More conspiracy theories

More conspiracy theories about Freemasons. This time in a letter to the Thisisnorthdevon.co.uk website.

SOME of us have long suspected that there is a cabal of Freemason councillors who exert undue influence on the decisions of the district council.

Councillor Kathy Murdoch is to be admired and thanked for her honesty in confirming those suspicions.

Councillor Barry Parsons gives the impression that freemasons are a sociable, jolly bunch of chaps with whom it is a pleasure to associate.

If he thinks that is all there is to Freemasonry he is incredibly naïve.

He should ask himself why they foster an aura of secrecy. Freemasonry is all about using influence to the advantage of the brotherhood, who also vow to help each other.

Because such vows raise the possibility of conflicts of interest it is questionable whether freemasons should serve on district councils.

Perhaps Mr Parsons should also reflect on why he was invited to join the brotherhood. Could it have anything to do with the fact that he is leader of the council?

Secret societies inevitably arouse suspicion.

After Mrs Murdoch's revelation, every controversial decision of the council will be thought to be the sinister work of Masons. That may, or may not, be true.

Local government must be fair, honest, transparent and democratic. That will not be achieved if local councils contain members who have secretly vowed loyalty to some other organisation. It is time for Freemasons to withdraw from councils.

If they decline, the electorate has the power to remedy the situation at a future date.

HARRY RICHES,

Black Torrington.