Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.4°C   S Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Election / Candidates hit out at ‘unacceptable’ Facebook comments about first minister

BY-ELECTION candidates have criticised misogynistic comments made on social media about Nicola Sturgeon’s recent visit to Shetland.

Several derogatory comments were made about the first minister on a Shetland Times Facebook post in relation to her trip to the isles earlier this week, where she visited the Cunningsburgh Show on Wednesday. The post has since been removed.

There were also some derogatory comments posted on the Shetland News Facebook page following our coverage of the first minister’s visit which we have since removed.

Labour candidate Johan Adamson said on Thursday that there was no place for “hatred or violence” towards anyone.

“I can understand the passion people have regarding politics and this by-election but stirring up hatred or violence towards any woman or man is totally unacceptable,” she said.

“There are three female candidates in this by-election and many women in politics who deserve respect, not least for being brave enough to stand in a world of male privilege.”

Scottish Greens candidate Debra Nicolson said she also been “subjected to a little bit of this type of behaviour” herself.

“This misogynistic behaviour has to be called out and stopped in its tracks,” she added.

“It’s this sort of thing that stops women getting involved in politics. It’s just not acceptable.”

SNP candidate Tom Wills also gave his thoughts on the subject, saying “no woman should have to suffer sexist abuse online, or anywhere else”.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow candidates Johan Adamson and Debra Nicolson for posting messages of solidarity with Nicola Sturgeon (and women in politics more generally), in response to the abusive comments,” he said.

“Gender equality transcends party boundaries, and it is encouraging to see online abuse being challenged collectively across party lines. Sexism in politics and our society is regrettably still widespread. So long as this is the case, we all have a duty to stand up to it.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

“I hope that this is the last time we see abusive comments like these in Shetland.”

The Liberal Democrats’ Beatrice Wishart, meanwhile, said: “Sexism is utterly unacceptable and all too often turns women away from public life.

“We have a duty to call it out and I’m heartened my fellow candidates and I are united in that.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.