Language unnecessary but opinion valid: MSP

THE “FLOWERY language” used by an SNP councillor to criticise Scottish Government plans for a 40% female quota in boardrooms has been shot down by the woman behind the policy, writes Kieran Andrews.

Dundee City Council deputy education convener Gregor Murray’s right to the online outburst was also defended by his old boss, Equalities Secretary Shona Robison.

At the SNP’s spring conference, First Minister Alex Salmond said he wanted 40% of places on company boards to be held by women, and announced he was leading by example by adding two female ministers to his cabinet.

In multiple outbursts on Twitter and Facebook, Mr Murray called the plans “tokenism”.

Ms Robison told The Courier: “I’m relaxed about Gregor having different views on gender quotas. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.”

She added: “I think we would accept it was probably not the best language to use. I think it was the flowery language which has attracted attention.”

Mr Murray said: “While I have my own views on the subject, I believe that I should have expressed them in a more responsible way.”

Ms Robison last month launched Women on Board, a consultation on a 40% quota for public boards such as NHS bodies and quangos.

Ministers have also asked for views on whether future legislation for a 40% mandatory female membership on public bodies should be extended to the private sector.

Ms Robison.

Mr Murray.