McConnell changes his mind on D-Day celebrations
The Scottish First Minister has decided to attend the D-Day celebrations in Normandy.
Jack McConnell had been due to attend an official dinner at the Royal and St Andrews golf club instead.
On Friday it was announced that he would be in France after all.
His decision to miss the celebrations had drawn strong criticism from the Scottish National Party.
SNP leader, John Swinney called on Jack McConnell to reconsider his plans.
Speaking on Thursday John Swinney said: “The First Minister has displayed appalling judgment in turning down his invitation to the Normandy Commemoration.
“A quarter of the D-Day troops were Scots and this decision is an insult to their heroism.
“Jack McConnell has shown yet again that he does not understand that his role as First Minister is to represent Scotland to the world. No one is belittling the importance of the R&A, but no-one – apart from Jack McConnell – thinks they are more important than the D-Day veterans.”
Leaders from all around the world will be in France for the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
Tony Blair and the Queen will be there as the leading UK representatives.
Finance Minister Andy Kerr, who will be present in Normandy had said it was ” completely ridiculous” to consider the First Minister’s absence a snub.
Mr Kerr said: “No-one should be in any doubt that Ministers recognise and value the contribution our D-Day veterans made in defeating fascism in Europe,”.
“They fought with courage and pride – and none of us will ever forget that.
“That is exactly why the First Minster paid tribute to them in Parliament today and why he met the veterans who are travelling to Normandy this morning.”
Around 10,000 veterans are expected to be present for the ceremonies.
Leading veterans’ association, the Royal British Legion were also critical of Mr McConnell’s initial decision not to attend.
A spokesman for the Royal British Legion Scotland told The Scotsman that: “We are frankly appalled that the First Minister of Scotland considers it more important to attend a golf club function rather than a commemoration for the D-Day landings.
“The D-Day landings were one of the most important dates in recent history, with a massive Scottish contribution. This is one of the last big annual commemorative events and we would expect the First Minister of Scotland to be there.”
Now the Welsh First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, has also come under pressure after it has emerged he will not be attending either.
Mr Morgan is due to be in a meeting about the Welsh hosting of the 2010 Ryder Cup.
The Welsh Conservatives are calling for Mr Morgan to go to Normandy and leave another minister to attend the Ryder Cup meeting.
For the first time ever German and Russian leaders will attend the events.
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will attend a joint German and French ceremony at the Caen peace memorial.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be present.
