Sturgeon told to apologise over ‘freedom fighter’ row

● IRA victim’s relative says FM should act in wake of MSP’S remarks

Pressure is growing on Nicola Sturgeon to apologise for an SNP MSP’S claim that the IRA could be regarded as “freedom fighters”.

The SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston made the claim when he discussed the murder of three unarmed Scottish soldiers at the hands of the terrorist organisation during the Troubles.

A relative of one of the murdered soldiers has demanded that Ms Sturgeon says sorry for Mason’s behaviour.

The Tories have also put down a Holyrood motion demanding an apology.

Dougald Mccaughey, 23, and brothers John and Joseph Mccaig, aged 17 and 18 respectively, were serving in the Royal Highland Fusiliers when they were lured from a Belfast bar and executed.

A cousin of Mr Mccaughey told BBC’S Good Morning Ulster that his family had asked Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon for a public apology. David Mccaughey also said he wanted to the SNP to take disciplinary action against Mr Mason.

After being asked to back a campaign for justice for the soldiers, Mr Mason tweeted: “Happy to support all campaigns to bring about justice. But not taking sides between Irish and British.”

0 SNP MSP John Mason said the IRA could be considered freedom fighters

When challenged further, he replied: “You say Irish murderers. Others say Irish freedom fighters. I support Scottish soldiers if they do good but not if they do bad.”

Mr Mccaughey said: Mr Mason’s tweets were “deplorable” and made him “sick to the stomach”.

He said: “To turn around and say an organisation like the Provisional IRA are freedom fighters – that means you’d need to put Isis, the Basque separatists and any other ter“i rorist organisation down this freedom fighter route. It was an insult to my family and also to other people who have lost their lives at the hands of the IRA.”

Mr Mason apologised for his comments yesterday. He said: deeply regret the offence and upset that has been caused to the relatives who lost loved ones and am extremely sorry that this has happened. I condemn and deplore all acts of terrorism. I do not intend to make any further comment.”