G8 SUMMIT

WHILE we have no reservations over peaceful and lawful protest in our city, there is an ever-present risk that some elements of July's planned Make Poverty History march and associated G8 protests could run out of control.

This newspaper welcomed the proposed establishment of a mass campsite to house protestors and Meadowbank Stadium seemed to be a reasonable choice. Now protestors have rejected that option because the ground was also going to be used as a police base and incredibly are now asking to take over the former MSP offices on George IV Bridge. Whilst some might regard sharing anything with police as a pact with the devil, the fact remains that there are few suitable sites and if protestors intend a peaceful, law-abiding visit then this proposal should not present them with any difficulties.

But perhaps this has exposed the true intention of some demonstrators; come here to wave a placard, but stay for free and have a damn good party. Wherever they go policing is likely to be heavy, so they better get used to the idea that they are not coming here to do as they please.

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