South Wales Evening Post - 15 January 2009
A long-serving councillor has been criticised for making comments against foreign companies operating in Swansea.
Speaking before a meeting at Swansea Council, Gower councillor Richard Lewis (pictured) said, of foreign companies carrying out work in Swansea: "Why is this French frog company being awarded all the contracts when we have our own people on the doorstep doing the work."
When he was confronted by fellow councillors, he added: "I didn't sign up as a European."
Although the meeting had not officially started, a number of councillors and council officers were present, as well as representatives from the Welsh Local Government Association.
Labour councillor Mike Hedges appeared angry at the comments. Speaking after the meeting, he said: "That is totally out of order.
"It is an insult to a whole race of people."
Councillor Hedges, who represents the Morriston Ward, added: "A lot of these companies, when they are doing the work, employ local people.
"It might be a French company, but they are employing local people."
Council leader Chris Holley said: "Richard has his own views — they are certainly not the views held by the majority of people here."
When asked about the comments, Councillor Lewis said it was an "off the cuff remark", aimed at providing humour rather than insult.
He said: "It wasn't a serious comment. If you can't make a joke these days, where are we going?"
Five years ago, Councillor Lewis was prevented from taking up his role following a row over the use of the official crest during an election.
Councillor Lewis was found guilty of bringing the authority into disrepute and of improper use of council resources by the Local Government Ombudsman.
