I sometimes wonder if the First Minister actually understands the need to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. In order to breach the Ministerial code, he does not actually need to assure Mr Trump that he will call in any planning application and approve it; he merely has to put himself in a position where people might think that he might have done so. And assertions of innocence in the fact do not dispel criticisms of the appearance."JACK McConnell was on the defensive yesterday over allegations that he broke the ministerial code of conduct by backing a luxury golf resort planned by Donald Trump.
Councillors in Aberdeenshire and environmentalists are concerned that the First Minister's meetings with the American billionaire developer could prejudice the planning process for the development. They are concerned that local homes will be lost and a pristine area of coastline ruined.Mr McConnell was also alleged to have met Robert Morris weeks before the furniture tycoon received a massive pay-out from the taxpayer to relocate his factory. Mr McConnell's aides have described both accusations as "ridiculous"."
Finally, of all the tourist attractions which Scotland might require to enhance its repertoire, do we really need yet another golf course?
No comments:
Post a Comment