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Regional press news - this story published 18 March 2004

"The editor's comments are beyond the pale"

by holdthefrontpage staff

Torbay's councillors have responded in impressive fashion to the Herald Express plea for their mass resignation.

Editor Brendan Hanrahan urged them all to step down in a front page missive following council tax rises and an increase in members' allowances.

He said: "The people of Torbay are perplexed and some are apoplectic with rage."

The paper contacted all but eight of the elected members, and although some declined to comment, the others were more than happy to respond.

Among the comments given to reporters were:

"I think the editor's comments are beyond the pale, quite honestly"

"Mr Hanrahan only moved here to be editor. I have much deeper roots."

"I think the Herald Express should be a little more supportive of the council."

"As far as I am concerned your editor should put two blank pages in the paper for wrapping fish and chips."

"I find it very annoying the vicious comments coming out of the paper."

"I don't buy the Herald Express any more, and you can quote me on that."

"The sooner you get a new editor the better."

There were some supportive messages for the editor - but not many. They included:

"It is an embarrassment to be a member of this discredited council."

"I was elected for four years and I intend to do the job to the best of my ability."

"I agree to take part in a full council resignation so that the by-elections can take place."

Click here to find out what Brendan said to incur the councillors' wrath.

He got to work on the story after a rise in council tax of 10.1 per cent for the year, and a 35 per cent increase in councillor allowances - for which a working party has now been set up to look at ways of reducing the amount.

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