Carmichael Survives Legal Challenge Despite "Blatant Lie"

[Rasczak]

A number of constituents from Orkney and Shetland mounted a legal challenge against Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael on the grounds he misled the public relating to the 'Nicola Sturgeon' memo:
Alistair Carmichael case: Legal bid to oust Lib Dem MP fails - BBC News

Although the court slammed his actions as a "blatant lie", they dismissed the case. Carmichael is "absolutely delighted" with the decision.

Notwithstanding his de-selection would probably have led to another SNP MP, I think this is a poor day for our democracy. Yes, politicians lie - but shouldn't we expect higher standards and, when so blatant, hold them to account for it?

 

[nabby]

No worse than what that Tory MP did wrt death threats from a constituent and putting it on Facebook.

Two wrongs don't make a right though

 

[krish]

Three words spring to mind:
Green
fraud
Michael

 

[tapzilla2k]

This is why we really do need the right to recall MP's. This sort of behaviour should be subject to a recall after the electoral court processes have taken their course. The electorate is the ultimate judge or should be.

 

[Trollslayer]

Isn't this down to the voters who don't pay attention to the candidates before voting?

 

[tapzilla2k]

Unless you are switched on and pay attention to what Politicians say and fact check, it's quite difficult for most people to distinguish the truth from spin towards outright lies.

I think us having a right to recall an MP would perhaps make them think more carefully about how they conduct themselves. How you set up a right to recall so it's not used willy nilly is a hard question to answer, but it's not impossible.

 

[Rasczak]

Unless you are switched on and pay attention to what Politicians say and fact check, it's quite difficult for most people to distinguish the truth from spin towards outright lies.

I think us having a right to recall an MP would perhaps make them think more carefully about how they conduct themselves. How you set up a right to recall so it's not used willy nilly is a hard question to answer, but it's not impossible.

Agreed. I am not quite sure what Trollslayer meant from his post at #5 but, as far as I remember, the timeline here was: "lie", election then admission of said "lie". I am not sure that enables people to "pay attention to the candidates before voting". In this case the media and the public did pay attention - hence the outcry!