Scotsman: "SSP objects to Royal birthday best wishes
HAMISH MACDONELL
THE Scottish Socialists will attempt to turn a parliamentary tribute to the Queen's 80th birthday into a political protest today.
Jack McConnell has tabled a motion to the Scottish Parliament congratulating the Queen on her birthday.
All the party leaders will get the chance to contribute to the short debate but Frances Curran, who will speak for the SPP, yesterday dismissed it as a 'waste of time' and said she will tell MSPs it is wrong to spend time debating the birthday of an unelected monarch.
The SSP tabled a counter motion, calling on the Queen to retire and for a Scottish socialist republic. It was not accepted for debate.
Ms Curran said: 'I am annoyed with the parliament, that the legislative chamber is taking half an hour to give birthday wishes to the Queen.
'But, if they want to do that, they should include a full spectrum of views.
'The fact that we are curtseying to an unelected head of state is ridiculous.'"
