Ed Lines: Verbal shot mustn't be coup de gras

If one farmer's outburst results in the cancellation of a Whangarei public soapbox opportunity, then we must have some thin-skinned politicians about the place.

I wasn't there but can only imagine the reaction on Wednesday when a farmer started giving the local district councillors "what for" over an issue he obviously feels passionately about.

The farmer spoke out at a public forum, which allows pretty much anyone to come along and have their say.

The forum at the monthly Whangarei District Council meeting is an excellent idea - the shock-horror reaction from some councillors, and the possibility that the forum may be dropped, is a concern.

If you invite people to have their say, they are going to say things you don't like.

Granted, there is a difference between being criticised - which I am sure the councillors accept is going to happen - and being libelled and lambasted.

And here's where the farmer crossed the line.

He made some defamatory statements, and said more than a few things that this newspaper opted not to print.

Arguably, he abused the opportunity to have his say.

But to ban the forum because of that would be a travesty, and an embarrassment for the council.

It would mean the forum was only ever a democratic tokenism.

The forum was a huge step taken by the current regime, which deserves high praise for the concept.

But bear in mind, at some point someone is going to come along and have a crack, and trample all over the goodwill behind the invitation to speak, and whatever ground rules are in place.

In a meeting scenario, it's something a good chair will deal with swiftly, as it happens. You can't plan for it but you can shut it down in a respectful, professional manner.

Standing for public office is a thankless task and you need the hide of a rhinoceros.

I would say to any councillors demanding that the power or powers that be ban this public forum, and I say this politely and with sincerity, harden up.