Provost faces further backlash after controversial Orange walk comments

INVERCLYDE'S Provost is facing further backlash in the aftermath of controversial comments about an Orange Order parade through Gourock at the weekend.

Writing in his weekly Telegraph column last week, Drew McKenzie referred to the ‘gallous swagger’ of those participating in Saturday’s procession and described the event as a ‘spectacle’.

The independent councillor for Inverclyde East Central was condemned for using terms such as 'Tim' and 'Proddy' and quickly backtracked, offering an 'unreserved apology' to anyone offended by the 'not at all appropriate' language.

Now, an online petition has been set up requesting the ward two representative's resignation - with more than 600 people adding their signature so far.

The change.org petition states: "A local authority has a primary responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of the individuals it serves – to foster a sense of safety, unity, and community spirit. That is, after all, the role our Provost signed up for.

"Yet, his views on the Orange walk contradict this responsibility and make it more challenging for the community to maintain peace and unity."

READ MORE: Inverclyde's Provost offers 'unreserved apology' over Gourock Orange walk column

It added to 'further deepen the existing schism does not seem like a fitting move for someone in such a position'.

In response, Cllr McKenzie said he had no further comment.

The under-pressure Provost was targeted by vandals who sprayed sectarian graffiti on a local building over the weekend.

Fellow councillor James Daisley said he had 'stoked the flames of sectarian hatred' and council leader Stephen McCabe also called out his 'ill-judged' comments.

The Provost previously told the Tele that his remarks were an 'error of judgement' in an 'attempt to be humorous'.

READ MORE: Councillor condemns Provost for 'stoking flames of sectarian hatred' in column

In a letter to his colleague, Cllr Daisley said: "Do you understand the decades of work and effort that have gone into working on education and eradicating sectarianism from Inverclyde and Scotland?

“The divide has softened in recent years due to this hard work and effort, and in a single few paragraphs, you have proven that those old attitudes still simmer.

“I cannot remember ever seeing an elected public servant in this country stoke the flames of sectarian hatred as much as this article you have written has done.

“I wonder if you fully understand the true impact of what you have written.”

Police Scotland confirmed that no arrests were made during the event on June 29, which attracted around 3,000 Orange Order members and large crowds of spectators.

Some local businesses closed their doors on the day while roads were temporarily blocked as the procession passed through parts of the town after starting off at Battery Park.