Obama effigy burned at St Andrews University Conservative Association bonfire
ByNews reporter
U.S. President Barack Obama makes a statement regarding the failure of Congress' deficit reduction super committee in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington on November 21, 2011. Obama blamed Republicans for the failure of the process meant to cut $1.2 trillion from the budget but called on Congress to "keep trying". Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/ABACAUSA.COM
An effigy of US President Barack Obama was burned over the weekend by members of the Conservative student association at St Andrews University.
The incident is understood to have taken place on Friday evening on the town’s East Sands beach.
One of those who attended said members of the association had ”no input” and were ”surprised” to discover Obama was on the bonfire.
The St Andrews Conservative Association apologised for any offence caused.
The university said it was aware of the reports and had asked to meet the president of the society to discuss ”very understandable concerns”.
A spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment further.
Matthew Marshall, president of the St Andrews Conservative Association, said: ”President Obama is an important ally to the British government. It was a stupid thing to do and we apologise for any offence caused.”
John Park, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: ”This is gravely offensive and way beyond a student prank. These people need to spend some time in the real world.”
Photo PA
Obama effigy burned at St Andrews University Conservative Association bonfire
