Scots Tory leader Douglas Ross has issued another apology after more derogatory comments resurfaced on gypsy travellers.
Ross was confronted at last night’s leaders’ debate over historic claims that the authorities were bending over “backwards” for this “ethnic minority”.
The Moray MP, who took over from Jackson Carlaw last year, has been dogged by remarks he made about gypsy travellers in 2017.
Asked what he would do if he was Prime Minister for a day, he had replied: “I would like to see tougher enforcement against Gypsy travellers."
He apologised for the comment, but critics believe it was a revealing insight into his politics.
The Open Democracy website yesterday unearthed other comments made by Ross when he was a councillor in 2013.
The remarks focused on Ross’ reaction to the Scottish Government approving a travellers’ site in Moray.
“I am disappointed and frustrated that we seem to have to bend over backwards for this ethnic minority,” he was quoted saying.
Asked by the Daily Record if the quote is accurate, a spokesman for the Scottish Tories said: "This historic comment was about a situation where a constituent suffered heavily financially, which Douglas felt was wrong, and he argued on his constituent’s behalf.”
Green co-convener Patrick Harvie challenged Ross about the comments at the STV leaders’ debate,
He said: “I want to suggest to you that you’ve built your political career on divisive language and action against one of Scotland’s most marginalised communities – the gypsy traveller community.”
He added: "Is it your whole party that is prejudiced against gypsy travellers or just you?”
On his 2017 comments, Ross said: “They were wrong, it was the wrong answer to the question that was well put. I should have answered it far better.”
He said of the “ethnic minority” comments:
“In my 10 years as a local councillor and in my time as an MSP and an MP, I’ve always stood up for constituents who have come to me seeking action on issues that they are worried about.
“There was a big issue and we formally had a legal site. It had to be closed by over 100 officers from the former Grampian police because of illegal activity which took place there.
“I will continue to act on behalf of constituents who come to me as a representative, seeking help and advocate the points they put forward.”
Lib Dem candidate Sheila Ritchie said: "From the moment he announced that his first priority as Prime Minister would be 'tougher enforcement against Gypsy Travellers' it's been clear that Douglas Ross is completely incapable of representing the overwhelming majority of Scots.
"As the Scottish Conservatives retreat to a dark and dismal place, Scottish Liberal Democrats will continue to stand up for human rights at home and abroad."
