Tory leader criticised by former soldiers for “gutter jingoism”
SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVE leader Ruth Davidson has been roundly mocked and criticised on social media for deploying a jibe alleging support for the IRA by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Members of the public, including former soldiers, took to twitter to chastise the Tory leader, who said claims by the Labour leader that he met with senior Sinn Fein figures during the troubles to further the cause of peace in Northern Ireland were “offensive to anyone who’s worn the uniform”.
Davidson, who has come under scrutiny after some of the new intake of Tory councillors were found to have expressed extreme views, was accused of trying to stir up tensions and divisions for electoral gain, and of illegitimately speaking on behalf of soldiers in that effort.
Corbyn’s spokesman saying Jeremy wasn’t on the side of the IRA, but simply seeking peace is offensive to anyone who’s worn the uniform.
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) 14 May 2017
Some former British soldiers attacked the comments, which were characterised as “gutter jingoism” in place of a commitment to peace.
@RuthDavidsonMSP As ex-forces, I take offence at you thinking you speak on behalf of me. I find your lack of policies and indyref obsession offensive.
— Jonathon Fowler (@FowlerJonathon) 14 May 2017
How does @RuthDavidsonMSP view NI vets who met ex-IRA? Gutter jingoism is cheap. Peace takes courage. Night all. https://t.co/wVmJzH2Xzb
— Glenton (@joejglenton) 14 May 2017
Answering whether he had ever served in the armed forces, this twitter user said:
@Spaadge @RuthDavidsonMSP Only for 15 years including 3 in NI. And I still wouldn’t presume to speak on behalf of others.
— Laurence (@Lpmch) 14 May 2017
Others attacked Davidson for what they saw as her attempts to deploy tensions over the troubles as part of her attempts to grow momentum for the party following a successful local election showing and ahead of the General Election on 8 June.
@RuthDavidsonMSP I’m disturbed a Scottish political leader is actually using the NI troubles for political gain. Very dangerous and either stupid or naive.
— Stephen Farrell (@FarrellStephen) 14 May 2017
@RuthDavidsonMSP No second independence referendum will ever be as “divisive” as the sectarian hatred you’re shamefully trying to stir up.
— Where’s Murphy? (@Rory_M_Stewart) 14 May 2017
“You’re dividing Scotland!” screamed Ruth Davidson, before resuming her passionate efforts to win the votes of loyalists and orangemen
— Fraser Stewart (@fraserjfstewart) 14 May 2017
.@RuthDavidsonMSP‘s rant on the IRA indicates Scottish politics has a grim future and the Tories will use rhetoric that destabilises peace.
— Ewan Gibbs (@ewangibbs) 14 May 2017
Members of the press expressed dismay over the comments.
The politicisation of NI peace process is one of most odious (and downright dangerous) aspect of #ge17. Many contributed to ending Troubles https://t.co/R3fnn9UZ3Q
— Peter Geoghegan (@PeterKGeoghegan) 14 May 2017
Good God. If that’s the stuff party leaders now want to bring into Scottish political discourse hell bloody mend them. I’ll leave you to it
— Gerry Braiden (@BraidenHT) 14 May 2017
Please politicians: study the history of the Northern Ireland Troubles
Your Ignorance only compounds the still raw pain of victims all sides
— NeilMackay (@NeilMackay) 14 May 2017
Having set out her expertise on conflict resolution in Northern Ireland, Davidson will go on to discuss the difference between patriotism and nationalism today with an eye to Scottish politics.
She will deliver the speech in London.
Read more – Extremist Tory candidates elected to councils across Scotland
Picture courtesy of mrgarethm
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