Things can only get better
The recent pictures of Mr al-Megrahi, should silence the clamour for his return.
The Lockerbie bombing was inexcusable, the loss of life and the pain caused remains an open sore for many. Al Megrahi was tried, convicted and imprisoned.
It wasn't he who bought closer economic ties (oil and BP) with Libyia and a murderous tyrant with the anguish of the Lockerbie relatives. It wasn't he that concocted a twisted rationale for his release. It wasn't he that once again sided with the powerful and influential, ignoring the hurt and helpless.
Labour achieved much to be proud of in its 13 years in power. However, two events damn that administration. The lie that was the war in Iraq, and the release of Mr al-Megrahi.
It is an profound irony that Labour's greatest achievement, devolution, should be the instrument of its greatest shame.What promises bought Scotland's part in the Libyan's release?
William Hague (our Foreign Minister) would do better calling for the arrest of Gordon Brown and Tony Blair instead of a mis-guided attempt at restorative justice.
Comments
Having just returned from La France, I have been catching up on your recent posts. Excellent stuff -but I must correct you on one point (devolution anorak that I am!). al-Megrahi was released by the SNP administration not Labour. And given the deep enmity between SNP and Labour politicians I think it highly unlikely that any promises were ever made. SNP Ministers (who I otherwise have no time for) released him - wrongly or rightly - under longstanding provisions in Scots law that dying prisoners can be released before ending their sentence.