City Chambers: Danus McKinlay collapsed and died outside the building. Pic: © STV
The grieving father of a young Labour party activist has hit out at claims his death may have been caused by drug abuse, after an SNP member was reported to the party's watchdog for suggesting the teen may have taken crack cocaine.
Danus McKinlay collapsed and died earlier this month. The 18-year-old suffered from diabetes and asthma and his death is thought to have been caused by an underlying health condition. The apprentice was a close friend of former Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell.
At the weekend, the SNP launched disciplinary proceedings against party activist Alan Clayton, after he used his pro-independence newsletter to suggest the teen had died after taking drugs.
Mr Clayton later apologised "without reservation" to Mr McKinlay's parents, adding: "Causing them distress was certainly not my intention and clearly I could have handled this matter with very much more sensitivity."
However, Mr McKinlay's father, Brian Flanagan, branded any claims that his son had used drugs "disgusting" and "disgraceful".
The 43 year-old from Paisley told the Daily Record newspaper: "It's utterly disgraceful. The lowest of the low. Danus did not touch drugs and these suggestions are making an absolutely horrendous time for his friends and family even worse.
"I feel almost as if I have lost him twice now. I'm not going to stand back and have someone brand my son a crack cocaine addict."
Mr Clayton's claims prompted opposition politicians to demand an apology from First Minister Alex Salmond himself.
Labour's Bill Butler, the teenager's local MSP, said: "Alan Clayton's remarks were absolutely disgusting and he showed complete disregard for Danus McKinlay's grieving family. Mr Clayton should be ashamed of himself and it is time the SNP took action against the appalling behaviour of these so-called cybernats, by taking disciplinary action against them or expelling them altogether.
"Alex Salmond should personally apologise to the McKinlay family. If he refuses to do so then he is sending out a message that the actions of Mr Clayton were acceptable.
"The First Minister cannot turn a blind eye to SNP bloggers who are spreading this kind of material on the internet - it's vicious and completely unacceptable."
'Repugnant behaviour'
Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie said: "I am disappointed that once again Alex Salmond is trying to pass the buck on this disgusting episode. He is leader of the SNP in Scotland. He needs to take responsibility for the actions of his members and express regret for this repugnant behaviour.
"Alan Clayton has close links to senior SNP figures, including cabinet secretaries. He cannot be dismissed as an outsider.
"By refusing to apologise to the family of Danus McKinlay Mr Salmond is sending out a signal to his members that he is happy to condone such a distasteful smear campaign."
An SNP spokeswoman confirmed the party's national secretary had written to Mr Clayton warning he had been referred to the SNP's disciplinary committee. She said: "The Committee has powers to discipline ordinary members of the SNP after examination of their conduct.
"Although the party has no control over his emails, Mr Clayton has also been asked to apologise to the family concerned for any distress he may have caused them.
"The National Secretary does not consider speculation over the tragic death of an 18-year-old a suitable matter for public comment.
"Mr Clayton is not an official of the SNP and holds no elected office. He is subject to the SNP code of conduct as an ordinary member. As a disciplinary process is now under way, it would be inappropriate to comment further."
