LETTER To The Editor — The ‘Appalling’ And The ‘Inspiring’ At Inverclyde Council’s Budget MeetingDear Editor, thank you for the prompt update on the budget agreed on Thursday. Whilst it is a very factual account, what readers will not be aware of is — what I found to be — the appalling behaviour of the leader of the SNP group leader [Chris McEleny].
I do not make that statement lightly. I personally attended the budget meeting as did many other members of the public and was appalled by his apparent lack of self-awareness, disregard for standing orders to which all other councillors try to abide, his disrespect to the chair and fellow councillors, his petty jibes, muttering and otherwise childish behaviour. Thankfully, even amongst his own SNP group, he appears almost alone in this regard.
My faith in politics was restored by the contributions from other councillors, of all parties, who clearly demonstrated how seriously they take their jobs and doing their best to represent the people in their wards.
Whilst it may be unfair to single anyone out, against Chris McEleny’s petulant outbursts there was a simply tremendous and inspiring speech from Drew McKenzie, which showed how seriously he and others take their jobs and how they had listened to the results of the public consultation and done their best to respect them. His speech was a credit to him and all fellow councillors and left me with a real sense that each area of Inverclyde has councilors dedicated to getting the best for their wards and able to work together for the greater good.
As was demonstrated then and on many other occasions, the leader of the SNP group struggles to collaborate constructively and, ironically, is no stranger to publicly criticising others. I would say kindly to him that, given his performance in the chamber, he should get his own house in order before pointing fingers elsewhere. Not only does he let himself down, but his fellow councillors, his constituents, and ultimately his own SNP colleagues who clearly put a lot of sincere thought into the alternative budget but were unable to reach any consensus to see even some of their ideas adopted, something the Inverclyde SNP leader must take responsibility for. If his behaviour and attitude is preventing the SNP playing a part of the council, then they are stronger for no one.
Jamie Black, Gourock
