Snubbed Trio Make Return To Terminal

Feb 17 2008 By Steve Dinneen

THE three snubbed heroes returned to Glasgow Airport yesterday as they stepped up their bid for official recognition.

Alex McIlveen, Michael Kerr and Stephen Clarkson were joined by John Smeaton, who was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal last year.

The Sunday Mail revealed last week that the other three were to be denied the award.

An official letter from the Cabinet Office ruled their actions "did not reach the standard for a gallantry award".

Yesterday, Alex said: "We're just really confused that Gordon Brown decided one of us was more worthy than the other three - it's a very strange decision.

"We just want to get our point across that we are all deserving of these medals."

Michael's wife Annette said: "We believe that the other men are every bit as brave as John and we want them to be formally recognised.

"We are by no means against John Smeaton receiving the Queen's Gallantry Medal. On the contrary, we very much commend the decision to honour our friend.

"Our grievance is in the Government's whole handling of the affair. "It was a huge oversight to omit these three men."