A Frank’s Law political party will battle it out with the health secretary for her Dundee East seat after campaigners claimed MSPs were more interested in discussing macaroni pies.
Dundee United legend Frank Kopel’s widow Amanda has asked Patrick Kelly to stand against Shona Robison in the Scottish Parliament election.
Mrs Kopel, who previously considered standing herself, believes Mr Kelly is the perfect candidate to fight for Frank’s Law after his own high-profile campaign for justice for victims of scandal-hit former Tayside surgeon Muftah Salem Eljamel.
Mrs Kopel’s husband died in April last year having been diagnosed with dementia in 2009, when he was aged just 59.
He and his wife paid about £300 a week so he could have personal care in his Kirriemuir home because he did not reach the qualifying age for free services until weeks before his death.
Mrs Kopel is urging ministers to close this loophole a bid The Courier is backing.
She began the campaign 27 months ago but has grown increasingly frustrated at what she sees as a lack of support for Frank’s Law from the SNP administration.
Mr Kelly, a former radio DJ from Dundee, told The Courier: “After being involved with Amanda’s campaign from the start I was sick to the back teeth watching politicians giving her the run around.
“I spoke to Amanda and it was decided I would run as a parliamentary candidate in next May’s election. We both feel that this is the only way we will be listened to.
“Frank’s Law has never been debated or discussed on the floor of the Scottish Parliament.
“Yet they can find the time to discuss the demise of macaroni pies.
“What could have been achieved for real issues affecting the people of Scotland in those few moments? “
Mr Kelly wants to see the introduction of:Free personal care for the under 65s System overhaul for dementia sufferers A new investigatory independent body set up to look into medical mistakes and negligence within the NHS in Scotland with powers to bring about criminal prosecutions where there is clear evidence of neglect. Subsidised parking to be introduced at Ninewells Hospital charges are currently a “tax on the sick and staff” Bringing an end to all under-16s who are the main carers within a family A national helpline to give advice to disabled and their carers to help with benefit or legal issues More funding for disabled housing Help to those who have been unfairly sanctioned with their benefits Fight to return Employment and Support Allowance to all disabled people and the ending of means testingMrs Kopel and her supporters will gather outside Ms Robison’s SNP office ahead of her surgeries today. A Frank’s Law banner will also be unveiled.