Firebrand MP George Galloway, who was roundly criticised for his derogatory comments on his home city, has backed Dundee’s bid to be City of Culture 2017.
The Respect MP for Bradford East has surprised everyone, including Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie, by offering his support to the city council’s bid for the UK title.
Mr Galloway who has previously described Lochee as a “slum” area when he was growing up then caused a row last year when he said in a newspaper column that the RRS Discovery may be Dundee’s only cultural attraction.
The MP added: “Please don’t send a list of the other gems I’m overlooking.”
SNP MP Stewart Hosie, who has tabled an early day motion (EDM) praising the appointment of Brian Cox, Lorraine Kelly and Sheena Wellington as city champions for the bid, has welcomed the surprise support of Dundee-born Galloway.
He said: “I’m delighted that George Galloway, whose previous trenchant comments on Dundee’s cultural attractions or, as he saw it, lack of them caused something of a stushie has nevertheless sponsored my EDM which lays out a comprehensive list of the city’s cultural strengths.
“Just last year he had written in a news-paper column that ‘the city doesn’t have many tourist attractions. Indeed, the Discovery, Captain Scott’s old boat, may be the only one,’ he said.
“Now, he is sponsoring my EDM, and I’m very pleased to have his support on behalf of the city of Dundee.
“The city has a very strong case and a vibrant cultural life, and my EDM lists some of the key attractions which will help us to win the title.”
Mr Hosie’s EDM states: “That this House welcomes the appointment of actor Brian Cox, television presenter Lorraine Kelly and traditional singer Sheena Wellington to help highlight the unique strengths of Dundee City Council’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2017;
“Recognises that the city’s great cultural strengths include the only full-time theatre company in Scotland, at Dundee Rep, which is also host to Scottish Dance Theatre and a pioneering community programme, the popular Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, the award-winning McManus Galleries, Verdant Works Museum, Dundee Science Centre and the Mills Observatory, the only full-time public astronomical observatory in the UK;
“Celebrates the contributions made by the University of Dundee, the University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee College and Al Maktoum College of Higher Education, which continue to play a prominent part in city life and support the creativity of the burgeoning digital media and video games sectors in the city;
“Notes the continued success of the Dundee Literary Festival and the Dundee International Book Prize… and the thriving musical and arts scene; further notes the contribution of Dundee libraries with 14 branches across the city;
“Anticipates the construction phase of the V&A Museum at Dundee waterfront; and wishes the efforts of the three champions and those behind the city’s bid the best of luck in the competition.”