AN SNP MSP has slammed a Scottish Tory MSP of taking a "curmudgeonly approach to democracy" after criticising the cost of the new Citizens' Assembly.
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, Gordon Lindhurst urged the SNP to listen to the electorate rather than choosing to spend money on the assembly, which was set up to discuss the future of the country.
Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell said that of the £1.37 million earmarked for the Assembly, £339,600 had been allocated to making payments to help provide support for members and conveners with travel and subsistence costs.
Members are also provided with a gift of thanks for participating, as well as receiving support with other associated costs such as childcare.
READ MORE: Mike Russell sets out costs of Citizens’ Assembly plans
The newly-formed group first met on October 26 and 27.
Lindhurst said: "With the Scottish Parliament already costing over a quarter of a million pounds per day, would it not be better, more democratic and more effective if this SNP Government started listening to the Scottish electorate, rather than creating yet another costly group to blame for its failed policies?"
Russell responded: "Well, I regret that curmudgeonly approach to democracy, I have to say.
"I would encourage Mr Lindhurst to meet members of the Citizens' Assembly and I'm sure that the conveners of the Citizens' Assembly would be happy to meet with him.
"I had the privilege of so doing on Saturday night in Edinburgh and I was bowled over by their enthusiasm, by their commitment, by their engagement, by their energy about their involvement in Scottish democracy.
"I think that is to be commended and not condemned, and I think the member might like to consider whether what he has said encourages that or discourages participation in democracy."
READ MORE: Scottish Citizens’ Assembly’s gathers for first weekend
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