LIB DEM VOICES REJECT LEADERSHIP VIEW ON MEGRAHI RELEASE.
The Scottish Lib Dems face a growing rebellion over Tavish Scott’s
position on the Justice Secretary’s decision to allow the Lockerbie bomber
to die in Libya as more MSPs join John Farquhar Munro in support of Kenny
MacAskill’s decision. Central Scotland MSP Hugh O'Donnell added his voice
today, and reports of third Lib Dem MSP also backing the decision.
Outside the Scottish Parliament the Lib Dem leader on Glasgow City Council
Dr Christoper Mason has today written to the Herald stating:
“I wish to state, as a Liberal Democrat, that I think Kenny MacAskill's
decision to release Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi on licence was
right."
Speaking on Radio Four on Monday 24th August senior Liberal Democrat and
former Presiding Officer Lord Steel also supported the decision made by
Kenny MacAskill saying:
"I think most opinion in Scotland therefore is in favour of the decision
to release him on compassionate grounds.”
And Liberal Democrat MSP John Farquhar Munro, added in an interview with
BBC Radio Nan Gaidheal: “I’m of the opinion that Mr MacAskill had no other
choice but the one he made."
SNP MSP Michael Matheson said;
“It is clear from the reaction of Lib Dem MSPs and others such as Cllr
Mason that the position taken by Tavish Scott does not have the support of
several Liberal Democrat MSPs or members of the party.
“At grass roots level even the Lib Dem candidate in my constituency has
objected.
“Lib Dem leaders would do well to learn from the position taken by Lord
Steel.
“It is encouraging that at a time when opposition leaders are choosing to
politicise what was a difficult, but judicial decision, others are able to
speak out with honest support for the decision made.
"As the Justice secretary acknowledged people will have different opinions
on this decision.W ith political credibility needing rebuilt after
expenses scandals this kind of honesty from Lib Dem Members as well as the
position taken by Labour MSP Malcolm Chisholm is a welcome.
“Last time John Farquhar Munro backed the position of the SNP Scottish
Government over his Lib Dem leaders – for a referendum on Scotland’s
constitutional future – he mysteriously disappeared – I sincerely hope
that will not happen again.”
More info-
1. John Farquhar Munro “I’m of the opinion that Mr MacAskill had no other
choice but the one he made. It was obvious from the doctors that Megrahi
is suffering with cancer and that Megrahi’s health was going down every
day and with that the correct thing happened and that MacAskill let
Megrahi go with the information he had." (Radio Nan Radio Nan Gaidheal)
2. Central Scotland MSP Hugh O'Donnell said: "I thought the release of
Megrahi in the circumstances was the right decision." (Herald, 26th
August)
3. Lord Steel, I don’t necessarily think he made the wrong decision, I
mean it was quite clearly made on compassionate grounds. It wasn’t made as
part of a prisoner deal; it wasn’t made as part of a trade agreement, and
I think people should focus on that and I think most opinion in Scotland
therefore is in favour of the decision to release him on compassionate
grounds.” (Radio 4 Today programme August 24th ")
4. Letter from Dr Christopher Mason – Leader Liberal Democrat Group,
Glasgow City Council
http://www.theherald.co.uk/
5. Liberal Democrat Candidate Stephen Glenn:
http://linlithgow-libdems.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment