What the commission also said

In response to The Shetland Times article “Councillor exonerated by Standards Commission over Judane complaint”, I feel the public has a right to know what the Standards Commission actually said about Mr Robinson. Their criticisms included:

“… he felt he was being prompted by Mr Bevington to say that there should be a police investigation …”

“His subsequent references to fraud and the possible involvement of the police were however premature given that, at that stage, an explanation had not been sought.”

“… could be criticised for adding to the call for the investigation rather than simply seeking that explanation, and using phraseology that showed poor judgement and a lack of courtesy to the complainants.”

“… it was principally Councillor Robinson who sought clarification. It would have been preferable if he had done so directly with the directors of Judane, or Councillor Caroline Miller as the account holder, rather than airing his concerns through <i>The Shetland News</i>. He might indeed have phrased his comments in a more measured manner, or referred the reporter to the Convener or senior officers of the Council.”

“While the respondent’s attributed comments in <i>The Shetland News</i> clearly aligned him with the former factory tenant’s call for a police investigation, which necessarily implied the suspicion of some criminal practice …”

“The reference to £400,000 having been written-off was inaccurate …”

Exoneration? This is not even being damned with faint praise. For my part, the matter can end here and now with the offending councillor issuing a public apology.

Judith Miller
62 St Olaf Street,
Lerwick.

Should anybody doubt that Mr Robinson was exonerated, they can read the Standards Commission report at http://www.standardscommissionscotland.org.uk/investigations/shetland_island/la_si_932_933.html</i> [Ed.]