ALEX Cole-Hamilton has issued a fresh apology for swearing at a female Scottish Government minister.
The LibDem MSP was heavily criticised after footage emerged of him mouthing “f*** off” at Maree Todd, Minister for Children and Young People.
The Edinburgh politician tweeted to admit that he “lost his temper” – but blamed his behaviour on Todd in a move which provoked further anger.
Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay branded Cole-Hamilton’s apology “half-baked”.
Seeking to put the issue to bed, the LibDem raised a point of order in the Scottish Parliament ahead of Nicola Sturgeon’s lockdown announcement.
He said: “I hope very much to say something to the Equalities Committee on Thursday but I wanted to take the first opportunity in parliamentary time to try and make things right.
“On Thursday, in an exchange on children’s rights with the minister Maree Todd, I was captured on camera mouthing language that was neither parliamentary nor respectful.
"I apologise unreservedly to the minister. Each of us in this chamber should strive to try to reflect the better natures of the people we are sent here to serve and I am very sorry and I will reflect on that.”
READ MORE: Edinburgh voters urged not to back LibDem MSP who used 'verbal abuse'
It comes after voters in the capital were urged by the SNP’s Edinburgh Central candidate, Angus Robertson, not to back Cole-Hamilton because of the swearing the incident.
Responding to Robertson on Twitter, Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse wrote: "Is he not Deputy Convener on the Equalities and Human Rights Committee?
"It would be appalling behaviour to do what he did to *any* witness at committee, regardless of who it is. Fact that it was said to a woman makes it worse, yes, but let’s not lose sight of it being inappropriate, full stop."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel