Letter criticising politicians was a 'cheapskate' attack

Published 8 Dec 2010 11:30 3 Comments

I REFER to John McLaughlin's letter (Telegraph 1 December) in which he made what can only be described as cheapskate attacks on both the Provost and myself. In my case, the letter contained three factual errors.

First, the delegation was led by the Presiding Officer and we went at the invitation of, and were the guests of, the Australian and New Zealand Governments, not as stated at the expense of the taxpayer.

Secondly, we spent a week in both Australia and New Zealand, and not a month.

Thirdly, my wife was not part of the delegation. She was not in either Australia or New Zealand.

ROSS FINNIE MSP, Greenock

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• 

  Tiddles
  1077 posts
  Jun 15, 13:11
  Report comment

  Yes Ross, but the questions really are, "should you have gone" and why do you think that the Australian and New Zealand taxpayers should have to fund your pointless junketing? Are you, the Presiding Officer and the Provost better equipped to perform your duties after making this trip? What did it do for your constituents? Did you deduct a week's salary from your annual allowance? I fear John McLaughlin may have gone too far with his slightly personal assertions but he is right on the nail with the spirit of the matter. A junket is a junket, IS a junket! YOU should know better!!!!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 5     No 0

• 

  allross
  31 posts
  Jun 25, 13:29
  Report comment

  hope they have declared their trip to the TAX man as undeclared expences also agree with Tiddles DID they hand back a weeks wages
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 0

• 

  ECCOSAIS
  127 posts
  Jul 4, 21:33
  Report comment

  Hold he didn't sell off their fishing rights!!!!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 2     No 0

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