Dundee United legend Frank Kopel’s widow has abandoned plans to field a candidate in the Scottish Parliament elections fearing her late husband’s name could be “dragged down into the mud” if the campaign turns ugly.
Former DJ Pat Kelly was due to stand on behalf of Frank’s Law to fight for Health Minister Shona Robison’s Dundee East seat but has now stepped down following a discussion with Amanda Kopel.
Mrs Kopel has indicated that in hindsight she no longer wants a political candidate fighting in her corner after 72 hours of soul searching and discussions with her family.
She also said she knows that her late husband would be saying she is doing the right thing.
Mrs Kopel said: “After much thought and also discussion with the family I felt that the awareness campaign which began in 2013 and the political side of things, which only came to fruition a few months back, were getting entangled and I wasn’t comfortable about what I was seeing.
“I told Pat I didn’t want my name to be party to anything or put on any election leaflets, plus I and the family felt that Frankie’s good name was going to be dragged into the murky side of politics.
“No one could have ever said a bad word about Frankie when he was alive and I know that if things had continued it could turn really nasty, his name could be dragged down into the mud, and I will not allow that.”
Mrs Kopel’s husband Frank died in April 2014 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 the loophole a bid The Courier is backing.
She added: “I feel Frank’s Law will be given the green light without a political candidate fighting in my corner.
“I have the letters from various MSPS who are going to be supporting and fighting for it at Holyrood.
“I also am aware that there have been small changes afoot by the Scottish Government albeit baby ones, but progress.”
Mr Kelly announced his intention to stand on behalf of Frank’s Law in September.
After stepping down from the political fight, Mr Kelly said: “Of course I respect Amanda and the family’s decision and wishes.
“I will always support Frank’s Law. I wish the Kopel family every success.”