On at least two occasions I have been grateful for the assistance given by Duncan Dey in important community crusades. Shock and disappointment therefore followed reading that a tacit swipe at a councillor seeking reelection was later conceded to be ‘mistakenly’ said.
Given the sensitivity of the timing, which allowed little right of reply, did you not bother to more diligently check, Duncan? Is correction, bereft of apology, appropriate here?
Was a clarifying phone call too much to ask from The Echo? There is surely a cautionary tale here: ‘Editors also need to take particular care in selecting and editing letters during election periods, including consideration of the timing of the publication of letters to allow adequate time for reply before an election day where letters refer adversely to a candidate or other relevant person.’ presscouncil.org.au.
Let’s not overlook the stakes. Cr Pugh, on first count, finished just four per cent behind the likely new mayor, a gap that has every chance of narrowing. The successful mayoral candidate has an automatic seat on Council – plus a casting vote – with the quota gained by the group passing down the ticket. Quite an advantage!
All very unfortunate!
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
