McConnell Makes A Mockery Of Parliamentary Democracy

Commenting on reports that Jack McConnell has attempted to interfere in the election of the Scottish Parliament's Deputy Presiding Officer, SNP Leader Mr John Swinney said:

"Jack McConnell is making a mockery of the independence and impartiality of the Scottish Parliament. His attempt to foist a Deputy Presiding Officer on the Parliament is the most blatant display of cronyism yet.

"The Presiding Officers are charged with ensuring that the Parliament is fair and impartial. They are a crucial safeguard against political interference in the democratic process. It is totally inappropriate and a deep insult to the Parliament for Jack McConnell to try to subvert the democratic process in this way.

"Even his own backbenches are in revolt over this appalling interference in Parliamentary democracy. SNP MSPs always have a free vote in Presiding Officer elections but it seems Jack McConnell cannot stand the idea that elections can be free and fair. He is displaying a breathtaking level of control freakery."