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Glasgow SNP group welcome removal of Labour councillor from positions
Monday, 07 March 2011

Cllr James DornanQuestions to be asked of leadership over shocking comments

Commenting on the decision by Councillor Gordon Matheson to remove Cllr Willie O’Rourke from his Council positions after he made inappropriate comments at a Personnel Appeals Committee, SNP leader of the Opposition Councillor James Dornan said: "I congratulate Councillor Matheson on making the correct decision on Councillor O'Rourke. Cllr O’Rourke’s comments brought shame on himself, the Labour Party and this Council – his removal from all positions sends a message that this behaviour is unacceptable.  

"However, there are still questions that need to be answered. The committee meeting where these comments were made was held last month, where several other Labour councillors were present. When was Cllr Matheson first made aware of Cllr O’Rourke’s comments, and by whom?  If Cllr Matheson knew about this shocking event, why was no action taken before the story broke in the media at the weekend? If, as I suspect, he was not made aware of these comments why did the Labour councillors present not inform him or the Group Whip about these comments?

"These are important questions which require answers. This is just the last in a long line of scandals to hit the Labour Group. The public needs assurances that the Labour leadership is dealing with matters such as these at the earliest possible opportunity and not just when they are contacted by the media.

"Cllr O’Rourke’s views do not reflect those of any decent-minded person and his credibility as a local councillor has been seriously compromised. I hope that Cllr O’Rourke now considers his position as an elected councillor in this city and am sure that if Councillor Matheson has any influence with Councillor O'Rourke he will persuade him to go and go now."

Notes:

1.       Councillor Willie O’Rourke is a Labour Councillor for the Greater Pollok ward of Glasgow City Council

2.       Councillor O’Rourke was removed from all Council positions and suspended from the Labour Party following revelations in a Sunday newspaper.

3.       Glasgow’s Labour Group has been hit by four scandals over the past 12 months:

  1. Councillor Steven Purcell, then leader of Glasgow City Council, resigned as a Councillor following revelations about drug use
  2. Councillor Ruth Black was suspended from the Labour Group following allegations surrounding possible drug use and abuse of procedure over the Castro LGBT centre
  3. Councillor Gilbert Davidson was investigated by Strathclyde Police after being reported for inappropriate behaviour towards other members of the Labour Group
  4. Councillor O’Rourke has been suspended from the Labour Group after making remarks at a Council Committee
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