Wildrose boss says Flanagan child porn views can’t be linked to her party

EDMONTON – Alberta Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith says it’s — quote — “idiotic” for critics to suggest child pornography statements by former key adviser Tom Flanagan can be linked to her party.

Smith says conservative-leaning parties have always been accused of extremist stances.

But she says there’s no question where her party stands on child pornography — child exploitation in any form will not be tolerated.

She says she cut Flanagan loose as soon as she confirmed his remarks at a public forum in Lethbridge, where he said he questioned whether people should be jailed for viewing child porn.

Flanagan is a former strategist to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, ran the Wildrose election campaign last year and was a commentator on political issues for the CBC.

Flanagan has apologized, saying he condemns child exploitation and that his words were not well chosen.

The CBC, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Wildrose and the University of Calgary — where Flanagan was a professor — all condemned him for his comments.