I know and have worked with James McGrath. He is a hard working and straight talking guy, as such I would imagine that he would describe his comments as stupid, or knowing him in stronger terms than that.
Darcus Howe's comments were provocative and ridiculous, as was Marc Wadsworth's question. James let himself be provoked.
His off hand statement has caused embarrassment and has handed our political opponents an opportunity to pick the scab off allegations of racism. These allegations were damaging and distracting during the campaign and this episode is damaging and distracting now.
Like it or not, this has been caused by James' remarks. James is not a racist and his remarks were not racist but they were insensitive
James resigned and Boris accepted his resignation, I understand both of their actions. It is difficult for me to say what I would have done because I haven't had to deal with the mountain of unfair criticism that Boris has had over the last 10 months.
Boris made a tough judgement call and agree with it or not it was a decision forced on him by the answer that James gave. I find it ironic that some of Boris' most passionate critics demand forgiveness and loyalty from Boris while displaying little towards him themselves.
23 June, 2008
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7 comments:
McGrath's comments were mildly offensive but should be seen in the context of a response to Darcus Howe's comment, a comment that is in it's own right should be offensive to the majority in the Black community.
But McGrath's single comment should be compared to the series of comments made by Boris over the years which, had they been made by McGrath, would certainly have got him sacked. So why is it alright for the Mayor to be offensive and use racist language, but not acceptable for his employees and advisers?
I hope that if Boris ever again makes comments that you find 'insensitive' that the GLA call on him to resign as Mayor and that Cameron expels him from the party. Politicians must at the very least be judged by their own values if they hope to have any credibility and dignity.
Why didn't McGrath say something like "all communities will find London a better place after four years of Boris"? For a political advisor, he doesn't seem to have much judgement.
Boris had not much choice but to sack him, but could have handled the whole thing a lot better. I was a passionate Boris supporter, but I hope he's not going to make a habit of handling things stupidly.
James, perhaps you could add links to the relavent articles?
Links for you cripy:http://www.the-latest.com
Iain Dale - Boris and his absent backbone
sorry, meant to call you crispy. It doesn't work so well when I miss out letters - just makes me look stupid, but then I am sure you and many of James's readers have already established that.
Poor old McGrath, he put in all that effort, and was soooo close to the trough, and poof, all gone. I hope he got at least one expenses claim in!!
Iaian seems to have hit the nail on the head whne he says that all BJ's opponents have to do is shout "racist!" and the axe will swing!
As a school friend of James, I can assure he is no racist. James' greatest strength is also his biggest flaw in that he is very passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve.
I would hate for the people of London to only remember him for this as it denigrates his true moral character.
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