Former first minister Alex Salmond’s Courier column about Jim Murphy’s resignation as leader of Scottish Labour has sparked controversy online.
In his Courier Column on Monday, available here, the new MP for Gordon said voters were concerned about the direction of Scottish Labour and that Mr Murphy was “part of the problem, not the solutiion”.
Normally, politicians pay tribute to opponents following a resignation but Mr Salmond instead opted to pour salt in Mr Murphy’s wounds.
He described the MP, who lost his seat on May 7, as having an “antagonistic attitude” towards people.
The controversial column was heavily criticised on Twitter on Tuesday, although some SNP supporters defended their former leader’s views.
Scottish Daily Mail columnist Chris Deerin was appalled at Mr Salmond’s language:
an absolutely extraordinary, graceless, arrogant piece. Just wow. http://t.co/kxjBjGTs2Z
— Chris Deerin (@chrisdeerin) May 19, 2015
This provoked a response from comedian Al Murray who was also less than impressed:
@chrisdeerin no it's funny because he makes a joke about them not having a party, because party and party are the same word you see funny
— Al Murray the318 (@almurray) May 19, 2015
Political commentator Euan McColm said:
the former first minister, gracious as ever: http://t.co/gGwZpMBUzJ
— euan mccolm (@euanmccolm) May 19, 2015
Jim Murphy’s chief of staff John McTernan added:
https://twitter.com/johnmcternan/status/600603323545341952
Many people also saw Mr Salmond’s discussion of his donations to charity as self-aggrandising, with one Twitter user comparing the former First Minister to Alan Partridge:
Salmond's transformation into Scottish politics' Alan Partridge continues:http://t.co/XjDJDTCC97 pic.twitter.com/AcG4QhLCQ0
— Chairman Moët (@ChairmanMoet) May 19, 2015
However, there was some support for Mr Salmond.
Glasgow SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter posted:
https://twitter.com/MhairiHunter/status/600614775819730944
She later added:
feel bad seeing unionists lament the graceless nature of Alex's piece on Jim Murphy cos they've always been so gracious about Alex.
— Mhairi Hunter (@MhairiHunter) May 19, 2015