Candidates pay tribute to victims of Manchester terrorist attack
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow General Election candidates have paid tribute to the victims of last week’s terror attack in Manchester.
Twenty-two people died and dozens were injured when suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up outside the Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert last Monday night.
“My thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this horrific terrorist attack in Manchester,” said SNP candidate Dr Lisa Cameron.
“I am particularly appalled that an event mainly for young people was targeted. My husband served in the armed forces and, as such, our family firmly believe it is important to show resolve and to ensure extremists, who are the minority, never succeed. Security must be a priority and whilst risk can never be eradicated we must do all we can to minimise it.
“I would like to personally recognise and thank our emergency services for their efforts every day to make our lives secure.”
Labour candidate Monique McAdams said: “At times like these words are inadequate.
“When I heard the news of the bombing I felt anger and sadness as I tried to comprehend why a concert with so many children in attendance would be a terrorist target.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by this atrocity, along with my unending admiration for our police and emergency services and the people of Manchester who responded so bravely and with kindness and humanity to this truly evil act.”
Scottish Conservatives candidate Mark McGeever said: “Manchester touched everyone very deeply and
all our thoughts remain with those whose lives were lost or changed forever by that horrific attack.
“We should never forget we have infinitely more in common than setting us apart.”
Paul McGarry, candidate for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: “For over a decade my wife and I have worked and volunteered as firstaiders at events throughout Scotland. I know the joy that is brought as we are entertained.
“In Manchester we saw joy turn to immense sadness and heartbreak. This is something that those who work to make the public safe always fear. My family and I join our community in offering our condolences and prayers for those affected.
“We are praying with Manchester, we also give thanks for how the city and UK have responded in defiance, for those who ran towards the danger to help others, those who have silenced the extremists and far right to stand shoulder to shoulder with those in their community.”
UKIP candidate Janice MacKay said: “Firstly, thoughts and prayers must be with the victims and their families following the barbaric events in Manchester.
“However, words do not save lives. What our politicians said over recent days may be what people want to hear; having famous landmarks lit in various European cities will not save lives.
“The primary duty of the state is to protect its citizens.
“Either the British security services have no idea who prospective terrorists might be – which is inconceivable. Alternatively, they do know in which case why does the British Government adopt a “kid glove” approach to these matters?”