Independent Salford Councillor likens Coventry Socialist Councillor to Nazi
Yesterday Salford independent councillor Joe O’Neill used his blog to liken Coventry councillor and former Labour MP Dave Nellis to a Nazi. Frankly, I think this kind of behaviour crosses the line of behaviour expected from an elected representative. It’s one thing to accuse right-wing fascist politicians of being Nazis, especially when they’ve been caught expressing admiration for Hitler and the like, but for Cllr. O’Neill to level the charge at a left wing councillor who as far as I’m aware has campaigned against racism and fascism is astonishing. I personally don’t have a huge amount of time for Cllr. Nellis’s ideology, but I do believe that holders of public office should show each other a little more respect than this.
These are Cllr. O’Neill’s orginal words from yesterday:
“Perhaps a Labour member could update me on who this ranting guy was. Thats the way the Hazel campaign is going, Barry told me he was booted out of the Labour party seemed to have new converts tonight. I listened to him speak perhaps if he put on a German accent, and i closed my eyes it could have been 1939 all over again?”
Sadly, Cllr. O’Neill has an unfortunate habit of going back to old posts and changing them when they become embarrassing, so he’s since added an extra rider to the post make his original post seem less offensive and removed the word ‘ranting’.
You can see the original post here, and the modified one from just minutes ago here. No doubt the comment about ‘right wing Liberal nuts’ is aimed at me. I’m not sure that the best thing to do when you’ve been caught doing something wrong, rude and offensive is to insult the person who catches you whilst using language that many with mental health issues would themselves find offensive, but hey ho.
Edit: for reference – Cllr. Nellis was in Salford for the candidate selection of the Hazel Must Go campaign – a platform being used by members of the left, disaffected with Labour, to seek election. If it were really about ousting Hazel the group would have thrown their weight behind the Lib Dems who are the current main challenger to Hazel, but in reality this is just yet another socialist platform disguised as something else.
5:48 pm on February 5th, 2010
Is the word Nazi mentioned in the post? Could he have been making comparison to the worrying eminence of forthright individuals with unwavering ideological viewpoints and the ability these individuals have to garner an almost cult like reverence among followers.
Councillor J.O’neill used a crude analogy but I know he adhores all branches of extremism. This is another example of Liberal histrionics.
6:08 pm on February 5th, 2010
Oh please – you’re clutching at straws.
“perhaps if he put on a German accent, and i closed my eyes it could have been 1939 all over again?”
You’re really trying to tell me that that comment isn’t likening cllr. Nellis to a Nazi? Seriously? If you believe that then you’re lying to yourself.
Perhaps there was some non-Nazi ‘ranting’ German politician making speeches in 1939 that your father was likening cllr. Nellis to? Didn’t think so.
1:24 am on February 17th, 2010
Was he even there? Perhaps we should check the signing in sheets, maybe he used an alias?
Who is this Cllr O’Neil figure?! I think I’ve seen him around, shame he left the Lib Dems but it sounds as if you are better off without him! The “Independent” brand certainly isn’t getting much of credibility at the moment. Mr O’neil certainly wasn’t sat with our other friendly Liberal-leaning City Councillors!
I’ve invited Cllr Norman Owen along to previous meeting including the one back in September where we had a brief chat and we were delighted he came along, unfortunately he’s not had much to say – everyone’s had their opportunity including the Lib Dems, the Chair of the Salford and Eccles CLP had her two-pence, a few Tories and the vast majority of people who don’t currently vote – goodness even Richard Carvath contributed at one stage but not a word of advice or even constructive criticism from the Liberal Democrats…
Although I still have a great deal of time for you folks even if the most prominent of your collective don’t have a lot to say for yourselves.
Warmest Wishes
4:16 pm on February 17th, 2010
I’d have thought David Henry would be best buddies with the Lib Dems.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is on public record as supporting gay ‘marriage’ and as wanting all schools to teach that homosexuality is normal and harmless (which it certainly isn’t). Nick Clegg also wants infected gay blood (which is currently banned) in the national blood bank.
As a practising sodomite and a militant gay activist David Henry couldn’t ask for anything more than what the Lib Dems stand for.
5:22 pm on February 17th, 2010
You’d have thought so, but there are few active lib dems on the ground in East Salford for some reason… but I do indeed have a lot of time and respect for the work of Liberal Democrats – especially in Parliament and the Lords despite having a few ideological disagreements.
Oh come on Richard! Would you be willing to provide hard evidence that I am a “practising sodomite”? -I doubt it unless you’ve been hanging around outside my bedroom window like you do outside that Brothel in Swinton! Besides, I’ve not “had any” in quite a while, I’m settled with my partner and like most long-term relationships sex goes on a back burner after a few years – now it’s all about the LOVE! You know that!
If sex before Marriage is a Sin, surely you should welcome Nick Clegg’s support to ensure it is more inclusive (long time coming – the Greens have supported it for years) – you may think homosexuality is a Sin, but at least if “the gays” can join in then you can rest assured they’ll be committing one less Sin to burn in the bowels of hell for!
5:31 pm on February 17th, 2010
I won’t dignify Richard’s homophobic, vile and incoherent ranting with an answer because it doesn’t deserve one.
David – the reasons we’ve not given advice or criticism to the Hazel Must Go campaign is because we don’t think there’s any point – you haven’t a cat in hell’s chance of getting in, and frankly the closest challenge and best hope of getting Hazel out is to vote Lib Dem.
8:40 pm on February 17th, 2010
Incoherent ranting? Don’t think so!
Nick Clegg’s views are here:
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/02/16/lib-dem-leader-nick-clegg-answers-your-questions/