News / LibDem leader: “MP deserves a second chance”
AS the SNP continues to pile pressure on northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael to resign over leaking a private government memo in an attempt to smear first minister Nicola Sturgeon and then lying about it, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has called for him to be given “a second chance”.
Willie Rennie was speaking after the party’s executive decided not to discipline the MP for his actions.
Rennie said: “I have known Alistair for almost thirty years and have worked closely with him in parliament for almost a decade.
“I have always been impressed with his energy, dedication and professionalism.
“It is clear to me that recent events are an aberration.
“As a liberal I believe that people deserve a second chance. I hope fair-minded people would agree that Alistair Carmichael should be given a second chance.”
Meanwhile the SNP has joined others in reporting Carmichael to the parliamentary commissioner for standards Kathryn Hudson.
The party has also highlighted comments the MP made in his Shetland Times column five years ago.
Speaking about Labour MP Phil Woolas who was found guilty of breaking the law for smearing his LibDem opponent during the 2010 election campaign, Carmichael wrote: “No-one would expect candidates to spend their time highlighting their opponents’ virtues, but to suggest any smear is justifiable must be wrong.
“The right to freedom of speech is a fundamental one but it does bring a responsibility with it to tell the truth. The right to smear an opponent is not one we should be defending.”
The SNP also pointed out that in 2009 Carmichael supported an early day motion on the right to recall for MPs found guilty of serious wrongdoing to stand down and face a by-election.
Highlands and islands SNP MSP Mike Mackenzie said: “Just when Mr Carmichael thought things couldn’t get any worse he has been caught in breach of his own code – and this further deepens the credibility crisis he now finds himself in.
“Mr Carmichael’s newspaper column in the Shetland Times, where he cites the dangers of political smears and the need for MPs to be truthful – along with his support for the right of constituents to recall their MP – leaves his position increasingly perilous.
“Mr Carmichael misled his constituents during an election, and the only way that he can relieve the pressure he is under is to stand down.
“Had Alistair Carmichael admitted the truth before polling day, he would have been a discredited candidate and the result may well have been different – it’s possible he would have gone the same way as every other Lib Dem MP in Scotland and been turfed out by the voters.”
In Shetland protesters who marched through Lerwick on Saturday have pledged to continue demonstrating until Carmichael resigns.
Northern isles SNP candidate Danus Skene added: “The SNP in the isles stands ready to contest any new election to select an appropriately focussed MP of integrity.
“We will present a prospectus that seeks to promote prosperity, fairness, and good government.”
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