Lib Dem chief replies to 'dishonour' claim

The Courier, 2 March 1999

Fife Council Liberal Democrats leader lain Smith has responded angrily to claims that he “acted dishonourably” when calling for an apology from Labour transportation spokesperson Helen Eadie over her remarks on the Kingask planning decision.

Councillor Smith claimed yesterday that the only person who had acted dishonourably during the entire affair was Councillor Eadie.

He was referring to what he described as “unsubstantiated allegations” she had made suggesting that Fife Council’s east area development committee had pre-decided the outcome of the planning application.

The claims of dishonour on Mr Smith’s part were made at the weekend by Brian Poole, chairman of the North East Fife Labour Party. It was asked why Mr Smith had not raised the issue of an apology at last Thursday’s full meeting of Fife Council.

Yesterday Mr Smith said, “As Mr Poole was present, he will be aware that the question of an apology from Councillor Eadie was raised by another councillor.

“Although Councillor Eadie had time to say that she considered she had nothing to apologise for, she was stopped by the convener who made it clear he did not wish any further discussion of the matter.”

Mr Smith said he had written to Councillor Eadie to ask if she accepts there was no collusion by the Liberal Democrat group over the Kingask decision and that the decision was made on valid planning grounds.

If so, he would like Councillor Eadie to apologise publicly and personally to east area development committee chairman Peter Douglas for her remarks.