MHA accused of swearing at protester

MHA Keith Russell is in hot water again following a comment that a protesterclaims he made on Friday.

Linda Cull said the confrontation with the Tory member for Lake Melville happened outside the 5 Wing Goose Bay military baseas Russellwasdrivingto the Muskrat Falls federal loan guarantee announcement.

About 20 protesters were outside the gate to show their disapproval of the hydro project.

Cull said she saw Russell in the lineup to enter the base, and went over to his car. She said she asked him why he wasn't speaking up for his constituents who are opposed to the Muskrat Falls deal.

She said that's when he swore at her.

"He told me several times to'F' myself," she said. "It was more than once; it was very, very, very upsetting."

Others in the car have denied Russell swore, but Cull is standing by what she said she heard.

She also admitted that she may have swore back at him because of her anger over his comments.

Recurring issue

This isn't the first time Russell has been in trouble for something he said. Last month, Russell wassuspended as a minor hockey coachforberating referees.

Premier Kathy Dunderdalereprimanded himfor that, and for earlier calling spiritual beliefs around Muskrat Falls "mumbo jumbo."

Cull said it's time Russell dealt with his anger issues.

"He's got a problem that needs fixing. I truly believe it's anger management he needs or something along that lines," she said.

Russell told CBC News he had no comment on the incident as he headed into the House of Assembly on Monday afternoon.