Inquiry into claims on MP's suicide

London - The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, has ordered an inquiry into allegations surrounding the suicide last week…

London - The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, has ordered an inquiry into allegations surrounding the suicide last week of Mr Gordon McMaster, MP for Paisley South.

The decision was taken after Mr Blair received a copy of a two-page suicide note left by Mr McMaster, whose body was found in the garage of his home last Monday. He was said to be depressed about a smear campaign alleged to have been waged against him by members of the party.

Mr McMaster, a jovial figure in public, became increasingly distraught over whispers, including that he was gay and had Aids, and was disappointed after the election not to be given a government job as he had been a whip in Opposition. - (Guardian Service)

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter