PRESS RELEASE

September 11th, 2008

MacAskill is the daft laddie, according to MSP

Labour party chair Duncan McNeil last night branded Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill a ‘daft laddie’ during a Parliament debate on prisons.

In the Prisons Commission debate, he compared Mr MacAskill to the young men he is trying to free from the prison system.

The comment follows a string of controversial announcements and policies the cabinet secretary has announced.

He also called for victims of crime – like Damian’s Law campaigner and constituent John Muir – to be given a voice in the forthcoming sentencing council.

Mr McNeil said: “On this issue he debated today; he has failed to assure the public that he cares more about their safety than he does about saving money.

“As if it isn’t bad enough for victims who have to live side-by-side with what he describes as a ‘daft laddie’ who makes their life a misery week in week out, now they are told they will have to work beside them aswell.

“While they maybe forced to put up with that, what they will not accept is a daft laddie running the courts and prisons.

“The Cabinet Secretary needs to up his game.”

ENDS