Jim Ferguson

Posts Tagged ‘alec’

Surely politicians would be more aware of the public feelings at unnecessary waste of public funds.
Seems Alex Salmond considers himself above such criticism.

Jim Ferguson

Backlash at Salmond after dentist invited to functions
First minister accused of wasting public money

Published: 11/11/2009

OPPOSITION parties last night accused Alex Salmond of wasting public cash after it emerged he invited his dentist to two official functions.

Murray Bremner and his wife Jane were among 19 guests at a dinner in Bute House, the first minister’s official residence in Edinburgh, in August 2007.

The dinner was held after a performance of the Edinburgh Tattoo and other guests included financier Sir Angus Grossart and his wife Lady Grossart, and the then Speaker of the Commons, Michael Martin and his wife.

The Bremners were also among the guests at a Runrig dinner held at Scone Palace in Perthshire on August 29 this year. Mr Bremner said he did not know why he had been invited. He said of Mr Salmond: “He’s an affable chap and we just get on reasonably well.”

And he added: “Maybe there’s a list he goes down and he gets to 96 and he invites me, I don’t know.”

But Labour leader Iain Gray said: “This misuse of funds shows the first minister’s disregard for public money. At the very least he should pay the money back.”

And Tory leader Annabel Goldie said: “I think it is absolutely disgraceful he feels he can treat his dentist to a night out courtesy of the public but I’m afraid this is all too typical of Alex Salmond.”

But a spokesman for Mr Salmond accused his critics of “silly party politicking” and said that, unlike previous administrations, the Scottish Government proactively published guest lists.

“It is normal practice under successive administrations for ministers to provide hospitality to invited guests at a range of events – even Christmas receptions for journalists.” He said Mr Salmond invited his dentist “because he was inviting a range of guests”.

The Scone supper took place before a concert to celebrate the arrival of a stone carving which formed part of the official Homecoming programme, and the concert was attended by 15,000 people.

The event also saw the launch by Mr Salmond of a not-for-profit charitable initiative, he said.

Press and Journal.

“All first ministers and before them secretaries of state had invited guest to a range of events. This has been totally normal, totally appropriate – the only difference is that we publish the information.”

Read more – Original article link

Tweet this!