Jack McConnell hits back at critics over envoy role

Oct 8 2008 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL and Wishaw constituency MSP Jack McConnell has hit back furiously at claims his new role as a peace envoy for Prime Minister Gordon Brown will have an adverse effect on constituency duties.

The former First Minister has been accused by the SNP of becoming a part-time MSP – and also of being “stitched-up” by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in order to avoid a by-election.

However, this week, Jack McConnell hit back at critics, saying: “I am, and always have been, very serious in my approach to being the MSP for this wonderful constituency.

“The people of Motherwell and Wishaw know that. Even when I was First Minister, I worked tirelessly for them.

“I never let them down and this new role will not alter that.”

Regarding claims that he had been denied the position of High Commissioner to Malawi in order to avoid a potentially disastrous by-election, Mr McConnell countered: “It appears that some politicians feel that I should not be able to make a contribution elsewhere.

“It’s nothing more than sour grapes, simply because they are being denied the fun and games of a by-election.”

Mr McConnell went on to outline the details of his new role as special representative for conflict resolution mechanisms. He explained: “I was delighted to accept the position. It will require a lot of effort and energy from me and the Prime Minister feels I can provide the necessary political leadership. It will equate to one day a week that I will devote to the new role. But, as I’ve already said, it will not affect my work as MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw.”

However Alex Neil, SNP MSP for Central Scotland, said: “This move does nothing more than highlight that Gordon Brown is dead scared of another by-election defeat.

“The SNP would undoubtedly have won if Jack McConnell had moved to Malawi, as was widely expected.

“I actually feel sorry for Jack, who has once again been stitched up by the Prime Minister.

“Poor Jack has been given a non-job which, in my opinion, he should refuse as he doesn’t owe Gordon Brown any favours.

“The people of Motherwell and Wishaw will have to keep a close eye on the situation as Jack McConnell is taking a full-time salary but will be a part-time MSP.

“I do not see how it is possible for him to spend one day a week in Africa and continue with his parliamentary duties. It’s a nonsense. He has already missed vital debates because he has been swanning around the world for Tom Hunter.”