Letter to Local Press (Rejected by Editor)
Letter to the Editor
What a shame that our MP, Mr Alan Duncan, did not take more of an interest in these very important local matters before, matters on which he now proceeds to make such defamatory statements about us. Mr Duncan knows that the one thing we do before making any comment is to research our facts thoroughly, facts we believe the people of Rutland have a right to know. Just at what point did Mr Duncan engage with us to ascertain the facts in this matter, before deciding to make such defamatory remarks in public through press and radio? That, we believe, was his first duty before comment.
Given Mr Duncan does not want to hear our side of the story, then let’s have a public debate with him on these facts, let Mr Duncan explain to the people of Rutland how all these decisions have been taken and how those decisions are in the best interest of the Rutland electorate, and then let the people decide who is right and who is serving them to best effect.
If not, I say to Mr Duncan, let the proper Courts decide who is right? Not some Kangaroo Court where those making the accusations sit as both Judge and Jury, with trumped up false accusations and only one side speaking. Uphold democracy Mr Duncan, as is your duty to this Country and as an MP elected by the people of Rutland. Show that you are an MP of substance with true character and show that you only wish to see the best for this Country and Rutland, show that you defend the name of truth, openness and transparency which is supposed to be at the heart of Conservative policy and thinking. Do not blindly defame people and try to be a Champion of those who seek to withhold information. Instead start to listen to the people of Barleythorpe, Langham, Hambleton, Edith Weston, who have time and again come to you for help with their own concerns in the running of Rutland Council.
Perhaps at the same time Mr Duncan will also encourage the people who make these allegations to use their own money to put forward their case in the Courts, not use public money. We are prepared to put up our own money to defend ourselves, let them do the same to prove their case. Make them win their case first before you castigate, condemn and defame us in public without trial or jury. One of the mainstays of this Country is that one is; “innocent until proved guilty”, perhaps Mr Duncan should reflect on it.
Councillor David Richardson
Oakham, South West
