AN INVERCLYDE councillor has admitted he made an ‘error’ after quoting lyrics from a pro-IRA song in a post on social media.

The SNP's James Daisley shared a post on social media site X that featured the lyric ‘You have plundered many nations. Divided many lands.’ last weekend.

The original post was made by an account called Irish Unity, and featured a video clip of a discussion about the effects of British colonialism in India.

The controversial quote comes from The Ballad of Joe McDonnell, a song written by Irish rebel music band The Wolfe Tones to commemorate the Provisional IRA member and hunger striker of the same name.

Councillor James Daisley said he was "completely oblivious" to the origins of the quote. (Image: George Munro)

Councillor Daisley claimed he had been unaware of the quote’s origins when he shared the post and repeated the lyric on his own X page.

He added: “At the weekend I shared a post on X which was about the subject of Indian independence and the effect of British colonialism. 

“A friend of mine reached out and made me aware that a quote in the post I had shared were from a song by a band called the Wolfe Tones, which I was completely oblivious to. 

“As soon as I was made aware, I deleted the post and unfollowed the page. I was horrified.”

The councillor was one of a number of SNP politicians who recently called for Inverclyde Council to arrange anti-sectarian workshops, run by anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth, for elected members.

The call came after remarks made by Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie, in a column he penned about a recent Orange march in Gourock, sparked controversy locally.

The Larkfield councillor wrote an open letter to the Provost following the column’s publication, in which he accused the independent councillor of stoking "the flames of sectarian hatred".

(Image: X)

Councillor Daisley told the Telegraph that he stands by his call for the council to run anti-sectarian workshops, and claimed his own post was proof that there was a need for such sessions.

He added: “As the public will be aware, I have been at the forefront of calling out recent sectarian language from another elected member, Drew McKenzie, whose article caused outrage. 

“I also successfully called for all councillors to be offered the Nil by Mouth training, ‘Beyond Religion and Belief’, so I believe fully in the eradication of sectarianism. 

“Provost McKenzie has done an incredible amount of work to address this, and has been very humble and contrite, which is admirable and welcomed.

“What my error proves is that we absolutely do need to continue to look for opportunities to educate and discuss these themes respectfully. My point has been proven. 

“Even as elected members we do not have the monopoly on knowledge, and there are things we all need to learn.

“I once again urge all Inverclyde councillors to participate in the session next month.”

When contacted by the Telegraph about Cllr Daisley’s tweet, Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott said:  “We’ve offered to run sessions with elected members  to let them discuss issues around sectarianism either collectively or in their party and affiliated groups.

“These would be offered free of charge and facilitated by experienced staff providing an environment for mature and honest reflection and debate, allowing people the chance to reflect on the impact of language, attitudes and actions.

“We are hopeful of confirming dates in the next couple of days.”