LABOUR MSP Neil Findlay appeared to insult those who speak the Scots language in his response to a tweet by Nicola Sturgeon, as the First Minister criticised inaccurate reporting of this week's Union flag "fake news".
“It luks lik Nikula wants to shut doom the nashunal” pic.twitter.com/yTQyfYKNr6
— Neil Findlay MSP (@NeilFindlay_MSP) January 26, 2018
The bizarre tweet left some social media users entirely confused about who Findlay was pretending to quote, whereas others called it "out of order" and "nonsense politics".
Three publications claimed earlier this week that Sturgeon had ordered the Union flag be flown less, but she quickly set out why the allegation was false.
The Daily Mail published an apology and correction yesterday, but the others have yet to do so, and key Tory figures have refused to back down.
While The National did recently introduce a host of new columnists writing in Scots, Doric and Gaelic – with Ashley Douglas this week writing about the democratic process in relation to Brexit – Findlay's decision to represent National readers using a mock form of the language brought a backlash from Twitter users.
I’m not sure what’s meant to be funny here. Or who’s being quoted.
— Khaleesi 🏴 (@KatieKhaleesi) January 27, 2018
Are we just making fun of Scottish accents, the working class, people with literacy problems, or learning difficulties?
Can’t tell, Neil. You’ll need to specify for us. https://t.co/fG0HNTLrcz
Can’t tell you how offensive I think this is in so many ways ! A bit gutted actually because I thought you might be better than that
— fiona macdonald (@famos366) January 27, 2018
Who are you quoting there?
— Ross McCafferty (@RossMcCaff) January 26, 2018
Well done. I am sure this tweet will halt the decline of Scottish labour under that new guy you know the one that went to an exclusive £28k a year private school like quite a few of your Slab MSP colleagues. #forthefew #lipupfatty
— Chitterinlicht (@Chitterinlicht) January 27, 2018
Mr Findlay - I can't begin to describe how sad it makes me that Labour politics has come down to this sort of nonsense. I makes me ashamed that I used to be a Labour party member....thankfully I am not any more. Your tweet is offensive on many levels.
— M'ogan (@WrenChapman) January 27, 2018
The Labour Branch Party Brexit spokesperson advertising to the world why he is incapable of negotiating anything with anyone
— Jimmy Ross🏴 (@dunphail) January 27, 2018
Sheesh.. A tweet that could have come from a child. And you are meant to be an MSP? You really want to think about growing up. Deary me..
— TartanTrews8 (@TartanTrews8) January 27, 2018
As an English Labour supporter I am gobsmacked by this. Lowering standards to Tory level
— Debra Paget (@dyson123) January 27, 2018
A newspaper admits to publishing a story that is untrue about a fellow politician & this is your response. Solidarity in the workplace, eh Neil
— susan o'neill (@SusanonSusan) January 27, 2018
This is the level of @scottishlabour now.
— tom donald (@tomclearwood) January 27, 2018
Going to stop following you now. Thought you were ok but you're really an infantile embarrassment to Scottish politics. Up the road Neil! #snpbad #indyref2 #Brexitshambles
— Jingle Bees #MMT (@Chocolatebees) January 27, 2018
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel