JUSTICE MINISTER Kenny MacAskill’s handling of the decision whether to release the Lockerbie bomber has provoked a political storm—but politicians in Dumfries and Galloway have responded in more measured terms.

Many of them were eyewitnesses to the tragedy and all are aware of the pain the relatives of those who died experienced at the time and still suffer today.

However, most appreciate the difficult decision Kenny MacAskill now faces.

Lockerbie Labour MSP Elaine Murray said, “We have to end this uncertainty for the victims’ families.

“Kenny MacAskill must make this decision carefully and considerately but also it needs to be made as soon as he can.

“I appreciate it’s not an easy decision and it’s an extremely emotive issue but the families of victims here in Lockerbie and across the world have been listening to press speculation since a possible release on compassionate grounds was first reported last week.

“In order to end the rumours and conjecture the justice secretary needs to reach a decision one way or another.

“The victims’ relatives need to know the facts about this case.”

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Michael Dickie lived in Lockerbie at the time of the disaster and said he did not envy justice minister Kenny MacAskill his decision.

“I can see both sides of the story,” he said.

“I was in America last year for the 20th anniversary commemorations so I can understand exactly their position, especially those who lost somebody in the crash.

“As far as the local reaction has been concerned, no-one has expressed any strong emotions either way.

“I think whatever decision Kenny MacAskill makes now he will be criticised.

“It’s like the Great Train Robber—it’s one of those situations where he can’t win so I don’t envy him his decision.”

Mr Dickie added that the people of Lockerbie had developed strong bonds with the United States since the disaster.

A spokesman for Conservative MP David Mundell said al-Megrahi should not be receiving any special treatment but said there were serious questions about how the whole issue surrounding al-Megrahi’s possible release or transfer to Libya had been handled by the Scottish Government.

“Our position is that he should be treated the same as any other prisoner,” he said.