In a recent interview with BBC Radio Scotland, McConnell said: "Vested interests and the professional interest come along and say 'this is all a bit too hard and we should be nicer to these young people and try to bring them along', but people in the communities want action."
A spokesman for the Scottish Executive confirmed to YPN that McConnell was referring to those in youth work, social work, the police and the media who were opposed to the executive's plans on antisocial behaviour.
Tom Watson, director of inner-city youth charity Fairbridge Scotland, said: "If we have a vested interest it's in the wellbeing of young people. The proposals on the table will lead to further criminalisation and stigmatisation of young people."
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