McDonnell not even fit to take the Labour whip

Via Oliver Kamm, I am reminded of this appalling speech made by John McDonnell, a candidate for leadership of the Labour Party. Speaking at a meeting commemorating the hunger strike murderer, Bobby Sands, Mr McDonnell said: "It's about time we started honouring those people involved in the armed struggle. It was the bombs and bullets and sacrifice made by the likes of Bobby Sands that brought Britain to the negotiating table. "

Mr McDonnell should not have been allowed to remain a member of the Labour Party after such remarks, let alone to stand for its leadership. His words are as bad as anything George Galloway said about British troops in Iraq before being expelled from the party.

If his fellow MPs have any sense then this thoroughly disreputable man will be unable to garner the 44 votes he needs from them.