Labour councillor probed for anti-Semitism after Rothschild’s Bank post back at work

A Dundee Labour councillor returned to frontline politics this week following a long-term absence.

Coldside representative George McIrvine was at a meeting of the planning committee on Monday evening.

It was Mr McIrvine’s first appearance in the council chamber since he was signed-off in the spring of this year.

Councillors have been on a summer recess since June, returning following the break this week.

The former Unison branch secretary’s return to the chamber coincided with the absence of former children and families services convener Gregor Murray.

The North East representative stepped down from the position in the wake of a string of social media scandals.

The SNP councillor was twice exposed for lashing out at the public with expletive-laden outbursts and had been described by a party colleague as a “disgrace”.

Councillor Murray, who also stepped down as the local authority’s equalities spokesperson, admitted making “a number of wrong judgments in communicating with people who campaign against my fundamental human rights” and claimed “sustained and vindictive” personal attacks and threats had been made over a number of months.

Mr McIrvine is under investigation for an alleged anti-Semitic post on social media.

A party spokesman confirmed an investigation was ongoing after Mr McIrvine shared a Facebook post that made reference to Rothschild’s Bank in the wake of the UK’s decision to take part in a bombing raid on Syria in March this year.

He removed the post and has denied any anti-Semitic intent, saying he did not have a “racist bone in his body”.

Last night he said: “A leave of absence for a number of weeks due to sensitive family issues has been traumatic for us all.

“Through this difficult time the support from close trusted friends, family and local community activists in Coldside has been heartfelt and will not be forgotten.”