Anger over email 'insult' (From Gazette Series)

Anger over email 'insult'

A MAN has questioned the attitude of his local authority towards St George's Day after being told by a council officer she "does not care about English day".

Gary Eales said he extremely proud of his English heritage and was surprised to be told a member of staff working for South Gloucestershire Council does not care about St George's Day. Mr Eales said he is concerned this may the view of the whole council.

But this week development manager Trish McGrath apologised for the response she sent to an email from Mr Eales.

In his email Mr Eales asked: "The Americans have July 4, the French, Indians and Irish have their national day. What about the English?

"Will you wear a red nose and will the council fly the flag? "'There is a forgotten, nay almost forbidden word, which means more to me than any other. That word is England' - Winston Churchill."

Mr Eales said he was interested to see how the council would be marking St George's Day on April 23.

"I love my country," he added. "I believe we have much to celebrate in many areas - for example the arts, science, medicine - I could go on for ever.

"I think England has a strange attitude towards celebrating its culture. Some say we don't have one worth celebrating - I disagree."

But Mr Eales said he was insulted by the response he received.

In it Ms McGrath stated: "Who are you and why have you emailed me? I don't really care about English day - I'm Irish. Celebrate oppression and the war????? Go ahead!"

Mr Eales said: "My initial response was - does she speak for the whole council? I was insulted and I wonder if she was disciplined for her comments.

"I bet I could do some research and find many instances where people all over the UK have either lost their jobs or have been disciplined for saying negative things about the Irish, and other minorities."

Trish McGrath was unavailable to comment on the correspondence. But in a statement South Gloucestershire Council said it always marks St George's Day and the officer was not speaking on behalf of the council.

Spokeswoman Kirsty Steadman said: "The council always flies the flag on St George's Day at all of its offices. The comment in the email is not the view of the council and the officer involved immediately apologised."

The council's executive member for strategy, values and principles, Cllr Sue Hope (Lib Dem, Cotswold Edge), said people celebrate St George's Day in their own way.

"I am certain the comment by the officer was a personal one and not on behalf of the council and I am sure she regrets it," added Cllr Hope. "We do fly St George's flag in our offices to mark the day and when I was chairman of the council I attended services to commemorate the day.

"The council celebrates many occasions in different styles and cultures and people celebrate St George's Day in their own way."