TRUMP: MSPs to quiz Salmond over resort plans
MSPs are to launch an investigation into the Scottish Government's handling of Donald Trump's controversial £1 billion golf resort plans.
First Minister Alex Salmond will be among those quizzed on their role in the affair as part of an inquiry by Holyrood's Local Government and Communities Committee.
Tory business manager David McLetchie did not face any opposition from fellow MSPs when he put forward proposals to take evidence on the planning application.
He claimed the US tycoon's plans for the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire and how it was handled by the local council and ministers had been surrounded in controversy.
"I think that this committee would be the appropriate body to examine some of the issues arising out of that," the Pentlands MSP added.
"I think it's important to stress that it would certainly not be our role to consider the merits or demerits of this particular application.
| I think there are genuine public concerns not just in relation to people in the north east of Scotland but indeed across Scotland | | David McLetchie |
|
"But to look solely at the process by which it has been handled, about which I think there are genuine public concerns not just in relation to people in the north east of Scotland but indeed across Scotland."
Finance secretary John Swinney, planning minister Stewart Stevenson, the government's chief planner Jim Mackinnon and Aberdeenshire Council chief executive Alan Campbell will also be called to give evidence.
The committee will take legal advice and wait for the answers to a series of parliamentary questions before calling the witnesses at their meeting on January 16.
They expect to issue a report on the investigation at their next meeting on January 23.
The row erupted after Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee kicked out the plans for the resort, including two golf courses, a hotel and housing, on November 29.
On December 4, Mr Swinney "called in" the application, which meant the government would have the final say on the matter.
The day before, Mr Salmond met members of the Trump Organisation at a luxury hotel near Aberdeen, although the SNP leader has said this was done as part of his role as a local MSP.
It has also emerged that on the day ministers called in the application, Trump representatives were with the government's chief planner during a phone call to the council chief executive.
However, Mr Trump's aides had been asked to leave the room before the discussion took place.
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Posted by: stonehaven on 11:13am Wed 19 Dec 07
Nicol must be shaking in his boots.
Nicol must be shaking in his boots.
Posted by: iain morrison, nairn on 11:22am Wed 19 Dec 07
Herald why are you taking comments on this? Is this not an ideal place to get stuck into the Lib-Dums, who have been slaughtered by the NE business community over this matter in todays P&J (Why no mention in Herald?). I am extremly disappointed in your policy of not allowing comments on "Calamity Clegg" story, indeed on removing yesterdays comments. Is Herald falling in love with wee Nic(No mention of little chancer and pathetic attempts at point scoring in this story) and his band of cowboys and their new head boy "Calamity Clegg".
Herald why are you taking comments on this? Is this not an ideal place to get stuck into the Lib-Dums, who have been slaughtered by the NE business community over this matter in todays P&J (Why no mention in Herald?). I am extremly disappointed in your policy of not allowing comments on "Calamity Clegg" story, indeed on removing yesterdays comments. Is Herald falling in love with wee Nic(No mention of little chancer and pathetic attempts at point scoring in this story) and his band of cowboys and their new head boy "Calamity Clegg".
Posted by: TheGlaswegian, Edinburgh on 11:28am Wed 19 Dec 07
"I think there are genuine public concerns " McLetchie.
Aye right.
Aberdeen council wanted it.
The Aberdeen business community wanted it.
In general, people think this is a good thing for Scotland.
The infrastructure committe made a pigs ear of it.
Yet Alex Salmond is put in the dock....
Watch this backfire spectacularly on Stephen. This is like the poor hanging Robin Hood!
"I think there are genuine public concerns " McLetchie.
Aye right.
Aberdeen council wanted it.
The Aberdeen business community wanted it.
In general, people think this is a good thing for Scotland.
The infrastructure committe made a pigs ear of it.
Yet Alex Salmond is put in the dock....
Watch this backfire spectacularly on Stephen. This is like the poor hanging Robin Hood!
Posted by: spagan, Heisker on 11:33am Wed 19 Dec 07
[bold]SHOCKING NEWS - JUST IN!!![/bold]
Donald Trump today accepted a personal invitation from First Minister to become a Globalscot:
"Donald has shown me a real passion for Scotland. He is a globally recognised figure who can help us to promote Scotland. I am delighted that he has taken up my offer. This is a good bit of business for all concerned."
Mr Trump said:
"As an international businessman I've enjoyed success over the years and I like to think that part of my achievement can be attributed to my Scottish roots.
"Being immensely proud of my Scottish background and recognising that this is a country with world class strengths and opportunity, I recently announced my new $500m golf and leisure development in Aberdeenshire.
"I am also very pleased to have been asked to join the Globalscot network. For a long time I've been aware that Scottish people are fiercely proud of Scotland and that they like to help their fellow countrymen."
This is straight from the Scottish Government's own website!
I'm so shocked I could burst a cranberry!
[bold]Oops! Really sorry - the Press Release is from 30th April and actually reads:[/bold]
Donald Trump today accepted a personal invitation from First Minister [bold]Jack McConnell[/bold] to become a Globalscot.
[bold]Mr McConnell said[/bold] :
"Donald has shown me a real passion for Scotland. He is a globally recognised figure who can help us to promote Scotland. I am delighted that he has taken up my offer. This is a good bit of business for all concerned."
Mr Trump said:
"As an international businessman I've enjoyed success over the years and I like to think that part of my achievement can be attributed to my Scottish roots.
"Being immensely proud of my Scottish background and recognising that this is a country with world class strengths and opportunity, I recently announced my new $500m golf and leisure development in Aberdeenshire.
"I am also very pleased to have been asked to join the Globalscot network. For a long time I've been aware that Scottish people are fiercely proud of Scotland and that they like to help their fellow countrymen."
SHOCKING NEWS - JUST IN!!!
Donald Trump today accepted a personal invitation from First Minister to become a Globalscot:
"Donald has shown me a real passion for Scotland. He is a globally recognised figure who can help us to promote Scotland. I am delighted that he has taken up my offer. This is a good bit of business for all concerned."
Mr Trump said:
"As an international businessman I've enjoyed success over the years and I like to think that part of my achievement can be attributed to my Scottish roots.
"Being immensely proud of my Scottish background and recognising that this is a country with world class strengths and opportunity, I recently announced my new $500m golf and leisure development in Aberdeenshire.
"I am also very pleased to have been asked to join the Globalscot network. For a long time I've been aware that Scottish people are fiercely proud of Scotland and that they like to help their fellow countrymen."
This is straight from the Scottish Government's own website!
I'm so shocked I could burst a cranberry!
Oops! Really sorry - the Press Release is from 30th April and actually reads:
Donald Trump today accepted a personal invitation from First Minister
Jack McConnell to become a Globalscot.
Mr McConnell said :
"Donald has shown me a real passion for Scotland. He is a globally recognised figure who can help us to promote Scotland. I am delighted that he has taken up my offer. This is a good bit of business for all concerned."
Mr Trump said:
"As an international businessman I've enjoyed success over the years and I like to think that part of my achievement can be attributed to my Scottish roots.
"Being immensely proud of my Scottish background and recognising that this is a country with world class strengths and opportunity, I recently announced my new $500m golf and leisure development in Aberdeenshire.
"I am also very pleased to have been asked to join the Globalscot network. For a long time I've been aware that Scottish people are fiercely proud of Scotland and that they like to help their fellow countrymen."
Posted by: Aurora, Edinburgh on 11:36am Wed 19 Dec 07
So this has silenced the Nats here with whom we have to suffer daily !
But with Wee Eck, little fish and MacSwinnery in the dock we'll have to expect a torrent of abuse against the "unionists", "Herald", posters who dare to criticise this minority administration and anyone else daring to be a "traitor" to Scotland (Nats words of course !) , with diversions to other issues on the way.
But we can take it folks - if only to see that smirk wiped away for a change !!!
So this has silenced the Nats here with whom we have to suffer daily !
But with Wee Eck, little fish and MacSwinnery in the dock we'll have to expect a torrent of abuse against the "unionists", "Herald", posters who dare to criticise this minority administration and anyone else daring to be a "traitor" to Scotland (Nats words of course !) , with diversions to other issues on the way.
But we can take it folks - if only to see that smirk wiped away for a change !!!
Posted by: willie johnston., leadhills. on 11:38am Wed 19 Dec 07
mcleachie, yet another gravy train legal fraudster,
our scottish government should kick this diversionary enquiry into touch as this is purely and simply a diversion from the wendygate affair, and all the rest of the unionist scams recently, our goverment is hear to promote investment and more jobs into scotland and the unionists dogmatic approach is to scupper that investment it would not happen in any other country its purely and simply industrial sabotage then again the tories have previous convictions of de industrialisation in scotland to make scotland under achieve and continue with poverty and dependency culture for the unionist own self serving agenda. scotland should wake up and realise the this union stinks and is riddled in curruption frankly all efforts should be taken by our new government to stamp out the unionist fraudsters and jail the blue labour wendygate merchants and not allow then to brush all this under the carpet by diverting there problems to a 1,billion pounds development project if this project is lost all of scotland will know it was the unionists cartel to blame.
mcleachie, yet another gravy train legal fraudster,
our scottish government should kick this diversionary enquiry into touch as this is purely and simply a diversion from the wendygate affair, and all the rest of the unionist scams recently, our goverment is hear to promote investment and more jobs into scotland and the unionists dogmatic approach is to scupper that investment it would not happen in any other country its purely and simply industrial sabotage then again the tories have previous convictions of de industrialisation in scotland to make scotland under achieve and continue with poverty and dependency culture for the unionist own self serving agenda. scotland should wake up and realise the this union stinks and is riddled in curruption frankly all efforts should be taken by our new government to stamp out the unionist fraudsters and jail the blue labour wendygate merchants and not allow then to brush all this under the carpet by diverting there problems to a 1,billion pounds development project if this project is lost all of scotland will know it was the unionists cartel to blame.
Posted by: Neil 9% Growth, glasgow on 11:38am Wed 19 Dec 07
Nobody seems to have accused Salmond of anything more outrageous than trying to encourage people to invest in Scotland.
I know the Greens are offiially opposed to economic growth but though the LudDims have a very large "green thread" they are, in theory at least, supposed to believe in growth. If so lets here what their specific complaint is - come on surely there is at least 1 LD who reads this paper.
Nobody seems to have accused Salmond of anything more outrageous than trying to encourage people to invest in Scotland.
I know the Greens are offiially opposed to economic growth but though the LudDims have a very large "green thread" they are, in theory at least, supposed to believe in growth. If so lets here what their specific complaint is - come on surely there is at least 1 LD who reads this paper.
Posted by: Charles McGrory, Glasgow on 11:41am Wed 19 Dec 07
Regardless of right or wrong procedure in the handing of the rescue of this Trump project, consider this:
[bold]£1 billion development in NE Scotland:[/bold] Rejection by Lib-Dem single vote and demand for immediate full blown public inquiry by Lib-Dem Leader to investigate improper influence in the rescue of this project from the jaws of his Lib-Dem Defeat.
Result: Immediate MSP inquiry into rescue efforts.
[bold]Labour Party: Open admission of illegality of donations[/bold]
Electoral Commission stacked with Labour pals:
Result: Silence…. Normal service will be resumed … when it suits us…
What an advertisement for Scotland, these London parties create.
Time to dump them.
Regardless of right or wrong procedure in the handing of the rescue of this Trump project, consider this:
£1 billion development in NE Scotland: Rejection by Lib-Dem single vote and demand for immediate full blown public inquiry by Lib-Dem Leader to investigate improper influence in the rescue of this project from the jaws of his Lib-Dem Defeat.
Result: Immediate MSP inquiry into rescue efforts.
Labour Party: Open admission of illegality of donations
Electoral Commission stacked with Labour pals:
Result: Silence…. Normal service will be resumed … when it suits us…
What an advertisement for Scotland, these London parties create.
Time to dump them.
Posted by: Observer on 11:41am Wed 19 Dec 07
The sooner we get this non story over with the better, the issues have been debated on these pages interminably for days. The Herald writers must be bored silly writing the same thing and I'm fed up reading it. Get this out the way then we can look forward to the report from the electoral commission, that will be much more interesting.
The sooner we get this non story over with the better, the issues have been debated on these pages interminably for days. The Herald writers must be bored silly writing the same thing and I'm fed up reading it. Get this out the way then we can look forward to the report from the electoral commission, that will be much more interesting.
Posted by: Archie, Argyll on 11:45am Wed 19 Dec 07
So McConnel and the labour mafia are to be investigated at last??
And all those dodgy developments that went up as Scots were having their livelihoods destroyed and driven into poverty by the Glasgow councils Italian Mafia????
I've waited nearly 20 years for this to happen.
Who would have guessed a tory would instigate this after all this time???
So McConnel and the labour mafia are to be investigated at last??
And all those dodgy developments that went up as Scots were having their livelihoods destroyed and driven into poverty by the Glasgow councils Italian Mafia????
I've waited nearly 20 years for this to happen.
Who would have guessed a tory would instigate this after all this time???
Posted by: Archie, Argyll on 11:48am Wed 19 Dec 07
Blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the Earth??????
Blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the Earth??????
Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 11:49am Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote]the Press Release is from 30th April[/quote]
[quote]my new $500m golf and leisure development[/quote]
Gees: A £500m golf resort has suddenly become a £1billion golf resort in just 8 months!
the Press Release is from 30th April
my new $500m golf and leisure development
Gees: A £500m golf resort has suddenly become a £1billion golf resort in just 8 months!
Posted by: jim mitchell, Sauchie, Clack's on 11:56am Wed 19 Dec 07
Aurora, I think there should be another investigation, into what it is your on these days.
Any chance of you getting some for the rest of us?
Aurora, I think there should be another investigation, into what it is your on these days.
Any chance of you getting some for the rest of us?
Posted by: Mac, Dundee on 11:58am Wed 19 Dec 07
There were allegations of impropriety, sleaze and illegality directed at Scottish ministers, senior civil servants and Trump employees.
If these are not directly addressed by this committee then will have failed in their duty.
If these allegations are directly addressed and prove to be unfounded, as they will, then the committee should force unreserved apologies from Nicol Stephen, Annabel Goldie and Jackie Baillie.
There were allegations of impropriety, sleaze and illegality directed at Scottish ministers, senior civil servants and Trump employees.
If these are not directly addressed by this committee then will have failed in their duty.
If these allegations are directly addressed and prove to be unfounded, as they will, then the committee should force unreserved apologies from Nicol Stephen, Annabel Goldie and Jackie Baillie.
Posted by: seonaidh bochd, edinbra on 12:07pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Nicol,Annabel,Jackie -what a political showbiz act they could be ?
Nicols mortgage queries and some difficulties with political stances on planning;Annabel ,David wants a quick call from you this morning -something about expenses /donations...its quite urgent....:Jackie ..have you checked with Charlie Whelan,Allan Wilson and all the other fixers lurking along the corridor from your pal Wendy
One fing is sure -you have blown wee kiltie Jacks wooing of the North American market ..... how naive
Nicol,Annabel,Jackie -what a political showbiz act they could be ?
Nicols mortgage queries and some difficulties with political stances on planning;Annabel ,David wants a quick call from you this morning -something about expenses /donations...its quite urgent....:Jackie ..have you checked with Charlie Whelan,Allan Wilson and all the other fixers lurking along the corridor from your pal Wendy
One fing is sure -you have blown wee kiltie Jacks wooing of the North American market ..... how naive
Posted by: Douglas Eckhart, Edinburgh on 12:08pm Wed 19 Dec 07
North East Against Nicol Stephen:
TODAY'S ABERDEEN PRESS & JOURNAL:
BUSINESSES CONDEMN LIB DEMS OVER TRUMP PLANS
08:50 - 19 December 2007
Furious members of the north-east business community last night accused Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen of "hijacking" attempts to get Donald Trump's £1billion golf-resort proposals back on track, and branded his party "anti-business".
Some 20 people have joined forces to accuse the Aberdeen South MSP of attacking the SNP Government to score "cheap political points".
Mr Stephen, who said there was a "smell of sleaze" about the way the government had handled the issue, claims he is concerned that the sequence of events leading up to the application being "called in" on December 4 could leave the proposal open to a legal challenge in the courts.
His official spokesman said last night that he was broadly in favour of the plans for the Menie Estate near Balmedie and it was "plain nonsense" to suggest the party was anti-business because it strives hard to promote the north-east economy.
However, the business consortium - which includes Jim Byers who runs the Brentwood Hotel, Ian Lakin, chairman of the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Stewart Spence, owner of the Marcliffe hotel and Rosemary Pittendrigh, managing secretary of Cruden Bay Golf Club - strongly disagree.
They claim Mr Stephen has ignored the views of the vast majority of his constituents and was "slinging mud" at the SNP at the expense of the proposals.
In a letter to the P &J, the group states: "Having spoken to numerous north-east people, the firm belief is that the position taken by Aberdeenshire councillor Martin Ford, the abstentions of certain Liberal Democrat Aberdeenshire councillors, and the position of Nicol Stephen, shows that the Liberal Democrats are anti-business for north-east Scotland.
"There are times when opposition politics should take second place to the greater good which, in this case, is ensuring that a development which is worth £100m to the Scottish economy is not in threatened."
North East Against Nicol Stephen:
TODAY'S ABERDEEN PRESS & JOURNAL:
BUSINESSES CONDEMN LIB DEMS OVER TRUMP PLANS
08:50 - 19 December 2007
Furious members of the north-east business community last night accused Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen of "hijacking" attempts to get Donald Trump's £1billion golf-resort proposals back on track, and branded his party "anti-business".
Some 20 people have joined forces to accuse the Aberdeen South MSP of attacking the SNP Government to score "cheap political points".
Mr Stephen, who said there was a "smell of sleaze" about the way the government had handled the issue, claims he is concerned that the sequence of events leading up to the application being "called in" on December 4 could leave the proposal open to a legal challenge in the courts.
His official spokesman said last night that he was broadly in favour of the plans for the Menie Estate near Balmedie and it was "plain nonsense" to suggest the party was anti-business because it strives hard to promote the north-east economy.
However, the business consortium - which includes Jim Byers who runs the Brentwood Hotel, Ian Lakin, chairman of the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Stewart Spence, owner of the Marcliffe hotel and Rosemary Pittendrigh, managing secretary of Cruden Bay Golf Club - strongly disagree.
They claim Mr Stephen has ignored the views of the vast majority of his constituents and was "slinging mud" at the SNP at the expense of the proposals.
In a letter to the P &J, the group states: "Having spoken to numerous north-east people, the firm belief is that the position taken by Aberdeenshire councillor Martin Ford, the abstentions of certain Liberal Democrat Aberdeenshire councillors, and the position of Nicol Stephen, shows that the Liberal Democrats are anti-business for north-east Scotland.
"There are times when opposition politics should take second place to the greater good which, in this case, is ensuring that a development which is worth £100m to the Scottish economy is not in threatened."
Posted by: teamdroid on 12:09pm Wed 19 Dec 07
"The committee will take legal advice and wait for the answers to a series of parliamentary questions before calling the witnesses at their meeting on January 16.
They expect to issue a report on the investigation at their next meeting on January 23"
I'll expect the Electoral Commission to report on Wendygate in the days before Jan 23rd.
"The committee will take legal advice and wait for the answers to a series of parliamentary questions before calling the witnesses at their meeting on January 16.
They expect to issue a report on the investigation at their next meeting on January 23"
I'll expect the Electoral Commission to report on Wendygate in the days before Jan 23rd.
Posted by: seonaidh bochd, edinbra on 12:13pm Wed 19 Dec 07
I went to the dentist wi a sair tooth
I took a taxi and that the troooooth
My name is macletchie
and I am feeling tetchy
....................
....................
...........
Please complete -prizes to be donated by Computers for Labour if you are nice to us
The ethical voice of the Tory Party expresses concern.????
I went to the dentist wi a sair tooth
I took a taxi and that the troooooth
My name is macletchie
and I am feeling tetchy
....................
....................
...........
Please complete -prizes to be donated by Computers for Labour if you are nice to us
The ethical voice of the Tory Party expresses concern.????
Posted by: tapsalteerie, Edinburgh on 12:16pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Nicol better watch out. Alex will take his pants down at FMQ this week because wee Nicol, when he was a government minister, got the Aberdeen by-pass moved by 100m to make it further away from his parents hoose in Aberdeenshire. All his electorate in Aberdeen will be switching SNP way next election. The boy has the strategic ability of a muppet - he has just committed political suicide. Excellent really.
Nicol better watch out. Alex will take his pants down at FMQ this week because wee Nicol, when he was a government minister, got the Aberdeen by-pass moved by 100m to make it further away from his parents hoose in Aberdeenshire. All his electorate in Aberdeen will be switching SNP way next election. The boy has the strategic ability of a muppet - he has just committed political suicide. Excellent really.
Posted by: Mr Lachie Todd, Edinburgh on 12:16pm Wed 19 Dec 07
It is only proper that all these disparate Unionist parties should come together to force this issue?
However, many will find it ironic that this matter has been orchestrated by the former leader of the indigenous Conservative Party?
We should not forget that this is the disgraced politician who, ironically, only a few short years ago was embroiled in his own corruption enquiry after circumnavigating Scotland in a fleet of taxis!
He then had the brass neck to claim back several thousands of
pounds in expenses?
To this day, the mocking cry: "Taxi for McLetchie"! can be heard in pubs and clubs throughout Scotland whenever a taxi arrives to pick up a fare!
It is only proper that all these disparate Unionist parties should come together to force this issue?
However, many will find it ironic that this matter has been orchestrated by the former leader of the indigenous Conservative Party?
We should not forget that this is the disgraced politician who, ironically, only a few short years ago was embroiled in his own corruption enquiry after circumnavigating Scotland in a fleet of taxis!
He then had the brass neck to claim back several thousands of
pounds in expenses?
To this day, the mocking cry: "Taxi for McLetchie"! can be heard in pubs and clubs throughout Scotland whenever a taxi arrives to pick up a fare!
Posted by: seonaidh, edinbra on 12:18pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Douglas
Thanks for that interesting article from the P&J -I think concern about the actions of this petulant political youngster will accumulate ......whatever will the new leader do with all of this ??
Douglas
Thanks for that interesting article from the P&J -I think concern about the actions of this petulant political youngster will accumulate ......whatever will the new leader do with all of this ??
Posted by: talorthane on 12:25pm Wed 19 Dec 07
And it may be that Nicol Stepehn will find that he has opened up another self damaging can of worms.
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/scotland/nort
h_east/7150451.stm
"Members of Road Sense want to find out exactly how the decision was made on the route"
Or maybe he knew this was coming up and his recent behaviour was to try and get someone else (Alex Slamond) in trouble before the spotlight fell on him.
And it may be that Nicol Stepehn will find that he has opened up another self damaging can of worms.
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/scotland/nort
h_east/7150451.stm
"Members of Road Sense want to find out exactly how the decision was made on the route"
Or maybe he knew this was coming up and his recent behaviour was to try and get someone else (Alex Slamond) in trouble before the spotlight fell on him.
Posted by: Archie, Argyll on 12:35pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Taxi for McLetchie !!! Taxi for McLetchie !! Taxi for McLetchie !!!!!!
You have jist missed him. He was here a minute ago.
He just left in a taxi.
Taxi for McLetchie !!! Taxi for McLetchie !! Taxi for McLetchie !!!!!!
You have jist missed him. He was here a minute ago.
He just left in a taxi.
Posted by: Phil C on 12:36pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Aurora[/bold] wrote:
So this has silenced the Nats here with whom we have to suffer daily ! But with Wee Eck, little fish and MacSwinnery in the dock we'll have to expect a torrent of abuse against the "unionists", "Herald", posters who dare to criticise this minority administration and anyone else daring to be a "traitor" to Scotland (Nats words of course !) , with diversions to other issues on the way. But we can take it folks - if only to see that smirk wiped away for a change !!![/quote] This non-story has silenced nobody, least of all the Nats. It just popped up as a 'story' that knocked Wendy's woes off the front page!
This is not a very clever move by anyone. It is the result of the majority unionists ganging up. They've picked the wrong time and the wrong events and it will backfire, to hopefully leave the unionists in a minority. Scotland can then move forward without the corruption-ridden Labour dominance, the Tory toadying and the dreadful smell of sleaze from Nicol's breeks.
Aurora wrote:
So this has silenced the Nats here with whom we have to suffer daily ! But with Wee Eck, little fish and MacSwinnery in the dock we'll have to expect a torrent of abuse against the "unionists", "Herald", posters who dare to criticise this minority administration and anyone else daring to be a "traitor" to Scotland (Nats words of course !) , with diversions to other issues on the way. But we can take it folks - if only to see that smirk wiped away for a change !!!
This non-story has silenced nobody, least of all the Nats. It just popped up as a 'story' that knocked Wendy's woes off the front page!
This is not a very clever move by anyone. It is the result of the majority unionists ganging up. They've picked the wrong time and the wrong events and it will backfire, to hopefully leave the unionists in a minority. Scotland can then move forward without the corruption-ridden Labour dominance, the Tory toadying and the dreadful smell of sleaze from Nicol's breeks.
Posted by: tapsalteerie, Edinburgh on 12:40pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Phil C : thanks for reminding me of Aurora's rantings. She seems to have a terrible thing about Alex's facial expressions: his "smirk". Usually when someone is irritated by this sort of thing it means the opposite - i.e. you actually like it (a lot). My conclusion is that Aurora secretly burns a wee candle for Eck - she just hasn't woken up to it yet. A bit like those men who hate gays while secretly living an underworld gay life themselves. Aurora: you just can't see it now can you.
Phil C : thanks for reminding me of Aurora's rantings. She seems to have a terrible thing about Alex's facial expressions: his "smirk". Usually when someone is irritated by this sort of thing it means the opposite - i.e. you actually like it (a lot). My conclusion is that Aurora secretly burns a wee candle for Eck - she just hasn't woken up to it yet. A bit like those men who hate gays while secretly living an underworld gay life themselves. Aurora: you just can't see it now can you.
Posted by: Steve, Dumfries on 12:43pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Donald Trump and the SNP seem excellent bed fellows. Both are completely dictiorial and are not willing or able to take any questioning from anyone.
If only everyone was as modest as Alex Salmond and Donald Trump the world would be a more pleasant place - NOT
Donald Trump and the SNP seem excellent bed fellows. Both are completely dictiorial and are not willing or able to take any questioning from anyone.
If only everyone was as modest as Alex Salmond and Donald Trump the world would be a more pleasant place - NOT
Posted by: Duns Scotus, The Borders on 12:44pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote]It has also emerged that on the day ministers called in the application, Trump representatives were with the government's chief planner during a phone call to the council chief executive.
[bold]However, Mr Trump's aides had been asked to leave the room before the discussion took place[/bold] .[/quote]
Margaret Young, Aurora, Corruptionwatch and Nichol Stephen - please note!
It has also emerged that on the day ministers called in the application, Trump representatives were with the government's chief planner during a phone call to the council chief executive.
However, Mr Trump's aides had been asked to leave the room before the discussion took place .
Margaret Young, Aurora, Corruptionwatch and Nichol Stephen - please note!
Posted by: tapsalterie, Edinburgh on 12:47pm Wed 19 Dec 07
STeve, Dumfries: but what do the people want re this development? They want it to go ahead. Which is what Alex pressumably wants too - to err do what the electorate actually WANT. So your views about Salmond etc are really quite irrelevant. Whether he is arrogant or not really makes no difference as to whether you want Scotlandn to prosper or not. Get a life sweetheart.
STeve, Dumfries: but what do the people want re this development? They want it to go ahead. Which is what Alex pressumably wants too - to err do what the electorate actually WANT. So your views about Salmond etc are really quite irrelevant. Whether he is arrogant or not really makes no difference as to whether you want Scotlandn to prosper or not. Get a life sweetheart.
Posted by: talorthane on 12:50pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Steve[/bold] wrote:
Donald Trump and the SNP seem excellent bed fellows. Both are completely dictiorial and are not willing or able to take any questioning from anyone. If only everyone was as modest as Alex Salmond and Donald Trump the world would be a more pleasant place - NOT [/quote] "Both are completely dictatorial"
That will, no doubt, explain why the SNP are the only party willing to put Scotland's future to a public referendum, and why the unionist parties are willing to put aside all remaining philosophical differences in an attempt to halt the new Scottish Government in their tracks.
Steve wrote:
Donald Trump and the SNP seem excellent bed fellows. Both are completely dictiorial and are not willing or able to take any questioning from anyone. If only everyone was as modest as Alex Salmond and Donald Trump the world would be a more pleasant place - NOT
"Both are completely dictatorial"
That will, no doubt, explain why the SNP are the only party willing to put Scotland's future to a public referendum, and why the unionist parties are willing to put aside all remaining philosophical differences in an attempt to halt the new Scottish Government in their tracks.
Posted by: Brian, Aberdee on 12:53pm Wed 19 Dec 07
I have not yet spoken to anybody here in Aberdeen that is against the proposed development...... In fact there was wide spread outrage when the plans were initially rejected. The politicians should get out there and speak to the people on the street.
Lets get back to the real issue – the plans should never have been rejected!
I have not yet spoken to anybody here in Aberdeen that is against the proposed development...... In fact there was wide spread outrage when the plans were initially rejected. The politicians should get out there and speak to the people on the street.
Lets get back to the real issue – the plans should never have been rejected!
Posted by: Just Curious, Beyond the sea on 12:55pm Wed 19 Dec 07
A question for all the pundits and political savants on this forum.
[bold]If a sufficient percentage of the electorate sign a petition, can an election be called to "recall" a MSP and another election held to choose a replacement?[/bold]
This is a remedy available in the USA. Is the same possible under Scottish Electoral law?
A question for all the pundits and political savants on this forum.
If a sufficient percentage of the electorate sign a petition, can an election be called to "recall" a MSP and another election held to choose a replacement?
This is a remedy available in the USA. Is the same possible under Scottish Electoral law?
Posted by: Steve, Dumfries on 12:56pm Wed 19 Dec 07
What people want is that a planning application is considered within the framework of the rules in place when was submitted - not having new rules made up on a daily basis until the developer gets the answer he wants.
It may also be that they want economic development - but this is not economic development - this is the construction of a housing scheme which happens to have a golf course attached.
You don't usually get a major housing scheme in the countryside waved through by the government against the wishes of democratically elected members of the planning authority - unless of course you have buttered up the SNP government apparently.
What people want is that a planning application is considered within the framework of the rules in place when was submitted - not having new rules made up on a daily basis until the developer gets the answer he wants.
It may also be that they want economic development - but this is not economic development - this is the construction of a housing scheme which happens to have a golf course attached.
You don't usually get a major housing scheme in the countryside waved through by the government against the wishes of democratically elected members of the planning authority - unless of course you have buttered up the SNP government apparently.
Posted by: willie46, fife on 12:56pm Wed 19 Dec 07
In the Press& Journal this morning the Headline is BUSINESSES CONDEMN LIB DEMS. They say that Stephen should concentrate on the Area instead of trying to make cheap political points agaimst the SNP.---- ENOUGH SAID!! Nichol I think you have just blown your political life thank goodness
In the Press& Journal this morning the Headline is BUSINESSES CONDEMN LIB DEMS. They say that Stephen should concentrate on the Area instead of trying to make cheap political points agaimst the SNP.---- ENOUGH SAID!! Nichol I think you have just blown your political life thank goodness
Posted by: tapsalterie, Edinburgh on 1:00pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Steve: no the majority in the Aberdeen areas want the trump development to go ahead despite the views of a handful (actually one) lib dem cooncilor.
Steve: no the majority in the Aberdeen areas want the trump development to go ahead despite the views of a handful (actually one) lib dem cooncilor.
Posted by: Steven, Glasgow on 1:00pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Why do all the nationalists have to resort to juvenile name calling all the time on these comments? e..g. NuLabour, Wendy Windbag, Calamity Clegg, Lib Dums etc etc. Grow up! I see that it's not taken them long to resort to the 'negative' attitude that they were condemning everyone else for during the election campaign.
Why do all the nationalists have to resort to juvenile name calling all the time on these comments? e..g. NuLabour, Wendy Windbag, Calamity Clegg, Lib Dums etc etc. Grow up! I see that it's not taken them long to resort to the 'negative' attitude that they were condemning everyone else for during the election campaign.
Posted by: Steve, Dumfries on 1:01pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Could we have a new sport introduced at the Commonwealth Games - whining by nationalists - we would be bound to win.
Could we have a new sport introduced at the Commonwealth Games - whining by nationalists - we would be bound to win.
Posted by: tapsalterie, Edinburgh on 1:01pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Steven Glasgow: how about "separitist", "divorce mongers", "stain" for those favouring Indepenence? Get over yourself.
Steven Glasgow: how about "separitist", "divorce mongers", "stain" for those favouring Indepenence? Get over yourself.
Posted by: talorthane on 1:02pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Steve
You proclaim: "What people want...."
I don't know how you have canvassed these "people" or, indeed, who this population is but, if you take any time to explore what the "people" of the North East want, it is clearly that the decision made by the Infrastructure Committee should be revoked, as the decision was completely out of line with public opinion, and that the democratic link between the public and their representatives on the planning committee was somehow flawed.
Steve
You proclaim: "What people want...."
I don't know how you have canvassed these "people" or, indeed, who this population is but, if you take any time to explore what the "people" of the North East want, it is clearly that the decision made by the Infrastructure Committee should be revoked, as the decision was completely out of line with public opinion, and that the democratic link between the public and their representatives on the planning committee was somehow flawed.
Posted by: tapsalteerie, Edinburgh on 1:05pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Steve: okay you win. Nobody wants the Trump thing. Can you give us peace now? ta.
Steve: okay you win. Nobody wants the Trump thing. Can you give us peace now? ta.
Posted by: Joe Mellon, Paris, France on 1:05pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote] Aurora, Edinburgh on 11:36am today
So this has silenced the Nats here with whom we have to suffer daily ![/quote]
The other parties have nothing to offer Scotland but a "scandal" about the Scottish Government evening the road for a project that everyone supports....
They are unhappy that the SNP are actually achieving something for Scotland: instead of rejoicing about that and asking themselves "What could [italic]we[/italic] do for Scotland" this is their response...
Weak eh?
And for NuLab it is all about diverting attention from Wendygate.
Ah but dear Aurora, for a' that and a' that, it's coming yet for a' that...
Aurora, Edinburgh on 11:36am today
So this has silenced the Nats here with whom we have to suffer daily !
The other parties have nothing to offer Scotland but a "scandal" about the Scottish Government evening the road for a project that everyone supports....
They are unhappy that the SNP are actually achieving something for Scotland: instead of rejoicing about that and asking themselves "What could
we do for Scotland" this is their response...
Weak eh?
And for NuLab it is all about diverting attention from Wendygate.
Ah but dear Aurora, for a' that and a' that, it's coming yet for a' that...
Posted by: Archie, Argyll on 1:05pm Wed 19 Dec 07
It is incredible, that after all the years of unchallenged labour corruption, when a guy is elected with a mandate to put Scotland's priorities before London's he is attacked within months of winning the election by the very people who have ignored large scale corruption happening in their own areas of operation, and some even blame the SNP for things that happened before the SNP came into government.
What people are wondering is, why has nothing been done about what has been happening under labour control???
It is incredible, that after all the years of unchallenged labour corruption, when a guy is elected with a mandate to put Scotland's priorities before London's he is attacked within months of winning the election by the very people who have ignored large scale corruption happening in their own areas of operation, and some even blame the SNP for things that happened before the SNP came into government.
What people are wondering is, why has nothing been done about what has been happening under labour control???
Posted by: Steve, Dumfries on 1:07pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote][bold]tapsalterie[/bold] wrote:
Steve: no the majority in the Aberdeen areas want the trump development to go ahead despite the views of a handful (actually one) lib dem cooncilor.[/quote] There appears to be a very strange voting system in Aberdeenshire Council. It would appear that if there are N councillors on a committee then Martin Ford has N+1 votes.
As far as I am aware if he had been the only one in favour of throwing out the plans them the development would have been given the go ahead.
tapsalterie wrote:
Steve: no the majority in the Aberdeen areas want the trump development to go ahead despite the views of a handful (actually one) lib dem cooncilor.
There appears to be a very strange voting system in Aberdeenshire Council. It would appear that if there are N councillors on a committee then Martin Ford has N+1 votes.
As far as I am aware if he had been the only one in favour of throwing out the plans them the development would have been given the go ahead.
Posted by: TheGlaswegian, Edinburgh on 1:08pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Steve, Dumfries - you are clueless. There were howls of protest after the plan was rejected on a minor technicalitiy by a sub committe led by a Lib Dem. Said lib dem was then booted.
Aberdeen council have since publiciy declared their full backing of the Trump investment.
Alex Salmond and every one of the SNP MSPs also back this investigation as it'll show Nicol Stephen up as the whinging non entity that he is. Open your eyes or you will be shown up as the same.
Steve, Dumfries - you are clueless. There were howls of protest after the plan was rejected on a minor technicalitiy by a sub committe led by a Lib Dem. Said lib dem was then booted.
Aberdeen council have since publiciy declared their full backing of the Trump investment.
Alex Salmond and every one of the SNP MSPs also back this investigation as it'll show Nicol Stephen up as the whinging non entity that he is. Open your eyes or you will be shown up as the same.
Posted by: tapsalterie, Edinburgh on 1:11pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Steve: refer Talorthane: 1.02pm. / refer - my last post. I repeat: You win. Public opinion is outraged at this Trump thing going ahead. You are right - of course few people want it. a tiny sub committee of the cooncil were spot on in their assessment of public opinion. Again - YOU WIN.
Steve: refer Talorthane: 1.02pm. / refer - my last post. I repeat: You win. Public opinion is outraged at this Trump thing going ahead. You are right - of course few people want it. a tiny sub committee of the cooncil were spot on in their assessment of public opinion. Again - YOU WIN.
Posted by: Steve, Dumfries on 1:17pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Actually - we are all wrong - it doesn't matter what we humble mortals think. The only person we should be listening to is SEAN CONNERY - has, by any chance, he said he will come back to live in Scotland if Trump's housing scheme gets built?
Actually - we are all wrong - it doesn't matter what we humble mortals think. The only person we should be listening to is SEAN CONNERY - has, by any chance, he said he will come back to live in Scotland if Trump's housing scheme gets built?
Posted by: tapsalterie, Edinburgh on 1:20pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Steve, Dumfries: I've no idea re Sir Sean. How about responding to TheGlaswegian's post at 1.08pm? Does Sean always spell his name in capital letters btw? Oh and we're not all wrong. Just you.
Steve, Dumfries: I've no idea re Sir Sean. How about responding to TheGlaswegian's post at 1.08pm? Does Sean always spell his name in capital letters btw? Oh and we're not all wrong. Just you.
Posted by: Ayrshire Scot, Ayr on 1:25pm Wed 19 Dec 07
I have been saying it all along but very few of you have been listening. Wee eck and his band of SNatsP are as much sleaze balls as every other politician of whatever political party. [bold]bold[/bold]
I have been saying it all along but very few of you have been listening. Wee eck and his band of SNatsP are as much sleaze balls as every other politician of whatever political party.
Posted by: Colin, Aberdeen on 1:33pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Interesting that the SNP are happy to support the investigation by the commitee. Obviously feel they have nothing to hide.
I think they know that all this will do is confirm them as the only party with Scotland interests truly at heart, and that the finger pointers and point scorers among the other parties will be seen to be damaged by the electorate.
Wendy is already a lame duck. Nicol is catching up quickly.
As an aside - wonder if Labour would be similarly welcoming of an investigation into their recent woes?
Spot the difference? I think the electorate can!
Interesting that the SNP are happy to support the investigation by the commitee. Obviously feel they have nothing to hide.
I think they know that all this will do is confirm them as the only party with Scotland interests truly at heart, and that the finger pointers and point scorers among the other parties will be seen to be damaged by the electorate.
Wendy is already a lame duck. Nicol is catching up quickly.
As an aside - wonder if Labour would be similarly welcoming of an investigation into their recent woes?
Spot the difference? I think the electorate can!
Posted by: Just Curious, Beyond the sea on 1:34pm Wed 19 Dec 07
At the risk of repeating myself, here's my question for all the pundits and political savants on this forum.
[bold]If a sufficient percentage of the electorate sign a petition, can a special election take place to "recall" a MSP and another subsequent election held to choose a replacement?[/bold]
This is a remedy available in the USA. Is the same possible under Scottish Electoral law?
This might resolve the fate of Nicol Stephen :-)
At the risk of repeating myself, here's my question for all the pundits and political savants on this forum.
If a sufficient percentage of the electorate sign a petition, can a special election take place to "recall" a MSP and another subsequent election held to choose a replacement?
This is a remedy available in the USA. Is the same possible under Scottish Electoral law?
This might resolve the fate of Nicol Stephen :-)
Posted by: Kerr Out!, East Kilbride on 1:36pm Wed 19 Dec 07
ayrshire scat says
"I have been saying it all along but very few of you have been listening. Wee eck and his band of SNatsP are as much sleaze balls as every other politician of whatever political party."
The SNP government are happy to answer questions and take part in any enquiry, compare their attitude to Labour who are lying and squirming and will have to be dragged by the hair into an Electoral Commission enquiry that will be rigged by the very people who donated them money in the first place.
Labour are addicted to the trough and will never willingly give up their take take culture, If we can't retrain the pigs there is only one place for them.
ayrshire scat says
"I have been saying it all along but very few of you have been listening. Wee eck and his band of SNatsP are as much sleaze balls as every other politician of whatever political party."
The SNP government are happy to answer questions and take part in any enquiry, compare their attitude to Labour who are lying and squirming and will have to be dragged by the hair into an Electoral Commission enquiry that will be rigged by the very people who donated them money in the first place.
Labour are addicted to the trough and will never willingly give up their take take culture, If we can't retrain the pigs there is only one place for them.
Posted by: dws on 1:36pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Ayrshire Scot[/bold] wrote:
I have been saying it all along but very few of you have been listening. Wee eck and his band of SNatsP are as much sleaze balls as every other politician of whatever political party. [bold]bold[/bold] [/quote] Okay then, let's say for sake of argument all politicians are corrupt.
I'm quite happy for Alex Salmond being called to answer for his actions, and find the press scrutiny acceptable.
What's your position on Wendy Alexander's funding, and the media blackout which apparently surrounds her like a comfort blanket in Scotland?
Is it different in this case because it's "Wee Eck"?
Ayrshire Scot wrote:
I have been saying it all along but very few of you have been listening. Wee eck and his band of SNatsP are as much sleaze balls as every other politician of whatever political party.
Okay then, let's say for sake of argument all politicians are corrupt.
I'm quite happy for Alex Salmond being called to answer for his actions, and find the press scrutiny acceptable.
What's your position on Wendy Alexander's funding, and the media blackout which apparently surrounds her like a comfort blanket in Scotland?
Is it different in this case because it's "Wee Eck"?
Posted by: talorthane on 1:48pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Just Curious[/bold] wrote:
At the risk of repeating myself, here\'s my question for all the pundits and political savants on this forum. [bold]If a sufficient percentage of the electorate sign a petition, can a special election take place to \"recall\" a MSP and another subsequent election held to choose a replacement?[/bold] This is a remedy available in the USA. Is the same possible under Scottish Electoral law? This might resolve the fate of Nicol Stephen :-)[/quote] I hope you are right.
Democracy should have mechanisms in place to remove those who have lost the trust or faith of those who put them in place in the first place.
If this should happen in Aberdeen South, I think there will be many interestred observers in places such as Glasgow Cathcart, Dumbarton, Hamilton South and Paisley North,
Just Curious wrote:
At the risk of repeating myself, here\'s my question for all the pundits and political savants on this forum. If a sufficient percentage of the electorate sign a petition, can a special election take place to \"recall\" a MSP and another subsequent election held to choose a replacement? This is a remedy available in the USA. Is the same possible under Scottish Electoral law? This might resolve the fate of Nicol Stephen :-)
I hope you are right.
Democracy should have mechanisms in place to remove those who have lost the trust or faith of those who put them in place in the first place.
If this should happen in Aberdeen South, I think there will be many interestred observers in places such as Glasgow Cathcart, Dumbarton, Hamilton South and Paisley North,
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