Top Ayrshire councillors warned not to answer reporter's questions

Mar 12 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TOP councillors should not answer reporters’ questions – without first checking with their PR department.

And they should not tell reporters anything ‘off the record’ without making the same check.

These are two of the points in a media relations protocol devised for South Ayrshire Council.

Councillors unanimously approved the protocol, issued by the head of a four-person communications team.

But a former Ayrshire Post deputy editor believes it’s unhealthy for our democracy.

Jim Cuthbert covered local authority politics for more than 30 years.

He said: “Councillors are elected by the people, and the press is entitled to contact them to ask them to justify their decisions.

“Councillors should be able to articulate their point of view, without having to consult someone who will take control and orchestrate a statement.”

Jim added: “Many of my best stories were from ‘off the record’ chats. I would be given information by councillors, showing their party in a good light, and the opposition in a poorer light.

“But for goodness sake, that’s politics. If you can’t stand the heat, you shouldn’t be in the kitchen.”

The protocol says press enquiries received by the council leader or councillor who chair committees should be discussed with the PR team.

Ann Galbraith, now a councillor for Maybole, North Carrick and Coylton, is a former editor of the Ayr Advertiser.

She said: “I look on this as an advisory document – not compulsory.”

Councillor Galbraith added: “It may be helpful when there is a new intake of councillors, some of whom may have no experience in dealing with press enquiries.

“But my view on the media relations protocol is that it’s for guidance.

“And I don’t think it will prevent information passing between councillors and journalists.”