Fears 'toxic' political atmosphere putting off hopefuls in Edinburgh
Councillors in Edinburgh are being encouraged to promote "respectful debate" as aggression escalates in the Capital's political sphere
There are fears that the 'toxic' atmosphere surrounding politics in Scotland, and Edinburgh in particular, is putting off hopefuls from entering the political arena.
It's claimed there is a concerning level of escalation in behaviour towards Councillors and others involved in Politics.
The SNP and Lib Dem groups have submitted a joint motion to full Council today (Thursday August 25th) encouraging "respectful debate".
In a cross-party effort, which the two parties hope will receive support from all corners of the council chamber, the SNP and Lib Dems have called upon Edinburgh’s councillors to lead the way in improving the tenor of political debate.
SNP Group Leader Adam McVey said:
“It’s essential we are able to vigorously debate and discuss our differences as politicians and represent our constituents robustly. People who voted for all our respective parties and candidates and expected us to fight for our beliefs.
“However it’s important to remember our disagreements are not personal. We can hold politicians in power to account without the need for demonising personal attacks. And we can set out our ideas in a way which respects differing views, even when strongly challenging them.
"We’re hopeful that again Council passes this motion but also takes a pause to remember why we are here and keep debate centred on parties, record and ideas, not attacking individual people and their families – we know where that leads.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, who is seconding the motion said:
“Too many talented people, including many women and people from ethnic minority groups, are put off standing for election because they fear being targeted with personal abuse.
"Such attacks should never be an accepted part of any job. This is why it's so important that as elected members we set the right example.
"When we disagree, we should absolutely have robust but respectful debate, but it must be about ideas and never about individuals.“