The concern focused on offence to the comment:“The island of Britain is no longer subject to the actions of quislings who may seek to see smaller cultures extinguished on an island of coffins by redcoats.”
Cllr Doogan told councillors this week:“You may recall Provost that the paper on February 22 provided updates on the Gaelic language plan.
“I formally seconded this paper, and I did so speaking in Gaelic, and although far from fluent I gave a translation of my speech to the Perthshire Advertiser.
“The original context of this speech was altered completely, and this is much regretted and had the effect of causing officers of this council all manner of discussions, causing additional work and inconvenience.
“Provost, my speech, however benign, caused upset and negative publicity. It is in this context I want to take the opportunity to apologise.”
On Wednesday this week councillors Ian Campbell and Dave Cuthbert, when reviewing the last meeting, called for the paper to be reconsidered.
Cllr Campbell said:“This statement was in contravention of standing order 32, which states that any motion or amendment be relevant to the business of the meeting and standing order 35 which states that any alteration to a motion, and not relevant to the motion in hand, shall be considered an amendment and disposed of accordingly. Cllr Doogan’s read statement was in effect an amendment to the original motion.”
He called for the motion to be reconsidered but Provost Liz Grant declared the matter to be over. Cllr Doogan