WARRINGTON’S Mayor Geoff Settle called for “healthy debate” in the town hall chamber at a meeting of the Full council this week – and an end to personal attacks and “sledging” comments.
Cllr Settle, who has embraced social media as the town’s first “Digital Mayor” said: “It is my role to chair this meeting and whilst there must be healthy debate I have noted that personal attacks and sledging comments have been increasing over the last couple of years.
“In my opinion the debate should be about the issues and decision made as a consequence of the facts, skills and arguments of those debating or asking questions.
“We should not follow the poor examples often seen in the House of Commons.
“I take the point that it is difficult to control emotions and I am no saint in this area but I would appreciate it if members would respond at Full Council in an appropriate way and not act as parents, children or sledging cricketers as has been the case.”
He added that Cllr Peter Carey did offer an invitation during his mayoral year of a prize for the best debater and the award went to Cllr Paul Kennedy.
Last year’s former mayor Cllr Ted Finnegan made similar pleas.
“I hope that everyone will enter into this spirit of improved debate with respect to other members,” added Cll Settle.
After the meeting he said “most members” had entered into the spirit of the occasion.
Cllr Settle has been well used to dealing with personal attacks and “sledging” comments as one of the original members of the warrington-worldwide discussion former – long before his political career.
Plenty of healthy debate continues on the forum check it out HERE
1 Comment
Well said Mayor Settle and here’s hoping all the silly personal attacks we often read in the new stop too. I’ve often found them childish to read.
A prize for the best debater though? That made me smile as it reminded me of my sons primary school when they used to give stickers out if you were good, and if you very very good you could even get a head teachers award. Perhaps you could supply all councillors with a sicker book and when they fill each page they get a lollipop or something ha ha