LIBDEM MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton has been accused of "pathetic" behaviour after his motion in the Scottish Parliament criticising the SNP for a party political broadcast that appeared to mock Herald columnist David Torrance.
WATCH: The SNP's new video stars a character who reminds everyone of David Torrance
Cole-Hamilton announced the move on Twitter, describing the video as a "worrying, Trumpian challenge to press freedom", and added that he had reported it to Ofcom.
The MSP faced a large backlash of criticism, including from the SNP's James Dornan, who pointed out that he had failed to sign a motion condemning the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
So while you write pathetic infantile motions pretending you’re concerned about freedom for and safety of the Media I note you’ve ‘forgotten’ to sign my motion on the murdered journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. This motion is an embarrassment to your constituents and parliament. pic.twitter.com/ucjxGe1bPg
— James Dornan SNP (@glasgowcathcart) January 19, 2018
I’ve written an alternative for Alex, what do you think folks? That the parliament condemns the giggling at a mate of mine which I’m sure was done by some of those SNP folks, that this is typical of their bad behaviour and urges them to give me my teddy back as it’s my bedtime https://t.co/6RumNkRYLU
— James Dornan SNP (@glasgowcathcart) January 19, 2018
The motion also criticises the SNP for misleading viewers by trying to take credit for the introduction of free personal care for the elderly.
Others claimed it was obvious the point made in the broadcast was of the government continuing to provide the care despite budget pressure.
Twitter users joined in with the criticism of Cole-Hamilton's motion.
You're now trending in Glasgow. pic.twitter.com/0lQDCQfhp2
— Ross Colquhoun (@rosscolquhoun) January 19, 2018
Why aren’t you doing proper Parliamentary work - the day job - instead of behaving like a wee bairn?
— Cameron McNeish (@CameronMcNeish) January 19, 2018
And David Torrance's SNP MSP namesake gave his seal of approval to the video.
David Torrance definitely approves of the Party Political Broadcast
— David Torrance MSP (@DavidHTorrance) January 19, 2018
However, journalist Torrance told the Herald: “I find it hard to believe an established political party like the SNP would be so insecure and puerile as to depict a political commentator in one of its broadcasts.
“Besides, the real David Torrance would have pointed out that they were claiming credit – not for the first time – for policies that had nothing to do with their decade in government.”
Set in a house party, and based on a scene in Monty Python’s Life of Brian, the video features a man called Davey who can't stop banging on about the failings of the SNP government to other guests.
“Mind, Davey’s banging on about politics again,” says the host to a pair of newly arrived guest.
As they head towards the fridge, the bespectacled, bearded hipster moves towards them: “That SNP have been in government for ten years, that’s a decade,” he shouts. “A decade! And I ask you what have the SNP government ever done for us.”
Partygoers respond by talking about key SNP policies such free tuition, climate targets, baby boxes and the scrapping of prescription fees.
It’s all capped off with an appearance from Nicola Sturgeon, who tells the man: “Well let’s not forget we're using Scotland's budget to protect vital frontline service and shield the most vulnerable families from Westminster cuts”.
A shocked and humiliated Davey then gets sprayed in the face by a fizzed up can of lager.
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