David Cameron apologises for making 'Tourette's jibe'

**Maggy** · 08-01-2012, 12:39

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16458524

Quote:

David Cameron has apologised after he said facing the shadow chancellor in Parliament was "like having someone with Tourette's sitting opposite you".
"I was speaking off the cuff and if I offended anyone, I am very sorry," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr.
The prime minister initially made his comments about Ed Balls's heckling in aninterview with the Sunday Telegraph.

So does anyone think he should resign for such an insensitive remark..or is an apology perfectly acceptable?

Gary L · 08-01-2012, 12:47

The idiot should resign.
even if he didn't say what he said.

denphone · 08-01-2012, 12:48

No l don't think he should resign Maggy but a apology was the least he could do as in these very sensitive times we all have to be careful with what we say sometimes.

Gary L · 08-01-2012, 12:51

But we could keep apologising all day. say what you want and apologise afterwards.

he's only sorry because he's an idiot.

danielf · 08-01-2012, 12:54

I do think it's an insensitive remark, and Tourette sufferers have every right to feel offended for being compared to politicians.

denphone · 08-01-2012, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

Of course he doesn't need to resign.

As far as I can see the whole of the opposition do actually suffer from Tourettes to a lesser or greater degree.

People need to get a thicker skin and stop being offended on behalf of others.

Lets not get into political bashing please.

Ignitionnet · 08-01-2012, 13:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

I do think it's an insensitive remark, and Tourette sufferers have every right to feel offended for being compared to politicians.

What he said, times 10. Completely out of order comparing anything bar psychics, astrologers, homeopaths, ambulance chasing lawyers and certain priests to politicans.

Mick Fisher · 08-01-2012, 13:38

I'm offended by all these people who, at the drop of a hat, take offense at the very slightest opportunity.

To be honest I find it all rather boring.

Sits back and waits for the inevitable tirades from people offended by my remarks which are obviously directed toward a minority, or would that be a majority nowadays, of people with nothing better to do with their lives.

08-01-2012, 13:55

He shouldn't even apologize ,edd balls is the most annoying man alive ,he just sits there making stupid gestures and repeating the same word over and over again when someone else is speaking and the only reason labour are making a meal out of this is to take the heat of Diane Abbot

Sirius · 08-01-2012, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

I do think it's an insensitive remark, and Tourette sufferers have every right to feel offended for being compared to politicians.

excellent

danielf · 08-01-2012, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyh

He shouldn't even apologize ,edd balls is the most annoying man alive ,he just sits there making stupid gestures and repeating the same word over and over again when someone else is speaking and the only reason labour are making a meal out of this is to take the heat of Diane Abbot

Yes he should. It's a stupid thing to say for a politician. This isn't about Labour being offended, it's about people that have Tourette. They don't deserve being mocked by the PM.

denphone · 08-01-2012, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Yes he should. It's a stupid thing to say for a politician. This isn't about Labour being offended, it's about people that have Tourette. They don't deserve being mocked by the PM.

Exactly.

08-01-2012, 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Yes he should. It's a stupid thing to say for a politician. This isn't about Labour being offended, it's about people that have Tourette. They don't deserve being mocked by the PM.

How is he mocking people with tourettes ?.Have you watched edd balls in the commons he is exactly like someone with tourettes and is well known for his constant repeating of words and hand gestures even when not being spoken to so it is a fitting description imo

danielf · 08-01-2012, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyh

How is he mocking people with tourettes ?.Have you watched edd balls in the commons he is exactly like someone with tourettes and is well known for his constant repeating of words and hand gestures even when not being spoken to so it is a fitting description imo

It's not exactly a positive comment about Tourette is it? For all the similarities there may be, it's just not on for the PM to make such a comment. You and I might, but not someone in high office.

08-01-2012, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

It's not exactly a positive comment about Tourette is it? For all the similarities there may be, it's just not on for the PM to make such a comment. You and I might, but not someone in high office.

just a sign that even politicians in high office can be annoyed by the "nodding dog" that Balls is .I'm surprised someone hasn't duct taped his head to the despatch box to stop him

Quote:

"He just annoys me. But I'm very bad, in the House of Commons, at not getting distracted, and the endless, ceaseless banter, it's like having someone with Tourette's permanently sitting opposite you."

I think it's a honest reaction