An impressive Sturgeon proves to be as big a fish as Salmond
A while back, your sketchist got a call from one of those "sources" we're always hearing about. The point was to inform me that I was dead wrong. The very idea of the possibility came as a terrible shock.
In any case, our source said that it was a mistake, an error, a calumny (and other deplorable things) even to hint that the return of Alex Salmond to Scottish domestic politics was a touch hard on Nicola Sturgeon.
Apparently, writing words to the effect that she had led the SNP opposition with a certain aplomb, had grown in stature, got some of Jack McConnell's measure, and deserved better than a supporting role until such time as Mr Salmond decided otherwise, was not - how best to paraphrase?- appreciated.
None of this, of course, was quite what I had been on about. All I had ever meant was the unthinkable: that the body politic might endure without Mr Salmond's charisma, and Ms Sturgeon, not to mention John Swinney, represented a fair bet for the future of Scottish Nationalism. Yesterday, the First Minister was indisposed. This was unfortunate. It meant, however, that Holyrood's version of The Weakest Link offered interesting alternatives for anyone with a passing concern for gender politics.
The short version: Nicola wiped the floor with Wendy. Possibly my powers of description fail me. Perhaps I should say that you could have pasted and papered the front room, and still had paste to spare, with what remained of Labour's Scottish leader at 12.13, or thereabouts.
Annabel Goldie was doughty and decent. Some authentic, ordinary, important politics got discussed. Nicol Stephen of the Liberals turned up. Back-bench questions of real relevance were raised (and answered).
But be fair. There's cheap and there's what this trade calls a story. Your sketchist will answer to charges of sexism. Equally, what I saw happening was Ms Alexander looking at Ms Sturgeon, the latter returning the former's gaze, much more of the same, and then a bit of a brawl.
In terms of women in politics, and in terms of Scottish women in Scottish politics, it was hugely impressive.
Ms Alexander made an error by mentioning education in terms of the spring exams. Politicians should never put themselves in the vicinity of words such as "pass" and "fail".
Still, she was not wrong when she recalled the SNP gave "five key pledges" on schooling a year ago. She may have been unprepared, however, for the possibility that the Deputy First Minister would test the bounds of parliamentary language, never mind journalistic privilege. What have you said when you have mentioned a "baselessly inaccurate scare story"? What do you mean when you allege "the basis of all her questions is untrue"? What do you imply when you say: "I would ask her to think about withdrawing that smear"?
The SNP's rebuttal amounted, in short, to the charge that a Labour press person was "phoning round Renfrewshire this morning" to "stir up" the idea that advanced Highers have become less available in the area because of "cuts".
I think - and someone can correct me if I misheard - Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.
That, I think, is what you call entertainment.
It is also what you call the emergence of a significant politician. Ms Alexander will always have a reputation for intelligence. Ms Goldie will always possess a redoubtable facility for a phrase. But the SNP will have its next leader.
Scotland, if it chooses, will make the same declaration. And this would be a woman, in this of all countries.
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Posted by: bluenose, Glasgow on 10:42pm Thu 1 May 08
Scaremongering ,lying ,and getting caught out , just another day at the office for Wendy and the Nu Liebour Party .
q in the final of the UEFA and Labour about to be relegated does it get any better????
Scaremongering ,lying ,and getting caught out , just another day at the office for Wendy and the Nu Liebour Party .
q in the final of the UEFA and Labour about to be relegated does it get any better????
Posted by: John Leven, Leven Fife on 11:06pm Thu 1 May 08
Ian
There you go again using Wendy Alexander and intelligence in the same sentence.
Just how long do we have to wait for any sign of it, maybe we will spot our first DoDo before then.
No comment on a Labour leader with a lower poll rating than a Tory leader. Should have been front page news, but you could have mentioned she is intelligent.
Ian
There you go again using Wendy Alexander and intelligence in the same sentence.
Just how long do we have to wait for any sign of it, maybe we will spot our first DoDo before then.
No comment on a Labour leader with a lower poll rating than a Tory leader. Should have been front page news, but you could have mentioned she is intelligent.
Posted by: Samoyed, Costa del Menie on 11:49pm Thu 1 May 08
Funny! Brian Taylor arrived to exactly the same conclusion in his BBC blog.
But nobody should worry much, Simon Pia clarified his calls were just to warn them the school was going to be mentioned at FM question time. The lad was just being polite.
Us and our dirty minds; sometimes I despair of ourselves, how could we suspect anything else?
Funny! Brian Taylor arrived to exactly the same conclusion in his BBC blog.
But nobody should worry much, Simon Pia clarified his calls were just to warn them the school was going to be mentioned at FM question time. The lad was just being polite.
Us and our dirty minds; sometimes I despair of ourselves, how could we suspect anything else?
Posted by: Carnwarth on 11:51pm Thu 1 May 08
So Nicola knows that Wendy and New Labour tells lies - not sure that in itself makes her (Nicola) Scottish Prime Minister material.
So Nicola knows that Wendy and New Labour tells lies - not sure that in itself makes her (Nicola) Scottish Prime Minister material.
Posted by: Morag, Peeblesshire on 11:59pm Thu 1 May 08
I got the edited version after work this evening. My elderly mother (an avid fan) didn't turn on in time, but caught one section which she relayed to me. Wendy asked Nicola a question, apparently in rather an aggressive manner, ending with "answer yes or no!"
Nicola replied, simply, "Yes."
Which, according to the tale told to me, left Wendy speechless.
Can anyone tell me where to find the details of this priceless entertainment? A script, even?
I got the edited version after work this evening. My elderly mother (an avid fan) didn't turn on in time, but caught one section which she relayed to me. Wendy asked Nicola a question, apparently in rather an aggressive manner, ending with "answer yes or no!"
Nicola replied, simply, "Yes."
Which, according to the tale told to me, left Wendy speechless.
Can anyone tell me where to find the details of this priceless entertainment? A script, even?
Posted by: Andrew BOD, Aberdeen on 12:59am Fri 2 May 08
Wendy Alexander's Westminster colleagues are as much a joke as the women herself.
I watched the 'Parliament' channel yesterday, showing Scottish Questions. Incredibly, most of the debate centered on policies reserved for the Scottish Parliament. It was like a bunch of fishwives having a good old moan about something they couldn't do anything about. And the whole debate was naturally conducted and overseen by HRH David Cairns.
It seems MPs not only want scandalous indirect expenses, they want to be paid for debating something for which they have no jurisdiction.
Unbelievable. The sooner we get rid of this shambles of a political system, the better.
Wendy Alexander's Westminster colleagues are as much a joke as the women herself.
I watched the 'Parliament' channel yesterday, showing Scottish Questions. Incredibly, most of the debate centered on policies reserved for the Scottish Parliament. It was like a bunch of fishwives having a good old moan about something they couldn't do anything about. And the whole debate was naturally conducted and overseen by HRH David Cairns.
It seems MPs not only want scandalous indirect expenses, they want to be paid for debating something for which they have no jurisdiction.
Unbelievable. The sooner we get rid of this shambles of a political system, the better.
Posted by: Kent, Edinburgh on 1:27am Fri 2 May 08
Morag, download the BBC iPlayer from the BBC website and you'll be able to watch it on that.
Nicola wiped the floor with her especially when she answered Wendy's last question, well worth watching.
Morag, download the BBC iPlayer from the BBC website and you'll be able to watch it on that.
Nicola wiped the floor with her especially when she answered Wendy's last question, well worth watching.
Posted by: Ben Lomond, Ardlui on 1:55am Fri 2 May 08
"Nicola wiped the floor with Wendy." Well, as my elderly mother, who has never had anything to do with politics, could probably wipe the floor with Ms Alexander, this is in itself no large claim.
Nonetheless, it is completely and utterly irrefutably obvious that the Deputy First Minister has shown herself to be just what Mr Bell says she is: FM material.
As for the noisy rabble otherwise known as Labour MSPs, their conduct at FMQs is an affront to democracy. Something should be done about that.
"Nicola wiped the floor with Wendy." Well, as my elderly mother, who has never had anything to do with politics, could probably wipe the floor with Ms Alexander, this is in itself no large claim.
Nonetheless, it is completely and utterly irrefutably obvious that the Deputy First Minister has shown herself to be just what Mr Bell says she is: FM material.
As for the noisy rabble otherwise known as Labour MSPs, their conduct at FMQs is an affront to democracy. Something should be done about that.
Posted by: Mike, Edinburgh on 2:46am Fri 2 May 08
Ben Lomond is quite correct, his mother would wipe the floor with Wendy Alexander. Most Scottish mothers are well capable of that especially when crooks like her interfere in the welfare of their Kids. What type of example does Wendy Alexander and the rest of her rabble of MSP's give Scottish Children. To stand up in Parliament and make claims, that were obviously untrue and in fact fabricated by her Blairite/Brownite type of SPIN Merchant. My mother would have tanned my erky if she caught me lying. Maybe Wendy should have been given a few good skelps by her parents, then she wouldnt be known by the majority of Scots as the liar she is. Its time for Wendy to put the mirror down and have a good look at the level of contemp the Scottish People have for her lies. The state of her own constituents standard of life would be a good starting point. Armani Clothes are not exactly the latest fashion items for the many unemployed or those who earn minimum wages who will soon have their Taxes Doubled by the Lunatic Brown. Her Master and Benefactor in London, is being described as a person who suffers from psychological illness. I personaly wouldnt give him the benefit of the doubt. He was never elected by the People to his position and should be invited to leave office before he and Darling drag the three countries further into the economic gutter.
Ben Lomond is quite correct, his mother would wipe the floor with Wendy Alexander. Most Scottish mothers are well capable of that especially when crooks like her interfere in the welfare of their Kids. What type of example does Wendy Alexander and the rest of her rabble of MSP's give Scottish Children. To stand up in Parliament and make claims, that were obviously untrue and in fact fabricated by her Blairite/Brownite type of SPIN Merchant. My mother would have tanned my erky if she caught me lying. Maybe Wendy should have been given a few good skelps by her parents, then she wouldnt be known by the majority of Scots as the liar she is. Its time for Wendy to put the mirror down and have a good look at the level of contemp the Scottish People have for her lies. The state of her own constituents standard of life would be a good starting point. Armani Clothes are not exactly the latest fashion items for the many unemployed or those who earn minimum wages who will soon have their Taxes Doubled by the Lunatic Brown. Her Master and Benefactor in London, is being described as a person who suffers from psychological illness. I personaly wouldnt give him the benefit of the doubt. He was never elected by the People to his position and should be invited to leave office before he and Darling drag the three countries further into the economic gutter.
Posted by: Edward, Edinburgh on 3:11am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Ben Lomond[/bold] wrote:
"Nicola wiped the floor with Wendy." Well, as my elderly mother, who has never had anything to do with politics, could probably wipe the floor with Ms Alexander, this is in itself no large claim. Nonetheless, it is completely and utterly irrefutably obvious that the Deputy First Minister has shown herself to be just what Mr Bell says she is: FM material. As for the noisy rabble otherwise known as Labour MSPs, their conduct at FMQs is an affront to democracy. Something should be done about that.[/quote] I seem to recall that the presiding officer stating that he would not stand for the kind of antics Labour MSP's are now employing
Ben Lomond wrote:
"Nicola wiped the floor with Wendy." Well, as my elderly mother, who has never had anything to do with politics, could probably wipe the floor with Ms Alexander, this is in itself no large claim. Nonetheless, it is completely and utterly irrefutably obvious that the Deputy First Minister has shown herself to be just what Mr Bell says she is: FM material. As for the noisy rabble otherwise known as Labour MSPs, their conduct at FMQs is an affront to democracy. Something should be done about that.
I seem to recall that the presiding officer stating that he would not stand for the kind of antics Labour MSP's are now employing
Posted by: Donald Anderson, glasgow on 7:44am Fri 2 May 08
Labour baggy minnies swallied hale by killer whale.
Labour baggy minnies swallied hale by killer whale.
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 9:13am Fri 2 May 08
The real story is that the SNP's depth in ministerial talent gives a number of options for future leaders & deputies.
Labour on the other hand?
Wendy is their absolute best Labour have until Steven Purcell can get elected as an MSP....... shocking indication of what career politics has done to the labour party.....
Watch First Minister Questions and the groan when Wendy gets to her feet from her own troops is audible.
After Brown is disposed in the next 6 months, Wendy will have nowhere to run, labour will have nowhere to run, who in their ranks could possibly take on the mantel?
Their party is riven with deep splits because of brown's tampering mentality, issues such as trident & nuclear clearly divide the MSP;s with any conscience. The 10p income tax abolition has set the carrerr brownies/blairites against the stump of the real left that resides within the Scottish labour machine.
Their current proclamation of all things socialist is laughable, do they really think that we have forgotten for they ACTUALLY did in office.
It's like they are preparing for another 4 years in opposition (in an independent Scotland) already, they have nothing to offer the electorate, no ideas, no meaningful policies, NO VISION.
Put simply, their days as they are in Scotland are over, unless they drastically reform and redirect their focus, they will continue the descent into their own abyss & obscurity.
The real story is that the SNP's depth in ministerial talent gives a number of options for future leaders & deputies.
Labour on the other hand?
Wendy is their absolute best Labour have until Steven Purcell can get elected as an MSP....... shocking indication of what career politics has done to the labour party.....
Watch First Minister Questions and the groan when Wendy gets to her feet from her own troops is audible.
After Brown is disposed in the next 6 months, Wendy will have nowhere to run, labour will have nowhere to run, who in their ranks could possibly take on the mantel?
Their party is riven with deep splits because of brown's tampering mentality, issues such as trident & nuclear clearly divide the MSP;s with any conscience. The 10p income tax abolition has set the carrerr brownies/blairites against the stump of the real left that resides within the Scottish labour machine.
Their current proclamation of all things socialist is laughable, do they really think that we have forgotten for they ACTUALLY did in office.
It's like they are preparing for another 4 years in opposition (in an independent Scotland) already, they have nothing to offer the electorate, no ideas, no meaningful policies, NO VISION.
Put simply, their days as they are in Scotland are over, unless they drastically reform and redirect their focus, they will continue the descent into their own abyss & obscurity.
Posted by: Mac, Dundee on 9:19am Fri 2 May 08
re: "Nicola wiped the floor with Wendy."
It just gets worse for Wendy. Criminal behaviour, unable to work with colleagues of her own choosing, lacks the common touch, incapable of thinking on her feet, can't even act when given prepared scripts and now caught telling porkies in Holyrood with the revelation that her staff have been spreading fear stories by directly phoning schools.
re: "Nicola wiped the floor with Wendy."
It just gets worse for Wendy. Criminal behaviour, unable to work with colleagues of her own choosing, lacks the common touch, incapable of thinking on her feet, can't even act when given prepared scripts and now caught telling porkies in Holyrood with the revelation that her staff have been spreading fear stories by directly phoning schools.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 9:23am Fri 2 May 08
[quote]Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.[/quote] How shocking, and she a paragon of snowy white virtue.
Bell[quote]The SNP's rebuttal amounted, in short, to the charge that a Labour press person was "phoning round Renfrewshire this morning" to "stir up" the idea that advanced Highers have become less available in the area because of "cuts". I think - and someone can correct me if I misheard - Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.[/quote] Labour up to its old tricks - se[italic]en every day on these boards[/italic] - lying, exaggerating, smearing, squandering their energies on winning by cheating and deception, the poor and the disadvantages, and Scotland's honour nowhere to be seen in their lexicon of priorities..
And Pia is an Italian-Scot, his dad a lawyer; he a man from an illustrious band of talented immigrants who have contributed a considerable amount to our culture, who, unlike their American counterparts, have kept their noses clean and their butts out of trouble, and now for some reason this one acts like the mafia.
[bold]It's the company he keeps.[/bold]
Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.
How shocking, and she a paragon of snowy white virtue.
Bell
The SNP's rebuttal amounted, in short, to the charge that a Labour press person was "phoning round Renfrewshire this morning" to "stir up" the idea that advanced Highers have become less available in the area because of "cuts". I think - and someone can correct me if I misheard - Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.
Labour up to its old tricks - se
en every day on these boards - lying, exaggerating, smearing, squandering their energies on winning by cheating and deception, the poor and the disadvantages, and Scotland's honour nowhere to be seen in their lexicon of priorities..
And Pia is an Italian-Scot, his dad a lawyer; he a man from an illustrious band of talented immigrants who have contributed a considerable amount to our culture, who, unlike their American counterparts, have kept their noses clean and their butts out of trouble, and now for some reason this one acts like the mafia.
It's the company he keeps.
Posted by: Mac, Dundee on 9:55am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Los Angeles[/bold] wrote:
[quote]Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.[/quote] How shocking, and she a paragon of snowy white virtue.
Bell[quote]The SNP's rebuttal amounted, in short, to the charge that a Labour press person was "phoning round Renfrewshire this morning" to "stir up" the idea that advanced Highers have become less available in the area because of "cuts". I think - and someone can correct me if I misheard - Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.[/quote] Labour up to its old tricks - se[italic]en every day on these boards[/italic] - lying, exaggerating, smearing, squandering their energies on winning by cheating and deception, the poor and the disadvantages, and Scotland's honour nowhere to be seen in their lexicon of priorities..
And Pia is an Italian-Scot, his dad a lawyer; he a man from an illustrious band of talented immigrants who have contributed a considerable amount to our culture, who, unlike their American counterparts, have kept their noses clean and their butts out of trouble, and now for some reason this one acts like the mafia.
[bold]It's the company he keeps.[/bold]
[/quote] Simon Pia will forever regret working for Wendy Alexander, and Wendy Alexander will forever regret employing Simon Pia.
Deliberately spreading untruths and fear stories amongst parents, teachers, and in schools, in such a cack-handed fashion was done simply to make Wendy look good at FMQs. That failed spectacularly, but it does show the desperate lengths that Labour will now go-to in order to win back power.
Both Simon Pia and Wendy Alexander have done Scottish politics a big favour in revealing the extent of dirty politics operating within the Labour party. The lesson here is that Labour won't get back in power until they clean out their own stables.
Los Angeles wrote:
Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.
How shocking, and she a paragon of snowy white virtue.
BellThe SNP's rebuttal amounted, in short, to the charge that a Labour press person was "phoning round Renfrewshire this morning" to "stir up" the idea that advanced Highers have become less available in the area because of "cuts". I think - and someone can correct me if I misheard - Labour's leader in Scotland was being accused of involvement with an untruth.
Labour up to its old tricks - seen every day on these boards - lying, exaggerating, smearing, squandering their energies on winning by cheating and deception, the poor and the disadvantages, and Scotland's honour nowhere to be seen in their lexicon of priorities..
And Pia is an Italian-Scot, his dad a lawyer; he a man from an illustrious band of talented immigrants who have contributed a considerable amount to our culture, who, unlike their American counterparts, have kept their noses clean and their butts out of trouble, and now for some reason this one acts like the mafia.
It's the company he keeps.
Simon Pia will forever regret working for Wendy Alexander, and Wendy Alexander will forever regret employing Simon Pia.
Deliberately spreading untruths and fear stories amongst parents, teachers, and in schools, in such a cack-handed fashion was done simply to make Wendy look good at FMQs. That failed spectacularly, but it does show the desperate lengths that Labour will now go-to in order to win back power.
Both Simon Pia and Wendy Alexander have done Scottish politics a big favour in revealing the extent of dirty politics operating within the Labour party. The lesson here is that Labour won't get back in power until they clean out their own stables.
Posted by: teamdroid on 9:56am Fri 2 May 08
At the risk of Godwinning this thread, I'd like to point out that there is an almost unique phenomenom in Scottish politics.
Despite Goebbels assurances to the contrary, the more journalists repeat phrases containing "Wendy Alexander" and "intelligent", the LESS people believe it!
At the risk of Godwinning this thread, I'd like to point out that there is an almost unique phenomenom in Scottish politics.
Despite Goebbels assurances to the contrary, the more journalists repeat phrases containing "Wendy Alexander" and "intelligent", the LESS people believe it!
Posted by: Karin, glasgae. on 10:19am Fri 2 May 08
Scotland, if it chooses, will make the same declaration. And this would be a woman, in this of all countries.
EH whats that supposed to mean?
are you saying that scotland would not vote in a woman FM.
they would so.
As long as her name wisnae wendy alexander.......
Scotland, if it chooses, will make the same declaration. And this would be a woman, in this of all countries.
EH whats that supposed to mean?
are you saying that scotland would not vote in a woman FM.
they would so.
As long as her name wisnae wendy alexander.......
Posted by: Karin, glasgae. on 10:20am Fri 2 May 08
Scotland, if it chooses, will make the same declaration. And this would be a woman, in this of all countries.
EH whats that supposed to mean?
are you saying that scotland would not vote in a woman FM.
they would so.
As long as her name wisnae wendy alexander.......
Scotland, if it chooses, will make the same declaration. And this would be a woman, in this of all countries.
EH whats that supposed to mean?
are you saying that scotland would not vote in a woman FM.
they would so.
As long as her name wisnae wendy alexander.......
Posted by: Jwil, Lanarkshire on 10:28am Fri 2 May 08
The Simon Pia phone around sounds very much likes Andy Kerr's subversive attempt to knobble councils into not co-operating with the Government on their Council tax freeze! Labour are up to all the dirty trick imaginable. They will never learn that people do not like dishonesty in politicians.
The Simon Pia phone around sounds very much likes Andy Kerr's subversive attempt to knobble councils into not co-operating with the Government on their Council tax freeze! Labour are up to all the dirty trick imaginable. They will never learn that people do not like dishonesty in politicians.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 10:36am Fri 2 May 08
Perhaps what Scotland needs is another Enlightenment; a period to reflect on who we are and what we want to be, to address ethics, morals, protocol, etiquette, acceptable behaviour from everyone, not only those in high office.
We should be discussing standards in public life, together with the ideals that Scotland wants to embody. It isn't enough we should want our government to embody those qualities, they should be part of our constitution, our way of life. We need a set of principles by which we run our country.
There will always be the greedy, the venal, the downright crooked, but by the way it conducts itself our society can make them the exception to the rule.
Instead we have a journalist called Pia tarnishing the good name of Italo-Scots, a reputation gathered over many decades, by his efforts aiding and abetting trolls spreading lies, attempting to destroy hard won reputations and character, associating with low politicians prepared to do anything to retain power.
Does he have any scruples?
Or does he live by the maxim, "Every man has his price"?
Perhaps what Scotland needs is another Enlightenment; a period to reflect on who we are and what we want to be, to address ethics, morals, protocol, etiquette, acceptable behaviour from everyone, not only those in high office.
We should be discussing standards in public life, together with the ideals that Scotland wants to embody. It isn't enough we should want our government to embody those qualities, they should be part of our constitution, our way of life. We need a set of principles by which we run our country.
There will always be the greedy, the venal, the downright crooked, but by the way it conducts itself our society can make them the exception to the rule.
Instead we have a journalist called Pia tarnishing the good name of Italo-Scots, a reputation gathered over many decades, by his efforts aiding and abetting trolls spreading lies, attempting to destroy hard won reputations and character, associating with low politicians prepared to do anything to retain power.
Does he have any scruples?
Or does he live by the maxim, "Every man has his price"?
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 10:41am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Jwil[/bold] wrote:
The Simon Pia phone around sounds very much likes Andy Kerr's subversive attempt to knobble councils into not co-operating with the Government on their Council tax freeze! Labour are up to all the dirty trick imaginable. They will never learn that people do not like dishonesty in politicians.[/quote]
What's hilarious, is that Labour haven't been able to land a punch on the SNP for over 12 months.
Some interesting commentary (if not predictable) on devolution committee from Jack Straw & David Steele.....
[bold]http://tinyurl.com/4
dtqfp[/bold]
Jwil wrote:
The Simon Pia phone around sounds very much likes Andy Kerr's subversive attempt to knobble councils into not co-operating with the Government on their Council tax freeze! Labour are up to all the dirty trick imaginable. They will never learn that people do not like dishonesty in politicians.
What's hilarious, is that Labour haven't been able to land a punch on the SNP for over 12 months.
Some interesting commentary (if not predictable) on devolution committee from Jack Straw & David Steele.....
http://tinyurl.com/4
dtqfp
Posted by: sid the sceptic, renfrewshire on 10:46am Fri 2 May 08
morning all : jwil what we are now seeing in the open is how the so called party of the people have operated in our country for the past 50 years and they are that thick they still haven't grasped the fact that there days of being in power are over. anyone who still dosen't understand why both the council and the parliment elections had to be held on the same day in scotland last year only has to look to wales this morning . where is wee dougie when you need him gordon ha ha
morning all : jwil what we are now seeing in the open is how the so called party of the people have operated in our country for the past 50 years and they are that thick they still haven't grasped the fact that there days of being in power are over. anyone who still dosen't understand why both the council and the parliment elections had to be held on the same day in scotland last year only has to look to wales this morning . where is wee dougie when you need him gordon ha ha
Posted by: Lachlan, Stirling on 12:13pm Fri 2 May 08
After the repeated maulings he received from Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister's Questions, Jack McConnell must be secretly glad Labour lost power last May! Unfortunately, for the Scots Unionist parties, the SNP is no longer a one trick pony.
After the repeated maulings he received from Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister's Questions, Jack McConnell must be secretly glad Labour lost power last May! Unfortunately, for the Scots Unionist parties, the SNP is no longer a one trick pony.
Posted by: Lachlan, Stirling on 12:14pm Fri 2 May 08
After the repeated maulings he received from Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister's Questions, Jack McConnell must be secretly glad Labour lost power last May! Unfortunately, for the Scots Unionist parties, the SNP is no longer a one trick pony.
After the repeated maulings he received from Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister's Questions, Jack McConnell must be secretly glad Labour lost power last May! Unfortunately, for the Scots Unionist parties, the SNP is no longer a one trick pony.
Posted by: Lachlan, Stirling on 12:14pm Fri 2 May 08
After the repeated maulings he received from Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister's Questions, Jack McConnell must be secretly glad Labour lost power last May! Unfortunately, for the Scots Unionist parties, the SNP is no longer a one trick pony.
After the repeated maulings he received from Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister's Questions, Jack McConnell must be secretly glad Labour lost power last May! Unfortunately, for the Scots Unionist parties, the SNP is no longer a one trick pony.
Posted by: Lachlan, Stirling on 12:18pm Fri 2 May 08
After the repeated maulings he received from the formidable Ms. Sturgeon at First Ministers Questions, Jack McConnell must secretly be glad he is off to Malawi!
After the repeated maulings he received from the formidable Ms. Sturgeon at First Ministers Questions, Jack McConnell must secretly be glad he is off to Malawi!
Posted by: Grassy Knollington on 12:59pm Fri 2 May 08
If an advisor to Salmond had been caught doing what Pia allegedly did, Nicol Stephen would be shouting it from the rooftops and demanding resignations. It would have been headline news in the papers and the BBC would have tucked in their napkins , sharpened their cutlery and prepared to eat the nats for breakfast.
Labour seem to be allowed to operate under different rules in Scotland.
In the midst of all the reflection in the media on the SNP's first year in office I feel that their most outstanding achievement is to continue to be popular despite governing a country run by a Unionist media.
Imagine for a moment what could be achieved by this talented minority government if our media had even played fair let alone supported them.
Time to examine why so many Scots media types seem to have such antipathy to the SNP and all things identifiably Scottish.
As a country we deserve better than a clique of cringers, Labour yes men (and women) and in general a rest from that tired old time Unionist religion masquerading as news.
At the start of a new chapter in Scottish history these men and women have for the most part been "one big disappointment" (phrase copyright Hungry Caterpillar in a bed jacket )
Let's relocate the lot of them to a nice villa in Majorca with a lifetimes supply of Daily Records , a video tape playing on a loop of Tom O' Connors infamous Hogmanay show from Gleneagles Hotel and a lifesize cardboard cut out of Jackie Baillie.
We could gather on the tarmac to see them off shouting the phrase they've been dying to use " the honeymoon's over!" ..........the one between you lot and Labour that is.
If an advisor to Salmond had been caught doing what Pia allegedly did, Nicol Stephen would be shouting it from the rooftops and demanding resignations. It would have been headline news in the papers and the BBC would have tucked in their napkins , sharpened their cutlery and prepared to eat the nats for breakfast.
Labour seem to be allowed to operate under different rules in Scotland.
In the midst of all the reflection in the media on the SNP's first year in office I feel that their most outstanding achievement is to continue to be popular despite governing a country run by a Unionist media.
Imagine for a moment what could be achieved by this talented minority government if our media had even played fair let alone supported them.
Time to examine why so many Scots media types seem to have such antipathy to the SNP and all things identifiably Scottish.
As a country we deserve better than a clique of cringers, Labour yes men (and women) and in general a rest from that tired old time Unionist religion masquerading as news.
At the start of a new chapter in Scottish history these men and women have for the most part been "one big disappointment" (phrase copyright Hungry Caterpillar in a bed jacket )
Let's relocate the lot of them to a nice villa in Majorca with a lifetimes supply of Daily Records , a video tape playing on a loop of Tom O' Connors infamous Hogmanay show from Gleneagles Hotel and a lifesize cardboard cut out of Jackie Baillie.
We could gather on the tarmac to see them off shouting the phrase they've been dying to use " the honeymoon's over!" ..........the one between you lot and Labour that is.
Posted by: JC on 1:34pm Fri 2 May 08
The problem is as always, that when Ian Bell writes anything it's 90% about him, the other 10% is biased towards his prejudices- ie the separation of Scotland. He writes nothing to back up what he says. You get a load of nats like obedient sheep commenting how great he is. It's like reading an SNP press release.
The problem is as always, that when Ian Bell writes anything it's 90% about him, the other 10% is biased towards his prejudices- ie the separation of Scotland. He writes nothing to back up what he says. You get a load of nats like obedient sheep commenting how great he is. It's like reading an SNP press release.
Posted by: George Laird, Glasgow on 1:47pm Fri 2 May 08
Dear All
Nicola Sturgeon yesterday described the dreadful Wendy Alexander as "inept" and yet again she highlighted the use of the Alexander cabal's attempts at muke raking. In this case her Spin doctor Simon Pia who made an arse of it.
The scene in the Chamber was like a horror story as Wendy "car crash" Alexander was put firmly in her place again.
The tone of Nicola Sturgeon was one of an adult dealing with a halfwit wean who pi$$ed her pants deliberately to seek attention.
As Alexander stood up to speak the entire chamber was counting the minutes as Alexander dragged out her question like nails across a blackboard.
One wonders when the First Minister will use the epic line, "what is your complaint, this week?"
Another failure by the guilty leader of the Labour Party, Wendy Alexander who is destroying the Labour Party in Scotland as she thinks she is getting closer to a First Minister salary and perks.
Oh no she is not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!
Time for the Labour MSP's to wake up and get rid of her before she is responsible for them losing their seats.
Last night was the worse result in share of the vote ever for Labour.
24%.
A verdict against Brown personally and who is Brown's puppet?
The disgraced and guilty leader of Labour in Scotland, the most despised woman in Scottish Politcial life, Wendy Alexander!!!!!!!
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
Dear All
Nicola Sturgeon yesterday described the dreadful Wendy Alexander as "inept" and yet again she highlighted the use of the Alexander cabal's attempts at muke raking. In this case her Spin doctor Simon Pia who made an arse of it.
The scene in the Chamber was like a horror story as Wendy "car crash" Alexander was put firmly in her place again.
The tone of Nicola Sturgeon was one of an adult dealing with a halfwit wean who pi$$ed her pants deliberately to seek attention.
As Alexander stood up to speak the entire chamber was counting the minutes as Alexander dragged out her question like nails across a blackboard.
One wonders when the First Minister will use the epic line, "what is your complaint, this week?"
Another failure by the guilty leader of the Labour Party, Wendy Alexander who is destroying the Labour Party in Scotland as she thinks she is getting closer to a First Minister salary and perks.
Oh no she is not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!
Time for the Labour MSP's to wake up and get rid of her before she is responsible for them losing their seats.
Last night was the worse result in share of the vote ever for Labour.
24%.
A verdict against Brown personally and who is Brown's puppet?
The disgraced and guilty leader of Labour in Scotland, the most despised woman in Scottish Politcial life, Wendy Alexander!!!!!!!
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 1:56pm Fri 2 May 08
The continual jeering from the labour benchs was quite remarkable, Duncan McNeill unable to hold his breath as his squirmed behind Wendy was a sight to behold.....
I'll give Simon Pia another 6 months tops.
The continual jeering from the labour benchs was quite remarkable, Duncan McNeill unable to hold his breath as his squirmed behind Wendy was a sight to behold.....
I'll give Simon Pia another 6 months tops.
Posted by: peter, aberdeenshire, Aberdeenshire on 2:01pm Fri 2 May 08
I just watched Nicola Sturgeon gut and fillet Wendy Alexander, it was almost brutal the way she put her in her place but shows yet again the depth of talent in the SNP and the dearth in Labour. And as for the idiotic nodding dog behind Wendy who is constantly mouthing off, is that the star performer for Labour, Duncan Mcneill? How did these people ever get to be in charge for so long.
I just watched Nicola Sturgeon gut and fillet Wendy Alexander, it was almost brutal the way she put her in her place but shows yet again the depth of talent in the SNP and the dearth in Labour. And as for the idiotic nodding dog behind Wendy who is constantly mouthing off, is that the star performer for Labour, Duncan Mcneill? How did these people ever get to be in charge for so long.
Posted by: Disgusted Dorothy, Glasgow on 2:33pm Fri 2 May 08
Six months is a loooong time Wardog!
I would have to say less than three for Mr Pia!
Six months is a loooong time Wardog!
I would have to say less than three for Mr Pia!
Posted by: JohnM, Perth on 3:19pm Fri 2 May 08
I believe Wendy asked Nicola whether she retained the confidence of her ministers and party - yes or no? To which Nicola replied "Oh, yes!". Wendy totally flummoxed just had to sit down to laughter all round. Glaikit.
I believe Wendy asked Nicola whether she retained the confidence of her ministers and party - yes or no? To which Nicola replied "Oh, yes!". Wendy totally flummoxed just had to sit down to laughter all round. Glaikit.
Posted by: John Leven, Leven Fife on 4:00pm Fri 2 May 08
I have just read an article in the Hootsmon about Wen D where she says she is staying as Labour leader and is here for the long haul.
Yes please stay Wen D. You and Broon are the SNPs best recruiting sergeants.
I have just read an article in the Hootsmon about Wen D where she says she is staying as Labour leader and is here for the long haul.
Yes please stay Wen D. You and Broon are the SNPs best recruiting sergeants.
Posted by: TheGlaswegian, Edinburgh on 4:18pm Fri 2 May 08
2nd last paragraph...[quote]Ms Alexander will always have a reputation for intelligence[/quote]
Eh? Until recently, certain factions of the press fequently suggested that she was some kind of super intelligent being but no-one could argue she has a reputation for it. In fact, it's the opposite. She's the laughing stock of the Scottish Parliament... the court jester... she entertains us with displays of stupidity.
2nd last paragraph...
Ms Alexander will always have a reputation for intelligence
Eh? Until recently, certain factions of the press fequently suggested that she was some kind of super intelligent being but no-one could argue she has a reputation for it. In fact, it's the opposite. She's the laughing stock of the Scottish Parliament... the court jester... she entertains us with displays of stupidity.
Posted by: The Stig, Motherwell on 6:34pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Morag[/bold] wrote:
I got the edited version after work this evening. My elderly mother (an avid fan) didn't turn on in time, but caught one section which she relayed to me. Wendy asked Nicola a question, apparently in rather an aggressive manner, ending with "answer yes or no!"
Nicola replied, simply, "Yes."
Which, according to the tale told to me, left Wendy speechless.
Can anyone tell me where to find the details of this priceless entertainment? A script, even?
[/quote] all FMQ's are on the Scottish Parliament web site the one you want is as below
http://www.holyrood.
tv/library.asp?title
=First%20Minister%27
s%20Questions§io
n=30
Morag wrote:
I got the edited version after work this evening. My elderly mother (an avid fan) didn't turn on in time, but caught one section which she relayed to me. Wendy asked Nicola a question, apparently in rather an aggressive manner, ending with "answer yes or no!"
Nicola replied, simply, "Yes."
Which, according to the tale told to me, left Wendy speechless.
Can anyone tell me where to find the details of this priceless entertainment? A script, even?
all FMQ's are on the Scottish Parliament web site the one you want is as below
http://www.holyrood.
tv/library.asp?title
=First%20Minister%27
s%20Questions§io
n=30
Posted by: The Stig, Motherwell on 6:38pm Fri 2 May 08
**** BLAST CURSES i wish the herald would not do that
http://tiny.cc/VIvGD
**** BLAST CURSES i wish the herald would not do that
http://tiny.cc/VIvGD
Posted by: Kent, Edinburgh on 7:00pm Fri 2 May 08
Good man The Stig, I've been using the BBC IPlayer but that's a lot easier.
Good man The Stig, I've been using the BBC IPlayer but that's a lot easier.
Posted by: Dr Bill Reynolds, Salo.Finland on 8:10pm Fri 2 May 08
For those interested,if you enter the website of the Scottish Parliament and click on Holltood TV,then click archives,you can the access chamber debates.All First minister questions are archived there.They make interesting viewing.
For those interested,if you enter the website of the Scottish Parliament and click on Holltood TV,then click archives,you can the access chamber debates.All First minister questions are archived there.They make interesting viewing.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 8:23pm Fri 2 May 08
I can access only written answers - how do I log into recorded debates?
I can access only written answers - how do I log into recorded debates?
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 8:28pm Fri 2 May 08
Ah ... found it. It's not as direct a find as I assumed ...
Ah ... found it. It's not as direct a find as I assumed ...
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 9:19pm Fri 2 May 08
Yes, Sturgeon is confident and straight-forward, well prepared.
Alexander was well prepared too, but in entirely the wrong way.
Sturgeon has a pleasant timber of voice, and it carried well, even off microphone. She has a weakness using formal language, getting herself in a momentary verbal fankle when she resorts to it.
Grammar disappears and syntax with it. She appears flustered, but is merely lost for the right words. Speaking naturally, that is, using colloqual language, (not slang) she is at ease and communicates extremely well.
Most of the MSPs suffer this oratory fault, imposed by themselves upon themselves, when they adopt faux "parliamentary language." It doesn't exist except in their minds. Use it too often and it gives the impression of trying to do an impersonation of an MP from "another House."
The barracking that goes on is deplorable.
Cameras stay on the MSP speaking so it is difficult to know where it is eminating exactly, (unless attending the debate in person) or if only a few are indulging in it. It's street jeering stuff. To be candid, the chairperson ought to be far more stringent in stopping it.
Yes, Sturgeon is confident and straight-forward, well prepared.
Alexander was well prepared too, but in entirely the wrong way.
Sturgeon has a pleasant timber of voice, and it carried well, even off microphone. She has a weakness using formal language, getting herself in a momentary verbal fankle when she resorts to it.
Grammar disappears and syntax with it. She appears flustered, but is merely lost for the right words. Speaking naturally, that is, using colloqual language, (not slang) she is at ease and communicates extremely well.
Most of the MSPs suffer this oratory fault, imposed by themselves upon themselves, when they adopt faux "parliamentary language." It doesn't exist except in their minds. Use it too often and it gives the impression of trying to do an impersonation of an MP from "another House."
The barracking that goes on is deplorable.
Cameras stay on the MSP speaking so it is difficult to know where it is eminating exactly, (unless attending the debate in person) or if only a few are indulging in it. It's street jeering stuff. To be candid, the chairperson ought to be far more stringent in stopping it.
Posted by: John Hamilton, Stirling on 9:52pm Fri 2 May 08
"Sturgeon has a pleasant timber of voice, and it carried well, even off microphone. She has a weakness using formal language".
Well, Nicola Sturgeon may have a weakness using formal language but at least she doesn't pronounce:
world as [italic]weld[/italic]
Darfur as [italic]Dahfoah[/italic]
British as [italic]Bwitish[/italic]
etc etc
No elocution lessons undertaken by Nicola Sturgeon vs obvious elocution lessons (to sound less Scottish...eeh yeuch, how awful, to speak with your natural Scottish accent....must lose it as much as I can to appeal to my beloved Middle England constituents) by Gordon Maggie Broon.
i.e. Genuine vs FAKE
Bye bye Gordon Maggie Broon.
Bye bye Liebour muppetts.
The last 24 hours have been THE BEST FOR YEARS.
Ha ha!, ha ha, ha ha!!!
"Sturgeon has a pleasant timber of voice, and it carried well, even off microphone. She has a weakness using formal language".
Well, Nicola Sturgeon may have a weakness using formal language but at least she doesn't pronounce:
world as
weld
Darfur as
Dahfoah
British as
Bwitish
etc etc
No elocution lessons undertaken by Nicola Sturgeon vs obvious elocution lessons (to sound less Scottish...eeh yeuch, how awful, to speak with your natural Scottish accent....must lose it as much as I can to appeal to my beloved Middle England constituents) by Gordon Maggie Broon.
i.e. Genuine vs FAKE
Bye bye Gordon Maggie Broon.
Bye bye Liebour muppetts.
The last 24 hours have been THE BEST FOR YEARS.
Ha ha!, ha ha, ha ha!!!
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 10:03pm Fri 2 May 08
John Hamilton[quote]Well, Nicola Sturgeon may have a weakness using formal language but at least she doesn't pronounce: world as weld, Darfur as Dahfoah, British as Bwitish[/quote] I noted Alexander has a slight sibilant speech impediment - it's curable with time and lots of practice.
The trouble lies with the way she is using, or rather, not using her tongue. (Giggles) Her mouth is too big (laughter and giggles) and her lips (more laughter and applause) are rubbery. It causes her tongue not to sit sit pwoperly behind her teeth for fricatives, and for the "rs" "s's" and "sh" sounds ...
John Hamilton
Well, Nicola Sturgeon may have a weakness using formal language but at least she doesn't pronounce: world as weld, Darfur as Dahfoah, British as Bwitish
I noted Alexander has a slight sibilant speech impediment - it's curable with time and lots of practice.
The trouble lies with the way she is using, or rather, not using her tongue. (Giggles) Her mouth is too big (laughter and giggles) and her lips (more laughter and applause) are rubbery. It causes her tongue not to sit sit pwoperly behind her teeth for fricatives, and for the "rs" "s's" and "sh" sounds ...
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 11:12pm Fri 2 May 08
LA on Speech Patterns[quote]I noted Alexander has a slight sibilant speech impediment - it's curable with time and lots of practice.[/quote] But I'm not sure anybody would want to get that close to her!
LA on Speech Patterns
I noted Alexander has a slight sibilant speech impediment - it's curable with time and lots of practice.
But I'm not sure anybody would want to get that close to her!
Posted by: sam, greenock on 1:32pm Sat 3 May 08
[quote][bold]Andrew BOD[/bold] wrote:
Wendy Alexander's Westminster colleagues are as much a joke as the women herself. I watched the 'Parliament' channel yesterday, showing Scottish Questions. Incredibly, most of the debate centered on policies reserved for the Scottish Parliament. It was like a bunch of fishwives having a good old moan about something they couldn't do anything about. And the whole debate was naturally conducted and overseen by HRH David Cairns. It seems MPs not only want scandalous indirect expenses, they want to be paid for debating something for which they have no jurisdiction. Unbelievable. The sooner we get rid of this shambles of a political system, the better. [/quote] You would probably have noticed Cairns's inverclyde partner in crime donkey mcneil sitting behind wendy then. Donkey and her royal highness cairns are the ones that prove the theory that a donkey could get elected for labour in Greenock
The whole lieboor team should sit behind jackie baillie then we wouldn't have to look at any of them
Andrew BOD wrote:
Wendy Alexander's Westminster colleagues are as much a joke as the women herself. I watched the 'Parliament' channel yesterday, showing Scottish Questions. Incredibly, most of the debate centered on policies reserved for the Scottish Parliament. It was like a bunch of fishwives having a good old moan about something they couldn't do anything about. And the whole debate was naturally conducted and overseen by HRH David Cairns. It seems MPs not only want scandalous indirect expenses, they want to be paid for debating something for which they have no jurisdiction. Unbelievable. The sooner we get rid of this shambles of a political system, the better.
You would probably have noticed Cairns's inverclyde partner in crime donkey mcneil sitting behind wendy then. Donkey and her royal highness cairns are the ones that prove the theory that a donkey could get elected for labour in Greenock
The whole lieboor team should sit behind jackie baillie then we wouldn't have to look at any of them
Posted by: paul holmes on 6:43pm Sat 3 May 08
[bold]Grassy Knollington[/bold] absolutely spot on my friend. Was interested to read [bold]the record[/bold] 's big piece about Salmond yesterday and was sickened but not suprised by the unfairness of their reliably awful editorial -'RECORD VIEW'. According to them the sky is falling in under the SNP. [italic][bold]And all this from them, the scotsman and the sun etc etc in the face of feelings to the contrary from most people.[/bold][/italic] We are so short changed by our (london controlled) media. If I had the money to do it I'd start a new title- or take one over- and we'd have a newspaper with a drastically different slant on things. There is the market out there for such a thing!
[bold]Sam[/bold] lol!
Grassy Knollington absolutely spot on my friend. Was interested to read
the record 's big piece about Salmond yesterday and was sickened but not suprised by the unfairness of their reliably awful editorial -'RECORD VIEW'. According to them the sky is falling in under the SNP.
And all this from them, the scotsman and the sun etc etc in the face of feelings to the contrary from most people. We are so short changed by our (london controlled) media. If I had the money to do it I'd start a new title- or take one over- and we'd have a newspaper with a drastically different slant on things. There is the market out there for such a thing!
Sam lol!
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 8:34pm Sat 3 May 08
The main reason Nicola Sturgeon exudes confidence confronted by the rabble called Unionists lickspittle lower orders is because, unlike the others bethrothed to an abstraction in Etonian class ridden other place, she is a Scot proud to be running her own country at last. And, boy, does it feel good. [italic]Really[/italic] good!
It raises the spirit like nothing else
The trolls that scuttle between slime, slur and smear know it as much as they know their days are numbered. Independence is here now.
We need only sign on the dotted line ........
The main reason Nicola Sturgeon exudes confidence confronted by the rabble called Unionists lickspittle lower orders is because, unlike the others bethrothed to an abstraction in Etonian class ridden other place, she is a Scot proud to be running her own country at last. And, boy, does it feel good.
Really good!
It raises the spirit like nothing else
The trolls that scuttle between slime, slur and smear know it as much as they know their days are numbered. Independence is here now.
We need only sign on the dotted line ........
Posted by: Brian Hill, Edinburgh on 12:06pm Mon 5 May 08
Having joined the SNP in 1962 and voted for them at every opportunity since I have often cringed at the mediocrity of some of their spokesmen.
But no more. It makes me proud to be represented by so many talented individuals, which is why I refer to the Salmond Cabinet as 'Intelligent Government'.
From Nicola and Swinney through Lochhead and Mather, intelligence and a desire to do the very best they can for the people of Scotland are the reasons why the SNP is riding higher in the polls than ever.
It's a joy to read the papers these days or listen to the news.....which reminds me one of the valves in my radio is on the blink.....
Having joined the SNP in 1962 and voted for them at every opportunity since I have often cringed at the mediocrity of some of their spokesmen.
But no more. It makes me proud to be represented by so many talented individuals, which is why I refer to the Salmond Cabinet as 'Intelligent Government'.
From Nicola and Swinney through Lochhead and Mather, intelligence and a desire to do the very best they can for the people of Scotland are the reasons why the SNP is riding higher in the polls than ever.
It's a joy to read the papers these days or listen to the news.....which reminds me one of the valves in my radio is on the blink.....
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 4:53pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote]which reminds me one of the valves in my radio is on the blink.....[/quote]LoL. There's a wee man in Embra fixes old radios ...
which reminds me one of the valves in my radio is on the blink.....
LoL. There's a wee man in Embra fixes old radios ...
Posted by: turpie, clydesdale on 9:37am Wed 7 May 08
I was unkind when I posted a comment on Ian Bell's essay on windfarms.
I am pleased to say he is totally back on form and again I misquote, with apologies to Men in Black 2...
"Bell is back!
The Keeper of the Light!
All Hail Bell! All Hail Bell!
Bell , can be seen in the Her-ald tonight ...
From the little political fuzzies who live in the Lanarkshire Locker I say thanks and congratulations too on your courage.....unlike Messrs Fraser, Settle and Dinwoodie who brook no criticism, no posts of any sort, neither laudatory nor destructive.
I was unkind when I posted a comment on Ian Bell's essay on windfarms.
I am pleased to say he is totally back on form and again I misquote, with apologies to Men in Black 2...
"Bell is back!
The Keeper of the Light!
All Hail Bell! All Hail Bell!
Bell , can be seen in the Her-ald tonight ...
From the little political fuzzies who live in the Lanarkshire Locker I say thanks and congratulations too on your courage.....unlike Messrs Fraser, Settle and Dinwoodie who brook no criticism, no posts of any sort, neither laudatory nor destructive.
Posted by: rob4i, Scottish Borders on 5:06am Thu 8 May 08
Opposition parties always try and imply that the SNP is a one man band, my god, I find myself saying, what does that make them, and the word, nothing, comes to mind.
Salmond, Sturgeon, Swinney, Lochhead, Cunningham, Fabiani, Neil,
Robison,Grahame, etc,etc. the poor opposition just have NOT got a look in!
Opposition parties always try and imply that the SNP is a one man band, my god, I find myself saying, what does that make them, and the word, nothing, comes to mind.
Salmond, Sturgeon, Swinney, Lochhead, Cunningham, Fabiani, Neil,
Robison,Grahame, etc,etc. the poor opposition just have NOT got a look in!
Posted by: Free Thinker, North Lanarkshire on 2:26pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]sam[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Andrew BOD[/bold] wrote: Wendy Alexander's Westminster colleagues are as much a joke as the women herself. I watched the 'Parliament' channel yesterday, showing Scottish Questions. Incredibly, most of the debate centered on policies reserved for the Scottish Parliament. It was like a bunch of fishwives having a good old moan about something they couldn't do anything about. And the whole debate was naturally conducted and overseen by HRH David Cairns. It seems MPs not only want scandalous indirect expenses, they want to be paid for debating something for which they have no jurisdiction. Unbelievable. The sooner we get rid of this shambles of a political system, the better. [/quote] You would probably have noticed Cairns's inverclyde partner in crime donkey mcneil sitting behind wendy then. Donkey and her royal highness cairns are the ones that prove the theory that a donkey could get elected for labour in Greenock The whole lieboor team should sit behind jackie baillie then we wouldn't have to look at any of them[/quote] Hilarious! These threads are better than the articles...
sam wrote:
Andrew BOD wrote: Wendy Alexander's Westminster colleagues are as much a joke as the women herself. I watched the 'Parliament' channel yesterday, showing Scottish Questions. Incredibly, most of the debate centered on policies reserved for the Scottish Parliament. It was like a bunch of fishwives having a good old moan about something they couldn't do anything about. And the whole debate was naturally conducted and overseen by HRH David Cairns. It seems MPs not only want scandalous indirect expenses, they want to be paid for debating something for which they have no jurisdiction. Unbelievable. The sooner we get rid of this shambles of a political system, the better.
You would probably have noticed Cairns's inverclyde partner in crime donkey mcneil sitting behind wendy then. Donkey and her royal highness cairns are the ones that prove the theory that a donkey could get elected for labour in Greenock The whole lieboor team should sit behind jackie baillie then we wouldn't have to look at any of them
Hilarious! These threads are better than the articles...
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