Top award caps historic year for SNP
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| WINNER: Margo Macdonald with her husband Jim Sillars at the awards. Picture: Gordon Terris |
It capped an astonishing 12 months for the SNP leader and followed a dramatic turnaround in his political career. Less than six months after his party claimed an historic victory in the Scottish Parliament elections, First Minister Alex Salmond was last night named Scottish Politician of the Year.
Mr Salmond was joined by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who was named Best Scot at Westminster, as the big winners at a gala awards ceremony in Edinburgh, organised by The Herald.
Other notable winners included the billionaire philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, who claimed the International Scot Award, and the Independent MSP Margo Macdonald, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mr Salmond, who follows his predecessors Donald Dewar and Jack McConnell in being named Scottish Politician of the Year, was awarded the title for leading his party into government for the first time in its 73-year history.
That achievement was also recognised yesterday with
one of Westminster's most prestigious awards, when the Spectator named him as
Parliamentarian of the Year.
In the Scottish awards, he defeated his SNP colleagues Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney to accept the award at the prestigious Prestonfield House.
It is also a remarkable turnaround for Mr Salmond, who in 2000 received an award for Outstanding Political Achievement Award shortly after he quit the SNP leadership, when it was thought his political career was on the wane.
But after becoming SNP leader for a second time in 2004, he announced his intention to return to the Scottish Parliament, an ambition he realised on May 3 when he defeated the sitting Liberal Democrat MSP to win in
Gordon.
The SNP's one seat victory over Labour saw Mr Salmond become First Minister and, in a whirlwind start to his term in office, his government has already secured the abolition of tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges, saved accident emergency departments in Ayr and Monklands and struck a deal with local authorities over a council tax freeze.
A "national conversation" on Scotland's constitutional future has also been launched, with the aim of a referendum on independence by 2010 and independence by 2017.
It is the third time that
Gordon Brown has been named Best Scot at Westminster and his success comes in the year he succeeded his next door neighbour in Downing Street to become Prime
Minister. He defeated Alistair Darling, his successor as
Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Angus Robertson, who took over from Mr Salmond as the SNP leader in the House of Commons.
Like Mr Salmond, Mr Brown has had an eventful few months since taking over the top job in June following Tony Blair's resignation.
The terrorist attack on
Glasgow Airport, which came just three days after he became PM, was an early test of his competence, as was the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Suffolk.
The former chancellor's successful handling of both situations saw Labour enjoy a corresponding boost in the opinion polls, leading to fevered speculation that Mr Brown would call a General Election. But that lead over the Conservatives was whittled away after the Tories used their annual conference to unveil eye-catching policies on stamp duty and inheritance tax and the Prime Minister decided against an autumn poll.
The Editor of The Herald, Charles McGhee, said Mr Salmond's success reflected his party's incredible year.
He said: "I should like to offer my congratulations to First Minister Alex Salmond and to all our winners this evening.
"It is a reflection of how much the fortunes of the SNP have changed that three senior figures from the same party should have been short-listed for the top award, but the final decision of the judges was unanimous and the First Minister emerged as the clear winner. I would also like to thank our sponsors - Diageo, Eaga, Microsoft, Keppie Design and Ukio Bankas - for helping to make this prestigious event such a memorable highlight of the Scottish political calendar."
Meanwhile, at the Spectator political awards, the magazine's editor, Matthew d'Ancona, said Westminster's Parliamentarian of the Year award was handed to Mr Salmond in recognition of giving the Prime Minister "a kick in the teeth in his own back yard" and "a moment in history and in the annals of the Union".
Saying the SNP success "strikes at the very heart of what this country is and shall be, the judges felt it was right to salute the man whose brilliant tactics in the Scottish Parliament laid the foundations for an extraordinary
victory".
Michael Connarty, Labour MP in Linlithgow and East Falkirk, was named Inquisitor of the Year at Westminster and Politician of the Year was George Osborne, the Shadow Chancellor.
The winners
Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER: Margo Macdonald.
Scottish Politician of the YearWINNER: Alex Salmond (SNP),
For a historic breakthrough election victory in May.
Runners-up: Nicola Sturgeon (SNP) and John Swinney (SNP).
Best Scot at Westminster
WINNER: Gordon Brown (Lab),
for his unchallenged rise to become Prime Minister.
Runners-up: Alistair Darling (Lab) and Angus Robertson (SNP)
Donald Dewar Debater of the Year
WINNER: John Swinney (SNP),
Robust in opposition and better still in government.
Runners-up: Tavish Scott (Lib Dem) and Nicola Sturgeon (SNP). (Award sponsored by eaga).
One to watch
WINNER: Derek Brownlee (Con),
a recent arrival at Holyrood, already in a key Tory role.
Runners-up: Jackie Baillie (Lab) and Elizabeth Smith (Con). (Award sponsored by Microsoft).
International Scot Award
WINNER: Sir Tom Hunter, retail tycoon turned big league philanthropist.
Runners up: Black Watch, National Theatre of Scotland and the Tartan Army. (Award sponsored by Keppie Design).
Free Spirit of the Year
WINNER: Christine Grahame (SNP),
never one to be told what to think or say by the SNP whips.
Runners-up
George Foulkes (Lab) and Margo MacDonald (Ind).
Public Campaign of the Year
WINNER: Farepak savers' campaign, for reclaiming Christmas for thousands of let-down savers.
Runners-up: Haemophilia Forum and ICL Plastics/Stockline Family Support Group. (Award sponsored by Uko Bankas).
THE JUDGES
Charles McGhee, editor of
The Herald;
Douglas Fraser, The Herald;
Iain Macwhirter, The Herald;
Paul Hutcheon, Sunday Herald;
Colin Mackay, Emap Radio;
Joe Quinn, Press Association;
Brian Taylor, BBC Scotland.
Online Coverage
© All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without
permission is prohibited.
Posted by: Brian Hill, Edinburgh on 12:29am Fri 16 Nov 07
Well done Alex Salmond, and well done Nicola and John for joining Alex in the final 3. I think only the most bigoted of individuals would deny Alex Salmond this accolade, his leadership has been outstanding over the past 12 to 15 months.
And who could deny Margo Macdonald's Lifetime Achievement Award. She has worked tirelessly and with conviction for most of her adult life in the cause of Independence, well done that woman.
Well done Alex Salmond, and well done Nicola and John for joining Alex in the final 3. I think only the most bigoted of individuals would deny Alex Salmond this accolade, his leadership has been outstanding over the past 12 to 15 months.
And who could deny Margo Macdonald's Lifetime Achievement Award. She has worked tirelessly and with conviction for most of her adult life in the cause of Independence, well done that woman.
Posted by: JoeMcT, BlairsFantasyIsland on 12:36am Fri 16 Nov 07
[bold]Salmond and Chips[/bold]
Contrats to Alex Salmond.
Now that the SNP are in the driving seat New Labour (a.k.a. Old Tories) have had their chips.
Salmond and Chips
Contrats to Alex Salmond.
Now that the SNP are in the driving seat New Labour (a.k.a. Old Tories) have had their chips.
Posted by: McNic, desk on 12:48am Fri 16 Nov 07
This is nectar from a poisoned challis, or are times a changing?
This is nectar from a poisoned challis, or are times a changing?
Posted by: MsJ, Glasgow on 12:50am Fri 16 Nov 07
"The Editor of The Herald, Charles McGhee, said Mr Salmond's success reflected his party's incredible year.
He said: "I should like to offer my congratulations to First Minister Alex Salmond and to all our winners this evening.
"It is a reflection of how much the fortunes of the SNP have changed that three senior figures from the same party should have been short-listed for the top award, but the final decision of the judges was unanimous and the First Minister emerged as the clear winner."
I bet McGhee was choking. What a hypocrite. McGhee's treatment of the SNP, and the sheer contempt shown by many of his journalists towards that Party, not to mention their bias towards Labour have all turned the Herald into the Daily Record at times. That same contempt ignored the choice of the Scottish people to abandon Labour, it's corruption and it's tendency to take for granted our vote and ever since has sought every opportunity to twist what the SNP is trying to do by, firstly, getting consensus politics moving at Holyrood. McGhee should be celebrating that instead of trying to destroy it by encouraging journalists to print lies. Maybe tomorrow he will have a re think about instructing his journalists to do what their job entails and report the news!
"The Editor of The Herald, Charles McGhee, said Mr Salmond's success reflected his party's incredible year.
He said: "I should like to offer my congratulations to First Minister Alex Salmond and to all our winners this evening.
"It is a reflection of how much the fortunes of the SNP have changed that three senior figures from the same party should have been short-listed for the top award, but the final decision of the judges was unanimous and the First Minister emerged as the clear winner."
I bet McGhee was choking. What a hypocrite. McGhee's treatment of the SNP, and the sheer contempt shown by many of his journalists towards that Party, not to mention their bias towards Labour have all turned the Herald into the Daily Record at times. That same contempt ignored the choice of the Scottish people to abandon Labour, it's corruption and it's tendency to take for granted our vote and ever since has sought every opportunity to twist what the SNP is trying to do by, firstly, getting consensus politics moving at Holyrood. McGhee should be celebrating that instead of trying to destroy it by encouraging journalists to print lies. Maybe tomorrow he will have a re think about instructing his journalists to do what their job entails and report the news!
Posted by: Jimbo on 12:51am Fri 16 Nov 07
It shows the dearth of Scottish talent at Westminster if Thatcherite Brown is the best they can come up with.
It shows the dearth of Scottish talent at Westminster if Thatcherite Brown is the best they can come up with.
Posted by: MsJ, Glasgow on 1:03am Fri 16 Nov 07
Hi Jimbo, ltns. I don't grudge Brown that award actually. But I'm happy for Salmond that he got his award.
Hi Jimbo, ltns. I don't grudge Brown that award actually. But I'm happy for Salmond that he got his award.
Posted by: Jimbo on 1:28am Fri 16 Nov 07
Hi MsJ,
I can't stand the mealy-mouthed git or his politics of lies and obfuscation. With Scotland's block grant he has yet again conspired with his Labour cohorts to hold Scotland back.
A country being given a block grant controlled by it's larger neighbour is an insult. What we raise we should keep. Not hand everything over and get pocket money handed back. Independence can't come fast enough.
Hi MsJ,
I can't stand the mealy-mouthed git or his politics of lies and obfuscation. With Scotland's block grant he has yet again conspired with his Labour cohorts to hold Scotland back.
A country being given a block grant controlled by it's larger neighbour is an insult. What we raise we should keep. Not hand everything over and get pocket money handed back. Independence can't come fast enough.
Posted by: The Archies, Argyll, Scotlandshire. on 5:40am Fri 16 Nov 07
We didn't require a Top Award Cap from the Herald to realise that
Alex Salmond was the most successful politician in nu-Britain.
Of course they've got Gordon Brown with Alistair Darling as top at Westmunster.
Nae surprises here then.
They reckon that we're going to fall for this Herald Award lark so as to try and justify numpty awards in the future as meaningful when in fact they are a way of making themselves (The Awarders) seem just as important, if not more so, than the winners, and also a way to try to justify giving awards to non-entities under the guise of serious contenders to suit whatever happens to be the flavour / agenda of the moment, and when people question the selection they will say,
"but we gave wan tae Alex and you didn't complain did you?"
Also they have wrapped them ALL up as eggs in the same British basket (case)
So I for one am glad I've spotted that and usurped their plan. Ha He Ho.
The only award that matters is winning our Independence from a biased bunch of cheatin' liars. (Jonny Bond will like that wan)
Whether that is aided by the "Scottish" media remains to be seen, but a wulnay b haudin ma breath.
Sorry to Scotch yer Grand Herald Plan for the "Tottie Howker ai the Year Award" which I'm sure will be jist as important.
Well mibbe fur at least an oor or twa.
We didn't require a Top Award Cap from the Herald to realise that
Alex Salmond was the most successful politician in nu-Britain.
Of course they've got Gordon Brown with Alistair Darling as top at Westmunster.
Nae surprises here then.
They reckon that we're going to fall for this Herald Award lark so as to try and justify numpty awards in the future as meaningful when in fact they are a way of making themselves (The Awarders) seem just as important, if not more so, than the winners, and also a way to try to justify giving awards to non-entities under the guise of serious contenders to suit whatever happens to be the flavour / agenda of the moment, and when people question the selection they will say,
"but we gave wan tae Alex and you didn't complain did you?"
Also they have wrapped them ALL up as eggs in the same British basket (case)
So I for one am glad I've spotted that and usurped their plan. Ha He Ho.
The only award that matters is winning our Independence from a biased bunch of cheatin' liars. (Jonny Bond will like that wan)
Whether that is aided by the "Scottish" media remains to be seen, but a wulnay b haudin ma breath.
Sorry to Scotch yer Grand Herald Plan for the "Tottie Howker ai the Year Award" which I'm sure will be jist as important.
Well mibbe fur at least an oor or twa.
Posted by: David, Glasgow on 7:18am Fri 16 Nov 07
Well done Alex, [bold]you have brought a breath of fresh air to Scotland![/bold]
Some of us are aware that London, Labour, Tories and bleeding heart libs are hell bent on stopping you.
Well done Alex,
you have brought a breath of fresh air to Scotland!
Some of us are aware that London, Labour, Tories and bleeding heart libs are hell bent on stopping you.
Posted by: I'm not really here on 8:04am Fri 16 Nov 07
And all this actually means something in the real world??
And all this actually means something in the real world??
Posted by: David Alexander on 8:43am Fri 16 Nov 07
Well done Alex!
AM2 is not up yet but I'll start his post for him...
"But, but but..."
Its all yours AM2.
Well done Alex!
AM2 is not up yet but I'll start his post for him...
"But, but but..."
Its all yours AM2.
Posted by: ricardo on 9:02am Fri 16 Nov 07
Wee eck has cleared a space in the loft, so as he can display the herald trophy where no one has to look at it .
He offered to donate it to a coconut shy to use as a target, but they declined saying they have a picture of wee wendy .
Wee eck has cleared a space in the loft, so as he can display the herald trophy where no one has to look at it .
He offered to donate it to a coconut shy to use as a target, but they declined saying they have a picture of wee wendy .
Posted by: talorthane on 9:06am Fri 16 Nov 07
Well done Alex, you trully deserved both awards.
And well done all the winners, particularly Margo MacDonald.
Well done Alex, you trully deserved both awards.
And well done all the winners, particularly Margo MacDonald.
Posted by: Red Mosquito, East Kilbride on 9:25am Fri 16 Nov 07
Free spirit ...... George Foulkes .......
Free spirit ...... George Foulkes .......
Posted by: somerferg, oz on 9:39am Fri 16 Nov 07
Well done Alex Salmond :)
Well done Alex Salmond :)
Posted by: Ronald, Glasgow on 10:04am Fri 16 Nov 07
We Wiz Robbed !!! Wot a travesty. The Man of the Year - or "Spirit"
award : Why the Baron Lord Von Foulkes und Cumnock of course.
The man is a true patriot, selfless, and all-round hero !!!
And dear reader, if you believe that.......... hahahhaahhaa
We think that Hitler did less damage to this fair country. And why
no award for that other warmongering scum Herr Major Eric Von der
Joyce? A travesty. lol And wasn't the award to Salmond made through gritted teeth? Oh yes - the Herald numpties are clearly in mourning for THE NEW LABOUR PROJECT which is the deadest
of parrotts. What chance the Herald switches alliegance to the
BNP - the left wing of NEW LABOUR? Watch this space.
We Wiz Robbed !!! Wot a travesty. The Man of the Year - or "Spirit"
award : Why the Baron Lord Von Foulkes und Cumnock of course.
The man is a true patriot, selfless, and all-round hero !!!
And dear reader, if you believe that.......... hahahhaahhaa
We think that Hitler did less damage to this fair country. And why
no award for that other warmongering scum Herr Major Eric Von der
Joyce? A travesty. lol And wasn't the award to Salmond made through gritted teeth? Oh yes - the Herald numpties are clearly in mourning for THE NEW LABOUR PROJECT which is the deadest
of parrotts. What chance the Herald switches alliegance to the
BNP - the left wing of NEW LABOUR? Watch this space.
Posted by: Huttcity, New Zealand on 10:10am Fri 16 Nov 07
[quote][bold]The Archies[/bold] wrote:
We didn't require a Top Award Cap from the Herald to realise that
Alex Salmond was the most successful politician in nu-Britain.
Of course they've got Gordon Brown with Alistair Darling as top at Westmunster.
Nae surprises here then.
They reckon that we're going to fall for this Herald Award lark so as to try and justify numpty awards in the future as meaningful when in fact they are a way of making themselves (The Awarders) seem just as important, if not more so, than the winners, and also a way to try to justify giving awards to non-entities under the guise of serious contenders to suit whatever happens to be the flavour / agenda of the moment, and when people question the selection they will say,
"but we gave wan tae Alex and you didn't complain did you?"
Also they have wrapped them ALL up as eggs in the same British basket (case)
So I for one am glad I've spotted that and usurped their plan. Ha He Ho.
The only award that matters is winning our Independence from a biased bunch of cheatin' liars. (Jonny Bond will like that wan)
Whether that is aided by the "Scottish" media remains to be seen, but a wulnay b haudin ma breath.
Sorry to Scotch yer Grand Herald Plan for the "Tottie Howker ai the Year Award" which I'm sure will be jist as important.
Well mibbe fur at least an oor or twa.[/quote] http ://zapatopi.net /afdb/build.html
;P
The Archies wrote:
We didn't require a Top Award Cap from the Herald to realise that
Alex Salmond was the most successful politician in nu-Britain.
Of course they've got Gordon Brown with Alistair Darling as top at Westmunster.
Nae surprises here then.
They reckon that we're going to fall for this Herald Award lark so as to try and justify numpty awards in the future as meaningful when in fact they are a way of making themselves (The Awarders) seem just as important, if not more so, than the winners, and also a way to try to justify giving awards to non-entities under the guise of serious contenders to suit whatever happens to be the flavour / agenda of the moment, and when people question the selection they will say,
"but we gave wan tae Alex and you didn't complain did you?"
Also they have wrapped them ALL up as eggs in the same British basket (case)
So I for one am glad I've spotted that and usurped their plan. Ha He Ho.
The only award that matters is winning our Independence from a biased bunch of cheatin' liars. (Jonny Bond will like that wan)
Whether that is aided by the "Scottish" media remains to be seen, but a wulnay b haudin ma breath.
Sorry to Scotch yer Grand Herald Plan for the "Tottie Howker ai the Year Award" which I'm sure will be jist as important.
Well mibbe fur at least an oor or twa.
http ://zapatopi.net /afdb/build.html
;P
Posted by: Cuthulan, approx 12,000 miles from Earth centre on 12:36pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Congratulations Alex , you deserve it and so does your party . Keep up the great work ,and also, nice one Margo.
Congratulations Alex , you deserve it and so does your party . Keep up the great work ,and also, nice one Margo.
Posted by: John J. Sheridan, Z'ha'dum on 1:16pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Instead of handing out pointless awards maybe the Herald could resort to good old fashioned factual reporting political of events, free from owner and editor influenced bias.
We need less in society of the opinions of journalists.
It never ceases to amaze me that we give journalists opinions such credence.
What is it about a life spent writing about what others do, from the local WRVS and schools football teams to celebrities that makes their world view so much more valuable than the rest of us?
Just a thought.
Instead of handing out pointless awards maybe the Herald could resort to good old fashioned factual reporting political of events, free from owner and editor influenced bias.
We need less in society of the opinions of journalists.
It never ceases to amaze me that we give journalists opinions such credence.
What is it about a life spent writing about what others do, from the local WRVS and schools football teams to celebrities that makes their world view so much more valuable than the rest of us?
Just a thought.
Posted by: SWBF on 3:07pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Congrats Alex, Nicola and John. The way your running the Government is a real breath of fresh air. Congratulations also to Margo you worked tirelessly for the scottish people for years and have stood the test of time with your policies and commitments.
Free Spirit of the year George Foulkes ???????
Free spirit drinker of the year perhaps
Congrats Alex, Nicola and John. The way your running the Government is a real breath of fresh air. Congratulations also to Margo you worked tirelessly for the scottish people for years and have stood the test of time with your policies and commitments.
Free Spirit of the year George Foulkes ???????
Free spirit drinker of the year perhaps
Posted by: Casandra, Glasgow on 3:41pm Fri 16 Nov 07
How sad that an award first presented to Scotland's true political hero, Donald Dewar, should now be given to a racing tipster, presiding over a "government" of pathetic creatures, with credibility shattered after all their broken promises.
Pathetic !!
How sad that an award first presented to Scotland's true political hero, Donald Dewar, should now be given to a racing tipster, presiding over a "government" of pathetic creatures, with credibility shattered after all their broken promises.
Pathetic !!
Posted by: Mandymac, Glasgow on 3:50pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Since when do wannabe dictators get awarded? Where would the SNP be without him!
Since when do wannabe dictators get awarded? Where would the SNP be without him!
Posted by: ricardo, glasgow on 4:07pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Ha, ha, ha Donald Dewar the hypocrite, a political hero,ha,ha,ha.
There really are a few deluded numpties out there.
Thanks for the laugh Casandra.
Ha, ha, ha Donald Dewar the hypocrite, a political hero,ha,ha,ha.
There really are a few deluded numpties out there.
Thanks for the laugh Casandra.
Posted by: ricardo, glasgow on 4:10pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Mandymac, Tony Blair was not nominated. neither is he an SNP member.
Mandymac, Tony Blair was not nominated. neither is he an SNP member.
Posted by: Braveheart, Glasgow on 4:16pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Well done Alex! It's onwards and upwards towards Independence!!
How can you fail with Wendy "The Mouth" as your main opposition.
Well done Alex! It's onwards and upwards towards Independence!!
How can you fail with Wendy "The Mouth" as your main opposition.
Posted by: biffa, glasgow on 4:19pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Wendy is not the only opposition there are millions of us.
Wendy is not the only opposition there are millions of us.
Posted by: Braveheart, Glasgow on 5:15pm Fri 16 Nov 07
[quote][bold]biffa[/bold] wrote:
Wendy is not the only opposition there are millions of us.[/quote] If there are millions of you then the SNP would not have got in LOL
biffa wrote:
Wendy is not the only opposition there are millions of us.
If there are millions of you then the SNP would not have got in LOL
Posted by: Bruce on 5:48pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Donald Dewar, political hero? Not wishing to speak ill of the dead, I rather think that is a statement that requires analysis. He visited our community centre back in 1988 and my mother asked him pointedly why so many factories closed down or moved south during labour controlled years and what were Labour going to do about fostering engineering and shipbuilding. His reply was a dismissive as it was ignorant
"I think you just have to accept those days are over, finished, it's all gone." he said. This was when we had John Brown Engineering, Kincaids, Weirs and many more engineering firms making a healthy contribution to Scotland's balance of payments. Thankfully we still have some great engineering firms left, but no thanks to the dismissive and patronising views of Mr Dewar.
And to think Scotsoun with Yarrows, Albion and other engineering firms was in his constituency!
Donald Dewar, political hero? Not wishing to speak ill of the dead, I rather think that is a statement that requires analysis. He visited our community centre back in 1988 and my mother asked him pointedly why so many factories closed down or moved south during labour controlled years and what were Labour going to do about fostering engineering and shipbuilding. His reply was a dismissive as it was ignorant
"I think you just have to accept those days are over, finished, it's all gone." he said. This was when we had John Brown Engineering, Kincaids, Weirs and many more engineering firms making a healthy contribution to Scotland's balance of payments. Thankfully we still have some great engineering firms left, but no thanks to the dismissive and patronising views of Mr Dewar.
And to think Scotsoun with Yarrows, Albion and other engineering firms was in his constituency!
Posted by: Miss Isles on 7:44pm Fri 16 Nov 07
[quote][bold]biffa[/bold] wrote:
Wendy is not the only opposition there are millions of us.[/quote] do you have their names and addresses for info?
biffa wrote:
Wendy is not the only opposition there are millions of us.
do you have their names and addresses for info?
Posted by: Casandra, Glasgow on 7:55pm Fri 16 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Braveheart[/bold] wrote:
Well done Alex! It\'s onwards and upwards towards Independence!! How can you fail with Wendy \"The Mouth\" as your main opposition.[/quote] The second para quoted illustrates that nothing has changed from the Nats role as an opposition Party to one of (very) minority government.
Thus, last night on BBC Newsnight we had Fiona Hyslop interrupting interviewer and opponent alike in the same aggressive manner that do Salmond, Sturgeon and Co when "challenging" anyone who dared to disagrere with them
On the general behaviour of Nats, I'll alway remember with disgust the treatnent of an old lady in our village who was trembling after an SNP canvasser had told her on her own doorstep that she was a "traitor to Scotland" if she failed to support the Nats !!!.
Alas, nothing changes with that lot and the electorate shouldnt be fooled that now they in office they are a responsible body of men and women.
Braveheart wrote:
Well done Alex! It\'s onwards and upwards towards Independence!! How can you fail with Wendy \"The Mouth\" as your main opposition.
The second para quoted illustrates that nothing has changed from the Nats role as an opposition Party to one of (very) minority government.
Thus, last night on BBC Newsnight we had Fiona Hyslop interrupting interviewer and opponent alike in the same aggressive manner that do Salmond, Sturgeon and Co when "challenging" anyone who dared to disagrere with them
On the general behaviour of Nats, I'll alway remember with disgust the treatnent of an old lady in our village who was trembling after an SNP canvasser had told her on her own doorstep that she was a "traitor to Scotland" if she failed to support the Nats !!!.
Alas, nothing changes with that lot and the electorate shouldnt be fooled that now they in office they are a responsible body of men and women.
Posted by: ratzo on 8:44pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Gazza Broon isn't winning any prizes outside the Herald. This is from today's [italic]Independent[/italic] :
[quote]...is Gordon Brown an even more embarrassing prime minister than Tony Blair, leading an even more risible Cabinet of pygmies?
It may seem a touch previous to pose the question less than five months into the administration, when the jury hasn't even retired to consider its verdict. But at the end of another gruesome week for the Government, it sounds to me like the judge is ready to sum up the case, and not in terms favourable to the defence....At the current rate of progress, or rather regress, it won't be long before Labour voices are heard pleading vainly for the resurrection, God have mercy, of Mr Tony Blair.[/quote]
Its worthwhile comparing Brown's honeymoon with Salmond's. In Scotland there is a clear sense of positivity and direction and the SNP would be returned with a much increased majority if there was an election tomorrow. In England all sides are now suggesting seriously that Blair was better than Brown, and if there was an election tomorrow, Brown's Labour would lose.
Gazza Broon isn't winning any prizes outside the Herald. This is from today's
Independent :
...is Gordon Brown an even more embarrassing prime minister than Tony Blair, leading an even more risible Cabinet of pygmies?
It may seem a touch previous to pose the question less than five months into the administration, when the jury hasn't even retired to consider its verdict. But at the end of another gruesome week for the Government, it sounds to me like the judge is ready to sum up the case, and not in terms favourable to the defence....At the current rate of progress, or rather regress, it won't be long before Labour voices are heard pleading vainly for the resurrection, God have mercy, of Mr Tony Blair.
Its worthwhile comparing Brown's honeymoon with Salmond's. In Scotland there is a clear sense of positivity and direction and the SNP would be returned with a much increased majority if there was an election tomorrow. In England all sides are now suggesting seriously that Blair was better than Brown, and if there was an election tomorrow, Brown's Labour would lose.
Posted by: MsJ, Glasgow on 8:44pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Casandra, and their predecessors behaved so responsibly that Scotland voted them out. I accept that you do not like the SNP much, that much is obvious, but why lie like this about them?
Those who do not let others speak during interviews in my experience tend to be Labour politicians, or Newsnight presenters like Kirsty Wark who aren't even professional enough to disguise their own inner rage that Labour lost the election.
I don't think what we have at Holyrood is perfect but I think what happened in May proved that the Scottish people in considerable numbers reached a point where they had had enough of Labour taking their vote for granted. I also think it has been a very good thing for Scotland and for our Parliament. I just wish the ones in the corner sulking would understand that consensus politics is healthier than what we had before - decades of Labour domination, corruption and eventually downright contempt for the electorate.
Casandra if you want to talk about arrogance, cast your mind back to Andy Kerr's approach to the closure of A&E's when he lectured the people of Lanarkshire and Ayrshire that Health Board/Trust people knew better about these things and were better qualified to judge. Then earlier this week if you recall Casandra, an independent panel published it's own findings of the case put by these wise people and found those cases ...........erm......
......was the word they used weak? I'm sure it was. Kerr lied effectively Casandra about something very dear to ordinary people, A&E units, and he arrogantly dismissed their views without a thought! I'm sorry you are disappointed that Kerr and his ilk are gone for the time being at least, but many of us are very glad that is the case. It can only be good for Scotland that they are!
Casandra, and their predecessors behaved so responsibly that Scotland voted them out. I accept that you do not like the SNP much, that much is obvious, but why lie like this about them?
Those who do not let others speak during interviews in my experience tend to be Labour politicians, or Newsnight presenters like Kirsty Wark who aren't even professional enough to disguise their own inner rage that Labour lost the election.
I don't think what we have at Holyrood is perfect but I think what happened in May proved that the Scottish people in considerable numbers reached a point where they had had enough of Labour taking their vote for granted. I also think it has been a very good thing for Scotland and for our Parliament. I just wish the ones in the corner sulking would understand that consensus politics is healthier than what we had before - decades of Labour domination, corruption and eventually downright contempt for the electorate.
Casandra if you want to talk about arrogance, cast your mind back to Andy Kerr's approach to the closure of A&E's when he lectured the people of Lanarkshire and Ayrshire that Health Board/Trust people knew better about these things and were better qualified to judge. Then earlier this week if you recall Casandra, an independent panel published it's own findings of the case put by these wise people and found those cases ...........erm......
......was the word they used weak? I'm sure it was. Kerr lied effectively Casandra about something very dear to ordinary people, A&E units, and he arrogantly dismissed their views without a thought! I'm sorry you are disappointed that Kerr and his ilk are gone for the time being at least, but many of us are very glad that is the case. It can only be good for Scotland that they are!
Posted by: Karen Millar, Falkirk on 8:45pm Fri 16 Nov 07
'Casandra' with the made up name/identity (how very New Labour!)...
The traitors to Scotland are your disgusting, corrupt, controlling, lying, vile party with the man who is trying so hard to lose his Scottish accent.
Maggie Braun on the news the other night talking about "Dah4ah"...his speech therapist/elocutioni
st has clearly told him that pronouncing the letter 'r' is vulga and beastly, something that will not be tolerated by his beloved England.
Tragic figure of contempt, leading a vile 'Labour' party.
'Casandra' with the made up name/identity (how very New Labour!)...
The traitors to Scotland are your disgusting, corrupt, controlling, lying, vile party with the man who is trying so hard to lose his Scottish accent.
Maggie Braun on the news the other night talking about "Dah4ah"...his speech therapist/elocutioni
st has clearly told him that pronouncing the letter 'r' is vulga and beastly, something that will not be tolerated by his beloved England.
Tragic figure of contempt, leading a vile 'Labour' party.
Posted by: Neep on 9:07pm Fri 16 Nov 07
"I'll alway remember with disgust the treatnent of an old lady in our village who was trembling after an SNP canvasser had told her on her own doorstep that she was a "traitor to Scotland" if she failed to support the Nats !!!."
Don't worry Cassandra doll, it wisnae an old lady it was Joke McConnell in his pinstripe kilt and he was trembling with rage.....
"I'll alway remember with disgust the treatnent of an old lady in our village who was trembling after an SNP canvasser had told her on her own doorstep that she was a "traitor to Scotland" if she failed to support the Nats !!!."
Don't worry Cassandra doll, it wisnae an old lady it was Joke McConnell in his pinstripe kilt and he was trembling with rage.....
Posted by: Casandra on 10:25pm Fri 16 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Karen Millar[/bold] wrote:
'Casandra' with the made up name/identity (how very New Labour!)... The traitors to Scotland are your disgusting, corrupt, controlling, lying, vile party with the man who is trying so hard to lose his Scottish accent. Maggie Braun on the news the other night talking about "Dah4ah"...his speech therapist/elocutioni st has clearly told him that pronouncing the letter 'r' is vulga and beastly, something that will not be tolerated by his beloved England. Tragic figure of contempt, leading a vile 'Labour' party.[/quote] Ta for making my point so well - the leopard has'nt changed its spots
Just read again what you have posted - and be sick, as the rest of us all are !
Only one term describes what all "Nats" have become throughout Europe and beyond. Think on it !!!
Karen Millar wrote:
'Casandra' with the made up name/identity (how very New Labour!)... The traitors to Scotland are your disgusting, corrupt, controlling, lying, vile party with the man who is trying so hard to lose his Scottish accent. Maggie Braun on the news the other night talking about "Dah4ah"...his speech therapist/elocutioni st has clearly told him that pronouncing the letter 'r' is vulga and beastly, something that will not be tolerated by his beloved England. Tragic figure of contempt, leading a vile 'Labour' party.
Ta for making my point so well - the leopard has'nt changed its spots
Just read again what you have posted - and be sick, as the rest of us all are !
Only one term describes what all "Nats" have become throughout Europe and beyond. Think on it !!!
Posted by: John J. Sheridan, Z'ha'dum on 10:28pm Fri 16 Nov 07
[quote]I'll alway remember with disgust the treatnent of an old lady in our village who was trembling after an SNP canvasser had told her on her own doorstep that she was a "traitor to Scotland" if she failed to support the Nats !!!.[/quote]
And where were you whilst this heinous act was being perpetrated?
Hiding in the bushes?
Did the old lady tell you she was trembling?
Did you do anything about it?
I certainly would have and I am an SNP supporter, I would have returned the favour with interest and made sure this person never canvassed for anyone again.
What did you do?
It all sounds a bit made up to me Casandra, a bit like your name.
I'll alway remember with disgust the treatnent of an old lady in our village who was trembling after an SNP canvasser had told her on her own doorstep that she was a "traitor to Scotland" if she failed to support the Nats !!!.
And where were you whilst this heinous act was being perpetrated?
Hiding in the bushes?
Did the old lady tell you she was trembling?
Did you do anything about it?
I certainly would have and I am an SNP supporter, I would have returned the favour with interest and made sure this person never canvassed for anyone again.
What did you do?
It all sounds a bit made up to me Casandra, a bit like your name.
Posted by: Ronald, Glasgow on 11:22pm Fri 16 Nov 07
Karen you are you right! The NEW LABOUR PARTY - or should it be "project?"- are perhaps the most despicable scum since the
spirit of one Margaret Hilda Thatcher stalked the land.
Remember the "ethical foreign policy"? - me neither!
Ilegal wars, corruption, hammering asylum seekers, the sick and disabled, "Mandy" Mandelson, David Blunket,
Blair, and now Brown. All names that have brought nothing but shame to us all !! The sooner these pigs are booted out off our country for good, the better!!
Karen you are you right! The NEW LABOUR PARTY - or should it be "project?"- are perhaps the most despicable scum since the
spirit of one Margaret Hilda Thatcher stalked the land.
Remember the "ethical foreign policy"? - me neither!
Ilegal wars, corruption, hammering asylum seekers, the sick and disabled, "Mandy" Mandelson, David Blunket,
Blair, and now Brown. All names that have brought nothing but shame to us all !! The sooner these pigs are booted out off our country for good, the better!!
Posted by: Juan Kerr and his magic hand....., SNP® 4 ME on 11:39pm Fri 16 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Casandra[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Karen Millar[/bold] wrote: 'Casandra' with the made up name/identity (how very New Labour!)... The traitors to Scotland are your disgusting, corrupt, controlling, lying, vile party with the man who is trying so hard to lose his Scottish accent. Maggie Braun on the news the other night talking about "Dah4ah"...his speech therapist/elocutioni st has clearly told him that pronouncing the letter 'r' is vulga and beastly, something that will not be tolerated by his beloved England. Tragic figure of contempt, leading a vile 'Labour' party.[/quote] Ta for making my point so well - the leopard has'nt changed its spots Just read again what you have posted - and be sick, as the rest of us all are ! Only one term describes what all "Nats" have become throughout Europe and beyond. Think on it !!![/quote] Cassandra. Or is it AM2 in a dress like Maltese?
Another attempt by the caremongers to make simmilar the SNP and Nazis. Out of order.
Casandra wrote:
Karen Millar wrote: 'Casandra' with the made up name/identity (how very New Labour!)... The traitors to Scotland are your disgusting, corrupt, controlling, lying, vile party with the man who is trying so hard to lose his Scottish accent. Maggie Braun on the news the other night talking about "Dah4ah"...his speech therapist/elocutioni st has clearly told him that pronouncing the letter 'r' is vulga and beastly, something that will not be tolerated by his beloved England. Tragic figure of contempt, leading a vile 'Labour' party.
Ta for making my point so well - the leopard has'nt changed its spots Just read again what you have posted - and be sick, as the rest of us all are ! Only one term describes what all "Nats" have become throughout Europe and beyond. Think on it !!!
Cassandra. Or is it AM2 in a dress like Maltese?
Another attempt by the caremongers to make simmilar the SNP and Nazis. Out of order.
Posted by: CRAIGY, south lanarkshire on 12:03am Sat 17 Nov 07
'Scotlands true political hero' would that be the hero who represented Glasgow Anniesland, the most impoverished constituency in Scotland if not Britain, for someting like 30 years?
CASANDRA , YER HAVIN A LAUGH!!! AWAY BACK TAE LA LA LAND
'Scotlands true political hero' would that be the hero who represented Glasgow Anniesland, the most impoverished constituency in Scotland if not Britain, for someting like 30 years?
CASANDRA , YER HAVIN A LAUGH!!! AWAY BACK TAE LA LA LAND
Posted by: Kathy Fleming, Clydebank on 1:58am Sat 17 Nov 07
Did any of the Labour ladies or gentlemen - preferably titled (Watson), owning more than one home (Wilson), resident in an area not represented by a Labour MSP or MP (Wray), happier in Primrose Hill than Fereneze Drive (Alexander) - try to set fire to the place this year?
Did any of the Labour ladies or gentlemen - preferably titled (Watson), owning more than one home (Wilson), resident in an area not represented by a Labour MSP or MP (Wray), happier in Primrose Hill than Fereneze Drive (Alexander) - try to set fire to the place this year?
Posted by: Mr. Lachie Todd, Edinburgh on 10:42am Sat 17 Nov 07
Gallus Alex will be insufferable IF Scotland win at Hampden today?
Gallus Alex will be insufferable IF Scotland win at Hampden today?
Posted by: RETIRED....... but still switched on, Fed Up To The Teeth on 11:08am Sat 17 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Casandra[/bold] wrote:
How sad that an award first presented to Scotland's true political hero, Donald Dewar, should now be given to a racing tipster, presiding over a "government" of pathetic creatures, with credibility shattered after all their broken promises. Pathetic !![/quote] CASANDRA............
....can you even SPELL??
Bad loser? Feel better after your rant?....or just silly??
Casandra wrote:
How sad that an award first presented to Scotland's true political hero, Donald Dewar, should now be given to a racing tipster, presiding over a "government" of pathetic creatures, with credibility shattered after all their broken promises. Pathetic !!
CASANDRA............
....can you even SPELL??
Bad loser? Feel better after your rant?....or just silly??
Posted by: Heederum - Hoderum, HIGH HORSE on 11:12am Sat 17 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Casandra[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Braveheart[/bold] wrote: Well done Alex! It\'s onwards and upwards towards Independence!! How can you fail with Wendy \"The Mouth\" as your main opposition.[/quote] The second para quoted illustrates that nothing has changed from the Nats role as an opposition Party to one of (very) minority government. Thus, last night on BBC Newsnight we had Fiona Hyslop interrupting interviewer and opponent alike in the same aggressive manner that do Salmond, Sturgeon and Co when "challenging" anyone who dared to disagrere with them On the general behaviour of Nats, I'll alway remember with disgust the treatnent of an old lady in our village who was trembling after an SNP canvasser had told her on her own doorstep that she was a "traitor to Scotland" if she failed to support the Nats !!!. Alas, nothing changes with that lot and the electorate shouldnt be fooled that now they in office they are a responsible body of men and women.[/quote] CASANDRA
If your story is true about the old lady.....give us names, dates, witnesses, etc................o
therwise we'll continue to see this as just another rant from a labour unionist quisling dinosaur slowly dying politically as his soviet turns to dust around him.
Tell the proven truth for once !!
Casandra wrote:
Braveheart wrote: Well done Alex! It\'s onwards and upwards towards Independence!! How can you fail with Wendy \"The Mouth\" as your main opposition.
The second para quoted illustrates that nothing has changed from the Nats role as an opposition Party to one of (very) minority government. Thus, last night on BBC Newsnight we had Fiona Hyslop interrupting interviewer and opponent alike in the same aggressive manner that do Salmond, Sturgeon and Co when "challenging" anyone who dared to disagrere with them On the general behaviour of Nats, I'll alway remember with disgust the treatnent of an old lady in our village who was trembling after an SNP canvasser had told her on her own doorstep that she was a "traitor to Scotland" if she failed to support the Nats !!!. Alas, nothing changes with that lot and the electorate shouldnt be fooled that now they in office they are a responsible body of men and women.
CASANDRA
If your story is true about the old lady.....give us names, dates, witnesses, etc................o
therwise we'll continue to see this as just another rant from a labour unionist quisling dinosaur slowly dying politically as his soviet turns to dust around him.
Tell the proven truth for once !!
Posted by: The West Awake, Argyll on 1:16pm Sat 17 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Mr. Lachie Todd[/bold] wrote:
Gallus Alex will be insufferable IF Scotland win at Hampden today?[/quote] Oh I so hope so Lachie, it would top the day off lovely.
And btw, we ARE going to win.
Mr. Lachie Todd wrote:
Gallus Alex will be insufferable IF Scotland win at Hampden today?
Oh I so hope so Lachie, it would top the day off lovely.
And btw, we ARE going to win.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 9:54pm Sat 17 Nov 07
[quote]How sad that an award first presented to Scotland's true political hero, Donald Dewar,[/quote] He's your hero?
Dewar is the same guy who said, "Forget discussing a design for our parliament and who the architect will be. I'm dictator and top racketeer here. I want a non-Scot to design it, the Spanish guy; a non-Scottish architect company to interpret his plans so long as no one in it can speak Spanish, the building placed in a space too small to accommodate it - bottom of the High Street is perfect - an iffy construction company of my choice chosen without competition, incompetent projects managers employed, and it will cost no more than two shillings and six pence."
Yes, Donald Dewar was a man of impeccable judgment.
How sad that an award first presented to Scotland's true political hero, Donald Dewar,
He's your hero?
Dewar is the same guy who said, "Forget discussing a design for our parliament and who the architect will be. I'm dictator and top racketeer here. I want a non-Scot to design it, the Spanish guy; a non-Scottish architect company to interpret his plans so long as no one in it can speak Spanish, the building placed in a space too small to accommodate it - bottom of the High Street is perfect - an iffy construction company of my choice chosen without competition, incompetent projects managers employed, and it will cost no more than two shillings and six pence."
Yes, Donald Dewar was a man of impeccable judgment.
Posted by: tcek, south lanarkshire on 11:07pm Sat 17 Nov 07
[quote][bold]David[/bold] wrote:
Well done Alex, [bold]you have brought a breath of fresh air to Scotland![/bold] Some of us are aware that London, Labour, Tories and bleeding heart libs are hell bent on stopping you.[/quote] FFFFFFF London.
David wrote:
Well done Alex, you have brought a breath of fresh air to Scotland! Some of us are aware that London, Labour, Tories and bleeding heart libs are hell bent on stopping you.
FFFFFFF London.
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