ALEX Salmond has been accused of protecting Rupert Murdoch after he again refused to confirm if his phone had been hacked.
Under questioning from Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, the First Minister continually sidestepped the issue and failed to answer the question in front of the Scottish Parliament.
During today’s First Minister’s questions he also refused to open a phone hacking inquiry in Scotland, leading to more accusations that his priorities lie with gaining the support of the Murdoch Empire rather than being honest with the people of Scotland.
He reiterated his determination to withhold the information until his appearance at the Leveson Inquiry next month.
Murdoch’s media empire was at the centre of the phone hacking scandal
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “Dodging the question now only to reveal all when he takes the stand later will be seen as media manipulation of the worst kind.
“Was he hacked, but has not spoken out because he has something to hide? Or is it because he wants to protect his new best pal, Rupert Murdoch?
“We need to look deeper in Scotland than Leveson allows when it comes to the conduct of the First Minister.
“So I support the public’s demands for a Scottish Parliamentary inquiry – especially when the First Minister’s intervention appears to contravene a law of his own making.
“The First Minister of this country answers to this parliament.
“I don’t know whether it is arrogance, stubbornness or fear which has him standing in the Holyrood chamber continually refusing to answer legitimate questions over his conduct and that of his office.
“He says he is happy to speak to Leveson, but he refuses to speak to Scotland.”
