All change: Labour goes into coalition with the Tories
Labour and Conservative councillors last night agreed an unlikely alliance to form the administration for a Scottish council.
It is believed to be the first time in recent memory that Labour and the Conservatives have formed a two-party coalition. East Dunbartonshire Council will be a Labour-Tory coalition with Labour's Rhondda Geekie as leader and the Tories' Billy Hendry as deputy.
The SNP, which won eight seats at the election, had offered a "rainbow" coalition with a minority administration as a solution to the hung council. They proposed that the other parties would each have a deputy convenership of one of the political committees and all groups would have an input in discussions during the budget-setting process.
But combined votes from Labour and the Conservatives gave them an 11-10 lead over the Nationalists for control of the council, which was previously run by the LibDems.
One of the most contentious pre-election issues for the council was the LibDems' decision to extend rubbish collections to every fortnight.
The new Labour-Tory coalition has now reversed that decision to restore weekly refuse collections for householders.
The deal was immediately condemned by the council's SNP group who described it as "an astonishing tactical ploy" to keep them out of power.
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Posted by: Big Mary, Greenock on 1:47am Fri 18 May 07
I don't think Tony & Gordon will be too pleased that their councillors are moving to the [bold]left[/bold] in East Dunbartonshire
I don't think Tony & Gordon will be too pleased that their councillors are moving to the
left in East Dunbartonshire
Posted by: Dick on 2:07am Fri 18 May 07
Well it's long been understood that New Labour and the Tories are really one and the same so perhaps this is understandable.
Well it's long been understood that New Labour and the Tories are really one and the same so perhaps this is understandable.
Posted by: rob4i, Scottish Borders on 5:03am Fri 18 May 07
Rid the UK of PRO-UNION PARTIES once and for all and get on with our lives.
Rid the UK of PRO-UNION PARTIES once and for all and get on with our lives.
Posted by: Vronsky, This Planet on 7:36am Fri 18 May 07
Two right-wing Unionist parties in coalition? What, pray tell, is unlikely about that?
Two right-wing Unionist parties in coalition? What, pray tell, is unlikely about that?
Posted by: iang, Glasgow on 7:54am Fri 18 May 07
I'm curious what the ayrshire LAbour supports feelings are on this coalition?
I'm curious what the ayrshire LAbour supports feelings are on this coalition?
Posted by: Mr Lachie Todd, Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K. on 8:26am Fri 18 May 07
It appears that some Unionists will go to any lengths to keep out the Nationalists! Many Labour and Tory voters must be asking why they voted for their respective parties? In the long run, a move like this only goes to serve one cause: Nationalism. Lachie Todd
It appears that some Unionists will go to any lengths to keep out the Nationalists! Many Labour and Tory voters must be asking why they voted for their respective parties? In the long run, a move like this only goes to serve one cause: Nationalism. Lachie Todd
Posted by: David Nummey, London on 8:33am Fri 18 May 07
Both Labour and Conservatives will regret this. Particularly with their core supports in England, who will not appreciate the context in which it was done. Short term gain, long term pain.
Both Labour and Conservatives will regret this. Particularly with their core supports in England, who will not appreciate the context in which it was done. Short term gain, long term pain.
Posted by: tony88, Glasgow on 8:46am Fri 18 May 07
So the unionists wrap themselves in the union flag to preserve their own skins and privileges, there's a surprise! These are tiny people with big egos to feed. It will end in tears.
So the unionists wrap themselves in the union flag to preserve their own skins and privileges, there's a surprise! These are tiny people with big egos to feed. It will end in tears.
Posted by: Bobo on 8:56am Fri 18 May 07
They were in coalition in Perth and it did end in tears. They've been in an unofficial coalition in Dundee for years and it's coming to an end there too. Weren't they in coalition in Dumfries and Galloway too. Scottish political journalists - do they actually know anything about the politics of this country?
They were in coalition in Perth and it did end in tears. They've been in an unofficial coalition in Dundee for years and it's coming to an end there too. Weren't they in coalition in Dumfries and Galloway too. Scottish political journalists - do they actually know anything about the politics of this country?
Posted by: Argentocoxus, Caledonia on 8:58am Fri 18 May 07
Pale blue merges with true blue in act of mutual benefit. They should think of the old German proverb - "First the favour, then the pain".
Pale blue merges with true blue in act of mutual benefit. They should think of the old German proverb - "First the favour, then the pain".
Posted by: curious, Glasgow on 9:16am Fri 18 May 07
According to the Herald 'The deal was immediately condemned by the council's SNP group who described it as "an astonishing tactical ploy" to keep them out of power.'
I am curious to know what the SNP think of their comrades decision in West Dunbartonshire to get into bed with the 'independent' and former Labour councillor Dennis Agnew just to get control of the council. Up until very recently Mr Agnew was a part of the Labour group that was being roundly condemnded by the SNP. Could this simply be yet another example of 'an astonishing tactical ploy' to keep Labour (the single biggest party) out of power?
Answers please to I.M. A. Hypocrite
According to the Herald 'The deal was immediately condemned by the council's SNP group who described it as "an astonishing tactical ploy" to keep them out of power.'
I am curious to know what the SNP think of their comrades decision in West Dunbartonshire to get into bed with the 'independent' and former Labour councillor Dennis Agnew just to get control of the council. Up until very recently Mr Agnew was a part of the Labour group that was being roundly condemnded by the SNP. Could this simply be yet another example of 'an astonishing tactical ploy' to keep Labour (the single biggest party) out of power?
Answers please to I.M. A. Hypocrite
Posted by: Gregor Addison, Scotland on 9:19am Fri 18 May 07
Curious,
You're just miffed because you wanted to call the SNP Tartan Tories and now you can't. It does suggest that it's all change in Scotland; a very different set up than existed before the election. I for one think it will lead to better local government. We'll have to wait and see.
Curious,
You're just miffed because you wanted to call the SNP Tartan Tories and now you can't. It does suggest that it's all change in Scotland; a very different set up than existed before the election. I for one think it will lead to better local government. We'll have to wait and see.
Posted by: The Voice of Reason, A93 on 9:26am Fri 18 May 07
This is as astonishing as I suppose it is inevitable. The UK left of centre and right of centre parties have converged into one on the US model side of the meridian. There has been very little between the two parties, politically or morally, for the last 5 years.
But, in the spirit of New Scotland (don’t boke Missus), isn't it time for a further reaching out by the SNP for consensus? "NO DEALS WITH THE TORIES!" was an understandable SNP/Labour mantra in the post Thatcher years designed to attract the offended after '83, but this is 2007 and this is not North Britain anymore - it is Scotland.
This may well be controversial, but I consider a blanket "NO DEALS WITH THE TORIES!" offensive to the Scottish people who voted Scottish Conservative. The Nationalist movement should, by its very nature, welcome the differences that exist currently in the nation, both culturally and politically, and try to represent all of the people all of the time. Restoring confidence and pride to our country should be the SNP's driving force behind all policies, and building a confidence in Scotland within the Conservative, Labour and LibDem ranks is crucial to any future referendum.
This cannot be done by ostracising one set of political thinkers from any other. "NO DEALS WITH THE LONDON TORIES OF MAGGIE THATCHER!" is fine by me. "NO DEALS WITH THE SCOTTISH TORIES OF ANNABEL AND MURDO!" is neither pleasant nor right. Their politics and humanity are way to the left of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Leave this codswallop to the pretend Londonish rivalries of UK New Labour and UK Conservatives who in world terms wear the same clothes as each other, and forge a new Scottish understanding, a new togetherness, and a new unity of purpose. White, Black, Brown or Yellow - English, Irish, Pole, Ghanaian, - Right, Left, Centre, Apolitical - we are all Scots in Scotland if we choose to be. The country needs everyone to be positive about the concept of Scotland for independence ever to be on the table. The SNP can lead, if they choose, the replacing of ‘the Scottish Cringe’ with a Scottish Tinge, a slant where everyone here, regardless of muse-politick, looks at a garden full of flowers and beams brightly with pride at the little white rose.
This is as astonishing as I suppose it is inevitable. The UK left of centre and right of centre parties have converged into one on the US model side of the meridian. There has been very little between the two parties, politically or morally, for the last 5 years.
But, in the spirit of New Scotland (don’t boke Missus), isn't it time for a further reaching out by the SNP for consensus? "NO DEALS WITH THE TORIES!" was an understandable SNP/Labour mantra in the post Thatcher years designed to attract the offended after '83, but this is 2007 and this is not North Britain anymore - it is Scotland.
This may well be controversial, but I consider a blanket "NO DEALS WITH THE TORIES!" offensive to the Scottish people who voted Scottish Conservative. The Nationalist movement should, by its very nature, welcome the differences that exist currently in the nation, both culturally and politically, and try to represent all of the people all of the time. Restoring confidence and pride to our country should be the SNP's driving force behind all policies, and building a confidence in Scotland within the Conservative, Labour and LibDem ranks is crucial to any future referendum.
This cannot be done by ostracising one set of political thinkers from any other. "NO DEALS WITH THE LONDON TORIES OF MAGGIE THATCHER!" is fine by me. "NO DEALS WITH THE SCOTTISH TORIES OF ANNABEL AND MURDO!" is neither pleasant nor right. Their politics and humanity are way to the left of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Leave this codswallop to the pretend Londonish rivalries of UK New Labour and UK Conservatives who in world terms wear the same clothes as each other, and forge a new Scottish understanding, a new togetherness, and a new unity of purpose. White, Black, Brown or Yellow - English, Irish, Pole, Ghanaian, - Right, Left, Centre, Apolitical - we are all Scots in Scotland if we choose to be. The country needs everyone to be positive about the concept of Scotland for independence ever to be on the table. The SNP can lead, if they choose, the replacing of ‘the Scottish Cringe’ with a Scottish Tinge, a slant where everyone here, regardless of muse-politick, looks at a garden full of flowers and beams brightly with pride at the little white rose.
Posted by: curious, Glasgow on 9:49am Fri 18 May 07
To Gregor Addison and Voice of Reason,
Gregor - I am not miffed at all but I am curious to know why it is that the SNP in East Dunbartonshire can condemm the coalition in their own area but the SNP down the road in West Dunbartonshire think it is absolutley fine to snuggle up with a man who they very recently publicly condemmed just to gain power.
Vof R - if I have interpreted your posting correctly then I am assuming that you disagree with statement made by the East Dunbartonshire SNP group.
To Gregor Addison and Voice of Reason,
Gregor - I am not miffed at all but I am curious to know why it is that the SNP in East Dunbartonshire can condemm the coalition in their own area but the SNP down the road in West Dunbartonshire think it is absolutley fine to snuggle up with a man who they very recently publicly condemmed just to gain power.
Vof R - if I have interpreted your posting correctly then I am assuming that you disagree with statement made by the East Dunbartonshire SNP group.
Posted by: John Hampson, Kilmarnock on 10:03am Fri 18 May 07
A Quote from Benjamin Franklin seems to be just right in this case "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety".
A Quote from Benjamin Franklin seems to be just right in this case "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety".
Posted by: Rab The Man, Target Earth on 10:05am Fri 18 May 07
Labour? Tories??
...when did anyone last see any difference anyhow??
Suppressors of the final colony
Labour? Tories??
...when did anyone last see any difference anyhow??
Suppressors of the final colony
Posted by: Mike, London on 10:46am Fri 18 May 07
Certainly a bonus for the SNP,how many Labour voters thought they were voting Tory at the elections.
Certainly a bonus for the SNP,how many Labour voters thought they were voting Tory at the elections.
Posted by: scotleag on 11:09am Fri 18 May 07
Sanctimonious tripe from the SNP on here as per usual. The Nationalists are busy forming alliances with anyone and everyone anywhere and everywhere to keep Labour out, including local authorities where Labour is the biggest party (whaur's your 'moral authority' noo?).
The biter bit.
Sanctimonious tripe from the SNP on here as per usual. The Nationalists are busy forming alliances with anyone and everyone anywhere and everywhere to keep Labour out, including local authorities where Labour is the biggest party (whaur's your 'moral authority' noo?).
The biter bit.
Posted by: hootsmon, here on 11:16am Fri 18 May 07
[quote]A Quote from Benjamin Franklin seems to be just right in this case "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety".[quote]
Beat it, braniac - this board is for ill-informed rants, party political bias and knuckle-dragging comments from the shallow end of the SNP support.
A Quote from Benjamin Franklin seems to be just right in this case "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety".
Beat it, braniac - this board is for ill-informed rants, party political bias and knuckle-dragging comments from the shallow end of the SNP support.
Posted by: Gregor Addison, Scotland on 11:20am Fri 18 May 07
Scotleag,
Under PR you have to find parties who are prepared to go into a coalition with you; if Labour can't find people coalition partners, then the task falls to other parties. If you really are concerned that the SNP are forming alliances 'with anyone and everyone' to keep Labour out, you'll be pleased that the Labour party have formed a coalition with the Tories in East Dunbartonshire. You might find, however, that your joy is not shared by other Labour voters.
Scotleag,
Under PR you have to find parties who are prepared to go into a coalition with you; if Labour can't find people coalition partners, then the task falls to other parties. If you really are concerned that the SNP are forming alliances 'with anyone and everyone' to keep Labour out, you'll be pleased that the Labour party have formed a coalition with the Tories in East Dunbartonshire. You might find, however, that your joy is not shared by other Labour voters.
Posted by: Fredish on 11:42am Fri 18 May 07
How many people who voted Tory thought they were voting Labour more like!!
How many people who voted Tory thought they were voting Labour more like!!
Posted by: Stuart Allan, Angus on 11:44am Fri 18 May 07
Curious, Glasgow
If the SNP needed the support of just one Independent councillor to take control of West Dunbartonshire, how could Labour have been "the biggest single party"? Surely the SNP would require support from other sources to deny Labour control in this case.
As for the principle of who forms a coalition with who, the major "revelation" here is the crystalisation of the Unionist/Independenc
e split taking centre stage in Scotland as opposed to the traditional Labour/Tory split which still exists in Westminster. I agree with the poster who states the SNP should no longer rule out a deal with the Scottish Tories. Many of them now favour Independence and our home grown Tories are not the Alan B'stards of Thatcher's Britain anymore. Which effectively makes any outrage at any coalition in Scottish councils a bit pointless ..... as it should be.
Curious, Glasgow
If the SNP needed the support of just one Independent councillor to take control of West Dunbartonshire, how could Labour have been "the biggest single party"? Surely the SNP would require support from other sources to deny Labour control in this case.
As for the principle of who forms a coalition with who, the major "revelation" here is the crystalisation of the Unionist/Independenc
e split taking centre stage in Scotland as opposed to the traditional Labour/Tory split which still exists in Westminster. I agree with the poster who states the SNP should no longer rule out a deal with the Scottish Tories. Many of them now favour Independence and our home grown Tories are not the Alan B'stards of Thatcher's Britain anymore. Which effectively makes any outrage at any coalition in Scottish councils a bit pointless ..... as it should be.
Posted by: teamdroid on 12:13pm Fri 18 May 07
What's the situation going to be with East Ayrshire? Equal Labour/SNP councillor counts, and 3 Tories holding the balance of power I think.
Coalitions built on mutual dislike are either doomed to failure, or simply incompetent - usually due to lack of genuine common ground on policy. East Dunbartonshire folk will soon find that out. Likewise elsewhere (and that goes for coalitions involving the SNP too).
The supreme hypocrites in all this are, of course, the Tories. PR is helping them recover poltical influence in Scotland, and they're the party who oppose it more than any other.
What's the situation going to be with East Ayrshire? Equal Labour/SNP councillor counts, and 3 Tories holding the balance of power I think.
Coalitions built on mutual dislike are either doomed to failure, or simply incompetent - usually due to lack of genuine common ground on policy. East Dunbartonshire folk will soon find that out. Likewise elsewhere (and that goes for coalitions involving the SNP too).
The supreme hypocrites in all this are, of course, the Tories. PR is helping them recover poltical influence in Scotland, and they're the party who oppose it more than any other.
Posted by: Stuart Allan on 12:13pm Fri 18 May 07
Curious, Glasgow,
I don't mean to "pick on you", just something that occurred to me. Several Tories have "crossed the floor" of Westminster (as have Labourites) which you "seem" to be happy about despite the animosity that exists between these partys and the betrayal involved. Why is the SNP making an alliance with a "former" Labour councillor such a problem? They may have been enemies in the past, but that is politics.
Curious, Glasgow,
I don't mean to "pick on you", just something that occurred to me. Several Tories have "crossed the floor" of Westminster (as have Labourites) which you "seem" to be happy about despite the animosity that exists between these partys and the betrayal involved. Why is the SNP making an alliance with a "former" Labour councillor such a problem? They may have been enemies in the past, but that is politics.
Posted by: The Voice of Reason, A93 on 12:17pm Fri 18 May 07
[quote][bold]curious[/bold] wrote:
To Gregor Addison and Voice of Reason, Gregor - I am not miffed at all but I am curious to know why it is that the SNP in East Dunbartonshire can condemm the coalition in their own area but the SNP down the road in West Dunbartonshire think it is absolutley fine to snuggle up with a man who they very recently publicly condemmed just to gain power. Vof R - if I have interpreted your posting correctly then I am assuming that you disagree with statement made by the East Dunbartonshire SNP group.[/quote] I disagree with everyone who disagrees with me. The SNP ain't perfect, I simply agree with the fundamental policy that Scotland should govern itself. I think it's a shame that there needs to be a Nationalist party at all, and not a vibrant movement within all broader encompassing political parties left or right.
VoR
curious wrote:
To Gregor Addison and Voice of Reason, Gregor - I am not miffed at all but I am curious to know why it is that the SNP in East Dunbartonshire can condemm the coalition in their own area but the SNP down the road in West Dunbartonshire think it is absolutley fine to snuggle up with a man who they very recently publicly condemmed just to gain power. Vof R - if I have interpreted your posting correctly then I am assuming that you disagree with statement made by the East Dunbartonshire SNP group.
I disagree with everyone who disagrees with me. The SNP ain't perfect, I simply agree with the fundamental policy that Scotland should govern itself. I think it's a shame that there needs to be a Nationalist party at all, and not a vibrant movement within all broader encompassing political parties left or right.
VoR
Posted by: David Park, Ayrshire on 1:35pm Fri 18 May 07
Well said VoR! The demonising of the Tories in Scotland is well past it's sell by date. I also agree that we need a spectrum of political parties who support independence. Perhaps the Scottish Enterprise Party might one day become the recipient of the votes of 'independence minded' tories. I know that breed exists.
I saw many years ago that the dividing line in Scottish politics would become union / independence rather than Labour / Tory.
Opinions will polarise along this axis and, one day soon hopefully, the forces of independence will prevail.
Well said VoR! The demonising of the Tories in Scotland is well past it's sell by date. I also agree that we need a spectrum of political parties who support independence. Perhaps the Scottish Enterprise Party might one day become the recipient of the votes of 'independence minded' tories. I know that breed exists.
I saw many years ago that the dividing line in Scottish politics would become union / independence rather than Labour / Tory.
Opinions will polarise along this axis and, one day soon hopefully, the forces of independence will prevail.
Posted by: curious, Glasgow on 2:27pm Fri 18 May 07
[quote][bold]Stuart Allan[/bold] wrote:
Curious, Glasgow, I don't mean to "pick on you", just something that occurred to me. Several Tories have "crossed the floor" of Westminster (as have Labourites) which you "seem" to be happy about despite the animosity that exists between these partys and the betrayal involved. Why is the SNP making an alliance with a "former" Labour councillor such a problem? They may have been enemies in the past, but that is politics.[/quote] I never mentioned the the politics of Westminster at all so I have no idea why you have brought this up or how you can judge whether I am happy/unhappy/indiff
erent to what goes on there.
My original comment was about the fact that the SNP in East Dunbartonshire seem to be criticising Labour and Tory for forming a coalition to get power but in West Dunbartonshire the SNP have linked up with a former Labour councillor whom they recently and publicly criticised just to get some power. I am curious as to why, according to the SNP, it is wrong in one area to form a coalition that keeps the SNP out but OK to form a coalition in another area that brings the SNP in. That's it really.
Stuart Allan wrote:
Curious, Glasgow, I don't mean to "pick on you", just something that occurred to me. Several Tories have "crossed the floor" of Westminster (as have Labourites) which you "seem" to be happy about despite the animosity that exists between these partys and the betrayal involved. Why is the SNP making an alliance with a "former" Labour councillor such a problem? They may have been enemies in the past, but that is politics.
I never mentioned the the politics of Westminster at all so I have no idea why you have brought this up or how you can judge whether I am happy/unhappy/indiff
erent to what goes on there.
My original comment was about the fact that the SNP in East Dunbartonshire seem to be criticising Labour and Tory for forming a coalition to get power but in West Dunbartonshire the SNP have linked up with a former Labour councillor whom they recently and publicly criticised just to get some power. I am curious as to why, according to the SNP, it is wrong in one area to form a coalition that keeps the SNP out but OK to form a coalition in another area that brings the SNP in. That's it really.
Posted by: Stuart Allan on 3:14pm Fri 18 May 07
As I said earlier, it's just politics. And politicians will try to make hay out of any situation. I think it's fair to to say that a lot of labour voters will be "disheartened" to see their party form a formal coalition with the party they see as their adversary, and whom they continually vote Labour to keep out. Therefore it is only natural that the local SNP folk will want to highlight the deal in the worst possible light. When the SNP tried to do a deal with the Tories in Dundee after the previous local elections, Labour created all sorts of stink about it, then promptly did a deal with them themselves when it fell through. The West Dunbartonshire SNP doing a deal with one independent councillor they had previously clashed with is small potatoes by comparison.
It's all just local politics ..... very local politics, and extrapolations nationally show none of the partys in a "whiter than white" light.
As I said earlier, it's just politics. And politicians will try to make hay out of any situation. I think it's fair to to say that a lot of labour voters will be "disheartened" to see their party form a formal coalition with the party they see as their adversary, and whom they continually vote Labour to keep out. Therefore it is only natural that the local SNP folk will want to highlight the deal in the worst possible light. When the SNP tried to do a deal with the Tories in Dundee after the previous local elections, Labour created all sorts of stink about it, then promptly did a deal with them themselves when it fell through. The West Dunbartonshire SNP doing a deal with one independent councillor they had previously clashed with is small potatoes by comparison.
It's all just local politics ..... very local politics, and extrapolations nationally show none of the partys in a "whiter than white" light.
Posted by: craigy, s.lanarkshire on 3:15pm Fri 18 May 07
VOR @9:26
WELL SAID VOR, COULD'NT AGREE MORE AND I'M AN SNP VOTER [bold]AND[/bold] COMPETE INDEPENDANCE SUPPORTER
VOR @9:26
WELL SAID VOR, COULD'NT AGREE MORE AND I'M AN SNP VOTER
AND COMPETE INDEPENDANCE SUPPORTER
Posted by: craigy, s.lanarkshire on 3:36pm Fri 18 May 07
for independance read independence!!
god SPELIN MISTAIKS dont half stand out in upper case!!!
for independance read independence!!
god SPELIN MISTAIKS dont half stand out in upper case!!!
Posted by: The Student, Motherwell on 3:42pm Fri 18 May 07
spite is a very pretentious thing.
this can only end in revenge and arguements.
its more like childsplay that people running the country.
i feel i could do a better job myself!
spite is a very pretentious thing.
this can only end in revenge and arguements.
its more like childsplay that people running the country.
i feel i could do a better job myself!
Posted by: Rab on 4:04pm Fri 18 May 07
[quote][bold]The Student[/bold] wrote:
spite is a very pretentious thing.
this can only end in revenge and arguements.
its more like childsplay that people running the country.
i feel i could do a better job myself![/quote] Is English your subject?
The Student wrote:
spite is a very pretentious thing.
this can only end in revenge and arguements.
its more like childsplay that people running the country.
i feel i could do a better job myself!
Is English your subject?
Posted by: leowoman, glasgow on 4:37pm Fri 18 May 07
Let's get real. How are the SNP supposed to function as a minority government without forming partnerships either in the long or short term. This is not the problem. The problem may be how far they will go to keep power, in terms of holding on to their manifesto pledges and to their pledge to give Scottish people a referendum. At the moment they have the benefit of the doubt but that will only last as long as their promises. I will certainly be watching developments carefully. However, I do feel that Alex et al are capable of planning strategically and I am heartened by his clever move to join with Ireland and Wales en bloc, in order to win more powers for Scottish parliament.
I am an English teacher and I find mis-spelling of independence and Salmond curious, especially when both words are in the paper almost every day. By their words, shall ye know them.
Let's get real. How are the SNP supposed to function as a minority government without forming partnerships either in the long or short term. This is not the problem. The problem may be how far they will go to keep power, in terms of holding on to their manifesto pledges and to their pledge to give Scottish people a referendum. At the moment they have the benefit of the doubt but that will only last as long as their promises. I will certainly be watching developments carefully. However, I do feel that Alex et al are capable of planning strategically and I am heartened by his clever move to join with Ireland and Wales en bloc, in order to win more powers for Scottish parliament.
I am an English teacher and I find mis-spelling of independence and Salmond curious, especially when both words are in the paper almost every day. By their words, shall ye know them.
Posted by: Matt, UK on 4:47pm Fri 18 May 07
Seems to me that we have a democratic result in a democratic election, based on votes cast by Scots.
I really don't see the problem.
Matt
www.mattwardman.com/
blog/
Seems to me that we have a democratic result in a democratic election, based on votes cast by Scots.
I really don't see the problem.
Matt
www.mattwardman.com/
blog/
Posted by: Alex, Scotland on 5:07pm Fri 18 May 07
They can't do any worse than the previous LibDem council.
The way they handled the Schools PPP project in Bishopbriggs was a disgrace. They completely ignored the public.
Let's hope this council will put their political differences aside and do what's best for the people of East Dunbartonshire.
They can't do any worse than the previous LibDem council.
The way they handled the Schools PPP project in Bishopbriggs was a disgrace. They completely ignored the public.
Let's hope this council will put their political differences aside and do what's best for the people of East Dunbartonshire.
Posted by: Thomas M, Bishopbriggs on 5:13pm Fri 18 May 07
[quote][bold]Alex[/bold] wrote:
They can't do any worse than the previous LibDem council.
The way they handled the Schools PPP project in Bishopbriggs was a disgrace. They completely ignored the public.
Let's hope this council will put their political differences aside and do what's best for the people of East Dunbartonshire.
[/quote] Good point...
Read this excellent blog on the school issues...
http://bishopbriggsh
igh.blogspot.com
Alex wrote:
They can't do any worse than the previous LibDem council.
The way they handled the Schools PPP project in Bishopbriggs was a disgrace. They completely ignored the public.
Let's hope this council will put their political differences aside and do what's best for the people of East Dunbartonshire.
Good point...
Read this excellent blog on the school issues...
http://bishopbriggsh
igh.blogspot.com
Posted by: Hughie G, scotland on 5:34pm Fri 18 May 07
[quote][bold]By their words, shall ye know them.[/bold] [/quote]
Who?
Witches? Warlocks? Nationalists?
By their words, shall ye know them.
Who?
Witches? Warlocks? Nationalists?
Posted by: Alastair McPhee, Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire on 5:51pm Fri 18 May 07
Weekly bin collections never went away, either the main bin or the garden bin went every week with the recycling boxes!
Can i just point out that the new local coalition have not brought back weekly rubbish collections, there isn't the budget to do so. They have asked the officers to look at ways to achieve this goal, something very different.
As a resident of the authority I am intrigued that they think they can do this. At the moment we pay £24 per tonne in landfill tax in the next four years we are to pay £48 per tonne. Does this mean that the Community Care budget will be slashed just so as lazy people can put all their rubbish in one bin rather than sorting it out first. The recyling recepticals may be of a poor design but the idea is a positive one. In four years time I look forward to East Dunbartonshire residents voting back in the party that did the right thing, just had offficers who let them down badly by not thinking the process through properly.
Weekly bin collections never went away, either the main bin or the garden bin went every week with the recycling boxes!
Can i just point out that the new local coalition have not brought back weekly rubbish collections, there isn't the budget to do so. They have asked the officers to look at ways to achieve this goal, something very different.
As a resident of the authority I am intrigued that they think they can do this. At the moment we pay £24 per tonne in landfill tax in the next four years we are to pay £48 per tonne. Does this mean that the Community Care budget will be slashed just so as lazy people can put all their rubbish in one bin rather than sorting it out first. The recyling recepticals may be of a poor design but the idea is a positive one. In four years time I look forward to East Dunbartonshire residents voting back in the party that did the right thing, just had offficers who let them down badly by not thinking the process through properly.
Posted by: Ernst Schaf, Glasgow on 6:54pm Fri 18 May 07
Just about what the "Burghers" of East Dunbartonshire deserve.
Just about what the "Burghers" of East Dunbartonshire deserve.
Posted by: david el escocés, Málaga on 6:56pm Fri 18 May 07
[quote][bold]Hughie G[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]By their words, shall ye know them.[/bold] [/quote]
Who?
Witches? Warlocks? Nationalists?[/quote] [bold]To Hughie G-string:[/bold] Eh? Lay off the magic soup.
Hughie G wrote:
By their words, shall ye know them.
Who?
Witches? Warlocks? Nationalists?
To Hughie G-string: Eh? Lay off the magic soup.
Posted by: Danny, Bishopbriggs on 7:19pm Fri 18 May 07
As you are a well known LibDem Alastair McPhees comments are what you would expect - blame everyone but the LibDems who made the decisions!
I am also a resident and I'm sick of seeing the recycling bins scattered everywhere whenever the wind blows.
I'm all for recycling but, as with most things the council pushed through, they didn't plan it well. Let's see the real cost to the residents of this farce. Or maybe they were planning to use the money they would make selling off "Surplus" school land in Bishopbriggs?
Only time will tell - I for one hope your prediction never comes true.
As you are a well known LibDem Alastair McPhees comments are what you would expect - blame everyone but the LibDems who made the decisions!
I am also a resident and I'm sick of seeing the recycling bins scattered everywhere whenever the wind blows.
I'm all for recycling but, as with most things the council pushed through, they didn't plan it well. Let's see the real cost to the residents of this farce. Or maybe they were planning to use the money they would make selling off "Surplus" school land in Bishopbriggs?
Only time will tell - I for one hope your prediction never comes true.
Posted by: Jimbo on 7:42pm Fri 18 May 07
What difference does it make which parties enter into an alliance, so long as they get the job done is all that should matter in this instance. In Falkirk the factions were split 16/16 and they cut the cards to decide which party would form the administration and run the council on consensus politics. It's time for us all to grow up and work together for a better Scotland.
Reading some of the posts lately it seems that some people can't wait for the SNP executive in Holyrood to fail so they can enjoy that blissful feeling of schadenfreude. What they don't seem to realise is that if the executive fails (regardless of which party is in office) it is to the detriment of Scotland and a bonus to those in Westminster and to the London owned press who are constantly telling us we're too thick/poor/incompete
nt to run our own affairs. So let's not suppress our country's ambitions and let's get on together to improve our lot.
What difference does it make which parties enter into an alliance, so long as they get the job done is all that should matter in this instance. In Falkirk the factions were split 16/16 and they cut the cards to decide which party would form the administration and run the council on consensus politics. It's time for us all to grow up and work together for a better Scotland.
Reading some of the posts lately it seems that some people can't wait for the SNP executive in Holyrood to fail so they can enjoy that blissful feeling of schadenfreude. What they don't seem to realise is that if the executive fails (regardless of which party is in office) it is to the detriment of Scotland and a bonus to those in Westminster and to the London owned press who are constantly telling us we're too thick/poor/incompete
nt to run our own affairs. So let's not suppress our country's ambitions and let's get on together to improve our lot.
Posted by: GB on 7:48pm Fri 18 May 07
It's almost quite touching...two twins, separated at birth, finally meet one another and become good pals and partners...all the best to the Tory twins of Labour and Conservative.
It's almost quite touching...two twins, separated at birth, finally meet one another and become good pals and partners...all the best to the Tory twins of Labour and Conservative.
Posted by: Alastair McPhee, Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire on 8:00pm Fri 18 May 07
[quote][bold]Danny[/bold] wrote:
As you are a well known LibDem Alastair McPhees comments are what you would expect - blame everyone but the LibDems who made the decisions! I am also a resident and I'm sick of seeing the recycling bins scattered everywhere whenever the wind blows. I'm all for recycling but, as with most things the council pushed through, they didn't plan it well. Let's see the real cost to the residents of this farce. Or maybe they were planning to use the money they would make selling off "Surplus" school land in Bishopbriggs? Only time will tell - I for one hope your prediction never comes true.[/quote] Thanks Danny I hadn't realised that I was infamous? Unfortunately I am not sure where your political allegiances lie.
What I find strange is that by and large we are agreeing, the recepticals that were used for recycling household waste are totally inapprorpriate. Do you really think that it was the Councillors who chose them? Was it not the officers?
I would reiterate that by reducing the amount (through reducing the opportunity) we recycle we will cut drastically the money available to spend in other areas, such as Community Care, youth work etc.
When it comes to the school I am on record as being against the move to the new site and have told many of my party colleagues bluntly what I thought of there decision. Apparently the Council had to find £20m of the £100m needed for the 6 new schools. The sale of land may sadly be a necessary evil to secure 6 new schools. In their shoes I am not sure what I would have done.
Danny wrote:
As you are a well known LibDem Alastair McPhees comments are what you would expect - blame everyone but the LibDems who made the decisions! I am also a resident and I'm sick of seeing the recycling bins scattered everywhere whenever the wind blows. I'm all for recycling but, as with most things the council pushed through, they didn't plan it well. Let's see the real cost to the residents of this farce. Or maybe they were planning to use the money they would make selling off "Surplus" school land in Bishopbriggs? Only time will tell - I for one hope your prediction never comes true.
Thanks Danny I hadn't realised that I was infamous? Unfortunately I am not sure where your political allegiances lie.
What I find strange is that by and large we are agreeing, the recepticals that were used for recycling household waste are totally inapprorpriate. Do you really think that it was the Councillors who chose them? Was it not the officers?
I would reiterate that by reducing the amount (through reducing the opportunity) we recycle we will cut drastically the money available to spend in other areas, such as Community Care, youth work etc.
When it comes to the school I am on record as being against the move to the new site and have told many of my party colleagues bluntly what I thought of there decision. Apparently the Council had to find £20m of the £100m needed for the 6 new schools. The sale of land may sadly be a necessary evil to secure 6 new schools. In their shoes I am not sure what I would have done.
Posted by: Hughie G, Cauldron on 9:11pm Fri 18 May 07
[quote]Hughie G wrote:
By their words, shall ye know them.
Who?
Witches? Warlocks? Nationalists?
To Hughie G-string: Eh? Lay off the magic soup.[/quote]
Sorry, I'm as confused as you are - I was quoting Loewoman's rather bizarre post.
Rather off-topic I know, but it's Friday and I'm all argued out.
And I'll thank you not to mention my choice of underwear, which is strictly a comfort thing.
Hughie G wrote:
By their words, shall ye know them.
Who?
Witches? Warlocks? Nationalists?
To Hughie G-string: Eh? Lay off the magic soup.
Sorry, I'm as confused as you are - I was quoting Loewoman's rather bizarre post.
Rather off-topic I know, but it's Friday and I'm all argued out.
And I'll thank you not to mention my choice of underwear, which is strictly a comfort thing.
Posted by: Rab on 9:18pm Fri 18 May 07
[bold]In four years time I look forward to East Dunbartonshire residents voting back in the party that did the right thing, just had offficers who let them down badly by not thinking the process through properly.[/bold]
That is the biggest load of tripe I have read in a long, long time.
The officers of this constituency are some of the best and most intelligent to be had in any authority, the only people doing any letting down were the completely incompetent,ditherin
g, two faced, selfish Liberal democrat fools who got their just reward at election time.
You and your ilk have ruined everything you have touched, the inept handling of the schools issue and the M&S mess are cases in point.
In four years time I look forward to East Dunbartonshire residents voting back in the party that did the right thing, just had offficers who let them down badly by not thinking the process through properly.
That is the biggest load of tripe I have read in a long, long time.
The officers of this constituency are some of the best and most intelligent to be had in any authority, the only people doing any letting down were the completely incompetent,ditherin
g, two faced, selfish Liberal democrat fools who got their just reward at election time.
You and your ilk have ruined everything you have touched, the inept handling of the schools issue and the M&S mess are cases in point.
Posted by: Foxy, Bearsden on 9:39pm Fri 18 May 07
These necessary coalitions are an inevitable consequence of the Single Transferable Voting system which has so benefited the SNP in these elections that it is hard to feel sorry for them when, as in this case, they lose out. They have gained elsewhere by making coalitions of varying degrees with other parties to keep out others. Why are they now whining when it is done to them? In this case the SNP were busy making their own alliances, hence their 10 votes when there were only 8 SNP, but they were gazumped and outsmarted. This is the new politics so loudly proclaimed by the SNP. Get used to it guys, some you win, some you lose, stop whinging when you lose.
These necessary coalitions are an inevitable consequence of the Single Transferable Voting system which has so benefited the SNP in these elections that it is hard to feel sorry for them when, as in this case, they lose out. They have gained elsewhere by making coalitions of varying degrees with other parties to keep out others. Why are they now whining when it is done to them? In this case the SNP were busy making their own alliances, hence their 10 votes when there were only 8 SNP, but they were gazumped and outsmarted. This is the new politics so loudly proclaimed by the SNP. Get used to it guys, some you win, some you lose, stop whinging when you lose.
Posted by: Rab on 1:43pm Sat 19 May 07
Labour and tory in the same bed......who would have thought it?
Me. They are one in the same party now.
Labour and tory in the same bed......who would have thought it?
Me. They are one in the same party now.
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