London MP John McDonnell is at the centre of a political storm over comments he made calling for IRA terrorists to be "honoured".
The Labour MP, who represents the west London Hayes and Harlington ward, praised the "bravery" of IRA bombers during a gathering to commemorate the IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
"It's about time we started honouring those people involved in the armed struggle," the Sun reported Mr McDonnell as saying.
"It was the bombs and bullets and sacrifice made by the likes of Bobby Sands that brought Britain to the negotiating table."
Colin Parry, whose son Tim was 13 when he was killed a bomb set off by the IRA in Warrington in 1993, said the MP's comments were insulting and insensitive.
"His political point is utter nonsense. The man is crass beyond belief," he was reported as saying.
Eric Ollerenshaw, Leader of the London Assembly Conservatives, said the Labour Party should take action against Mr McDonnell.
"The IRA killed scores of Londoners in its campaign of terror. For a London MP to commend the IRA's bravery' is sickening."
"I only hope that the Labour Party takes the same action against McDonnell as it did its last apologist, George Galloway."
May 30, 2003 14:00
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article