SNP Hit Out At Sex Offenders Fudge

Two separate meetings within a week, two separate policies on dealing with sex offenders within the community demonstrates Labour weaknesses in Falkirk Council.

At the first meeting of Falkirk Council's Housing & Social Work Committee the new Labour / Tory Administration convenor of that committee, Gerry Goldie shocked the meeting by rejecting the advice of Social Work professionals and called on the Scottish government to publish the names of those on the Sex Offenders Register. Goldie then went on to force a vote on the committee to commit the council to this policy position despite the fact the matter had never been fully debated or researched.

Officers also warned that the Labour position, if implemented, would be unworkable, drive sex offenders underground thus increasing the danger and also lead to a mob mentality that would result in innocent people being hurt.

However, with the support of Tory, John Patrick and Independent, Alex Waddell Goldie's motion was passed by 7 votes to five.

A week later, Falkirk Council leader, Linda Gow, moved a completely different amendment at the council's Policy & Resources Committee when the report was referred there contradicting her Housing and Social Work Convenor.

A few days earlier the Falkirk Herald described the process of dealing with sex offenders within the community as sensitive and requiring of mature consideration and debate. However, what the people of Falkirk are being subjected to in this important area of community safety is the sound-bite mentality of New Labour.

The policy confusion of the Labour / Tory Administration was rounded on by SNP Leader, David Alexander, in a withering attack on the divisions of within the Administration and the impact their policy would have on community safety.

"Since Labour won the cut of the cards in May policy initiatives have been difficult to trace within this Administration. If ever a group of politicians were ever unprepared for power it is this current mixed bag of Labour, Tories and maverick Independents.

That is why it is so disappointing to find that when we do have a policy initiative not only is it a back of a cigarette packet policy but one that makes Falkirk Council a laughing stock."