This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/north_east/6998610.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Aide quits in 'dead language' row | Aide quits in 'dead language' row |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A Labour researcher has resigned after calling the Welsh language "practically brain dead" on an internet chat room. | A Labour researcher has resigned after calling the Welsh language "practically brain dead" on an internet chat room. |
David Collins, who worked for Vale of Clwyd Assembly Member Ann Jones, said he deeply regretted his comments, but his position had become "untenable". | David Collins, who worked for Vale of Clwyd Assembly Member Ann Jones, said he deeply regretted his comments, but his position had become "untenable". |
The Cardiff school governor had said Welsh "could not be taught to children whose families don't want it revived or couldn't care less about it". | The Cardiff school governor had said Welsh "could not be taught to children whose families don't want it revived or couldn't care less about it". |
But he later claimed he had meant to say "dead" and not "brain dead". | But he later claimed he had meant to say "dead" and not "brain dead". |
Mr Collins claimed he made a mistake due to his "careless typing". | Mr Collins claimed he made a mistake due to his "careless typing". |
In a letter to the AM he wrote: "It is clear to me that it is untenable for me to remain in your employment. | In a letter to the AM he wrote: "It is clear to me that it is untenable for me to remain in your employment. |
Both my children went to Welsh medium school and as a learner myself I have always wholeheartedly supported the Welsh language Ann Jones AM | |
"As you know, the comments I left were personal and in no way reflective of your opinions or the policy of Wales Labour Party. On reflection I deeply regret having written them. | "As you know, the comments I left were personal and in no way reflective of your opinions or the policy of Wales Labour Party. On reflection I deeply regret having written them. |
"As a dedicated and committed constituency representative I know that you work with and stand up for the interests of all the people of the Vale of Clwyd. | "As a dedicated and committed constituency representative I know that you work with and stand up for the interests of all the people of the Vale of Clwyd. |
"It was not my intention to cause you this embarrassment and I can only apologise." | "It was not my intention to cause you this embarrassment and I can only apologise." |
He added: "I would just like to say in conclusion that it has been a pleasure to work for such a stalwart and principled politician as yourself over the past seven or so years." | He added: "I would just like to say in conclusion that it has been a pleasure to work for such a stalwart and principled politician as yourself over the past seven or so years." |
In a statement, Ms Jones said she had accepted the resignation and wanted to "disassociate myself completely" from Mr Collins's comments. | |
She added: "I would like to reiterate my strong, continuing support for the Welsh language and my commitment to work hard on behalf of all my constituents. | |
"Both my children went to Welsh medium school and as a learner myself I have always wholeheartedly supported the Welsh language, which is a matter of public record. | |
"That remains my position and I will not be detracting from my support for the Welsh language.'' |
Previous version
1
Next version