SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit Press Release: 28/10/04

Sheridan: working class kids slaughtered for the bravery of politicians

Trade Union General Secretary to address Pollok rally.

Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Tommy Sheridan today attacked Scottish Executive First Minister Jack McConnell for his refusal to accept the invitation from Rose Gentle to attend the demonstration in Pollok, Glasgow this Saturday 30th October.

Rose Gentle had written to McConnell asking him to attend the demonstration even if he did not agree with the call to bring home British troops so that he could justify his support for the continued occupation of Iraq. Rose Gentle was present in the public gallery of the parliament during First Ministers questions and gave a press conference afterwards.

The Justice for Gordon Gentle Campaign have revealed that Communication Workers Union (CWU) General Secretary Billy Hayes will address the rally in Pollok on Saturday 30th October along with the Church of Scotland minister John Mann who sparked controversy with his outspoken attack on Bush and Blair at Gordon Gentle's funeral.

On hearing that Jack McConnell will be in Glasgow on Saturday attending the 'Great Scot' awards, Rose Gentle expressed her disbelief saying; "Jack McConnell is willing to come to Glasgow to feed his face but can't spare the time to look me in the face."

Tommy Sheridan said after First Ministers Questions; "Jack McConnell has proved today that his courage is of the Tony Blair variety. "He is willing to fight to the last drop of everyone else's blood but he is not willing to come to Pollok to justify his support for the illegal occupation of Iraq. "Why is it that the kids of the working class must be slaughtered for the bravery of politicians?" [ends]

Bring the Troops Home for Christmas demonstration, Saturday 30th October Assemble - Pollok Shopping Centre, 12 noon (march off at 12.30 pm) Rally - Lockhar Park, Linthaugh Road, Pollok at 1pm