YOU report today that Hugh Gaffney, MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill, has apologised in his local paper for remarks he made at a recent constituency Burns supper (“Burns supper gaffe MP sorry”, The Herald, February 23). It appears Mr Gaffney referred to a "C****y" takeaway meal and joked about Robert Burns not being "bent".
Now, most of us who are getting long in the tooth may well have used language like that in the past; maybe 40, 30, or even in some cases 20 years ago. But to hear that an MP, a Labour one at that, still spoke like that when in a relaxed social setting really did surprise me. I don’t believe an apology quite cuts it; is Mr Gaffney just sorry he was found out?
What has been equally depressing is the reaction of the Labour Party. Jeremy Corbyn accepts that the comments were “completely wrong”, but won’t take any action. This weak leadership mirrors Mr Corbyn’s display when Labour was accused of tolerating anti-Semitism and demonstrates why Mr Corbyn is unfit for his position.
The Labour Party has a proud record of fighting against racism and intolerance. Any use of racist or homophobic language by senior members of the party should be stamped on vigorously. Mr Gaffney should be out on his ear.
Doug Maughan,
52 Menteith View, Dunblane.
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