SNP candidate’s “community justice” comments condemned

Comments made by an SNP candidate that politicians are “fair target for community justice” have been condemned by a Labour MSP.

Earlier today, Mark Ferguson wrote about the exchange he had Natalie McGarry, the SNP candidate in Glasgow East, in which she refused to distance herself from the remark.

https://twitter.com/nataliemcgarry/status/587201464466038786

McGarry’s Labour opponent, Shadow Scotland Secretary Margaret Curran, has been targeted by protesters following and filming her when out speaking to constituents. McGarry says she does not believe that is “the best course of action” because of the intrusion on voters, but that she is happy with “people journalism” and “community justice” – implying that the harassment of Curran would be acceptable were she not out canvassing.

The SNP PPC now claims that “community justice” means “politicians being voted out at the ballot box“.

Paul Martin, a Labour MSP in Glasgow, has condemned the comments:

“This weekend we have seen attacks on campaign offices in Aberdeen and today revelations that SNP members are responsible for following and filming Scottish Labour politicians in their communities.

“It is astonishing that the SNP candidate in Glasgow East stands by her comments that “politicians are fair target for community justice.” This is totally unacceptable for a parliamentary candidate. She appears to believe that as long as no other members of the public are involved, following and filming politicians can be justified.

“Nicola Sturgeon has had to rein in her supporters again this week. It seems they still haven’t got the message. She needs to address this behaviour head on, and not simply respond after incidents have taken place.”