Frank Roy

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Frank Roy (born on August 29, 1958 in Motherwell, Scotland) is a politician in the United Kingdom. He is the Labour member of Parliament for Motherwell and Wishaw, and was first elected in 1997. He is currently a Government Whip and Lord Commissioner of HM Household.

Frank Roy is most remembered locally for claiming that the visit of the Irish Prime Minister to Carfin Grotto was mis-timed, coming on the same day as his visit to a Rangers - Celtic football match in Glasgow.

Until Mr. Roy decided to mention this, no-one - apart from some local residents - were aware of this unannounced trip to open a shrine dedicated to the memory of those who died in the Irish potato famines.

Had Mr. Roy not mentioned this the visit would have gone ahead without any problem but had then to be rescheduled and ultimately took the matter out of the hands of the local community and into the hands of Scottish Politicians. As it was he was forced to resign his position as assistant to Helen Liddell, the Scottish Secretary of State.

The following is his brief note of resignation, dated February 11, 2001:

"I regret that you, as Secretary of State for Scotland, and John Reid as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, have been falsely accused of involvement of my efforts to highlight my concerns in relation to the specific timing of the memorial ceremony in my constituency."

Frank Roy is known for his pro-Irish Republican beliefs. He is alleaged to have been a member of the Crossmaglen Patriots Republican Flute Band of Wishaw and was (is?) a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. There have been repeated allegations that Roy has IRA tattoos.

[edit] External links

• Frank Roy MP official site
• Guardian Unlimited Politics - Ask Aristotle: Frank Roy MP
• TheyWorkForYou.com - Frank Roy MP

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by New creation	Member of Parliament for Motherwell and Wishaw 1997–present	Succeeded by Current incumbent