CALLS have been made for the council leader to quit after he appeared to use the conflict in Gaza or the Malaysian plane disaster as reasons to vote ‘no’ in the independence referendum.

Councillor Stephen McCabe took to Twitter on Thursday night just hours after flight MH17 came down in Ukraine and Israeli troops mounted a ground offensive in Gaza.

The Inverclyde Council and local Labour leader tweeted: “As we watch events unfolding in other countries is it wrong to question the case for ending the most successful political union in history?” He immediately faced an online backlash, with calls being made for him to apologise or resign from his role in light of his remark.

But Mr McCabe has today said he was merely making a ‘general’ statement.

He said: “The comment was of a general nature relating to the dangerous and uncertain world we live in.

“I believe that the strength and security provided by the United Kingdom is demonstrated in such times of danger and uncertainty.” But Inverclyde SNP group leader Chris McEleny slated his rival over the tweet.

Mr McEleny said: “There can be no excuse or justification for Councillor McCabe’s comments.

“The world has watched on in horror as tragic events have unfolded.

“To use these events to make a political point about the referendum is absolutely shocking.

“Councillor McCabe must immediately apologise for making these remarks or he should resign.” Glasgow MSP James Dornan also waded in, posting: “Seriously? You’re so desperate you’ll use death of children to scare people into voting No. You’re beneath contempt.”