IRVINE’S MP has labelled the organiser’s of Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games “tin pot dictators” for failing to include him in their plans.

Brian Donohoe has this week contacted the government relations body of Glasgow 2014, the organising committee of the upcoming games, to complain about the lack of information he has received concerning local baton bearers.

He also described being left to feel like he has no part in Glasgow 2014 locally, following what was “clearly a snub”.

The MP said: “I am dismayed, given that I am the elected representative in these parts, that I have been snubbed at every opportunity even after asking for information personally.

“When I was informed by email of the fact that thousands of baton bearers had been chosen to carry the baton through all 32 Scottish local authorities on the baton’s 40 day tour of Scotland I asked if any of those bearers were within my constituency and whether I could be given details.

“I was told these details were not being released until closer to the time of the Games only to open the local papers that very week and see several bearers from within my constituency standing with Council representatives!

“This is clearly a snub and the organising committee want to exclude public representatives.

“These are the Commonwealth Games – the Commonwealth being an association of independent sovereign states – which at the moment includes Scotland as part of the UK.

“I am disgusted that tin pot dictators are taking the Games to a political level which should not be the case.” A Glasgow 2014 spokesperson responded: “Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games works with the main political parties across Scotland. We are in regular dialogue with elected representatives across the country.

“On 31 March we emailed thousands of people, telling them they have been selected as community baton bearers.

“We are currently in the process of receiving confirmation from those individuals, to ensure they are still available to carry the Queen’s Baton. It is only once that process is complete that we will have a list of baton bearers.

“Baton bearers represent communities across Scotland. We look forward to share the stories of those extraordinary individuals who make a difference to the lives of others.”