SNP welcomes Purcell independence comments
Nationalists today welcomed comments from a leading Labour politician that independence had its place in the future constitutional debate.
Glasgow city council leader Steven Purcell's position will further "isolate" Labour leader Wendy Alexander, the SNP claimed.
She has been a driving force behind a commission into the constitutional future and a review of the powers of the Scottish parliament.
But this will not look at independence.
Mr Purcell's comments came in an interview with Holyrood magazine.
He states: "Post-devolution Scotland will always have a debate about the Parliament, about the future, and yes , it may possibly include independence.
"It is legitimate that is part of the debate."
He adds: "The people who will take the final view are the people of Scotland."
SNP MSP for Ochil Keith Brown today welcomed comments from Mr Purcell.
The Nationalist said it comes as the Public and Commercial Services Union call on STUC Congress in Inverness next week and all parties to debate the Independence option.
"These comments from Steven Purcell show that not everyone in the Labour party is as scared of Independence or the Scottish people as Wendy Alexander," Mr Brown said.
"Purcell's support for the Scottish people to take the decision on Scotland's future is welcome and will further isolate Wendy Alexander and the Labour leadership who continue to oppose the right of the people to decide their future in a democratic referendum.
"Coming alongside the call by the PCSU for the STUC to hold a full debate on Independence this shows the Scottish Government's National Conversation is engaging with people from all walks of life all over Scotland."
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Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 1:39pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Wee Wendy's a born loser.
Wee Wendy's a born loser.
Posted by: Im no really here, but over there on 4:21pm Sun 20 Apr 08
[quote]Glasgow city council leader Steven Purcell's position will further "isolate" Labour leader Wendy Alexander, the SNP claimed.[/quote] I doubt if anyone at Westminster take any notice of the Glasgow City Council Leader. Harman couldn't even remember Hurricane Jecks name, and he was First Minister.
Another SLP member opens his mouth and lets his belly rumble. Meaningless to HP Sauce.
Glasgow city council leader Steven Purcell's position will further "isolate" Labour leader Wendy Alexander, the SNP claimed.
I doubt if anyone at Westminster take any notice of the Glasgow City Council Leader. Harman couldn't even remember Hurricane Jecks name, and he was First Minister.
Another SLP member opens his mouth and lets his belly rumble. Meaningless to HP Sauce.
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 6:27pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Wendy and indeed Nichol & Bella's stances regarding consideration of independence and the use of a referendum are unsustainable.
They are all on a course that aligns with the national conversation and there's no going back on it. I dare say there will be a series of U-Turns in the next couple of years as events in Westminster transpire.
Wendy and indeed Nichol & Bella's stances regarding consideration of independence and the use of a referendum are unsustainable.
They are all on a course that aligns with the national conversation and there's no going back on it. I dare say there will be a series of U-Turns in the next couple of years as events in Westminster transpire.
Posted by: nostress, grangemouth on 7:43pm Sun 20 Apr 08
I'm no really here, but over there - interesting point of view regarding how much notice his London masters will actually take of Mr Purcell. Perhaps a gauge of their interest might be the number of negative articles appearing in the next wee while concerning his lifestyle. One thing's for sure - if there were any chance that his views might mark the first shoots of an actual Scottish Labour Party - he will be slapped down very firmly indeed! Labour voices in Scotland are only tolerated if they adhere to the UK line....
I'm no really here, but over there - interesting point of view regarding how much notice his London masters will actually take of Mr Purcell. Perhaps a gauge of their interest might be the number of negative articles appearing in the next wee while concerning his lifestyle. One thing's for sure - if there were any chance that his views might mark the first shoots of an actual Scottish Labour Party - he will be slapped down very firmly indeed! Labour voices in Scotland are only tolerated if they adhere to the UK line....
Posted by: Jock in the Box, edinburgh on 7:55pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Steven Purcell has made a comment which should be welcomed I would have thought.
He acknowledges that which the rest of the New Labour Party will not acknowledge ,but all fair minded people should,and that is that
Scotlands constitutional position should be determined by the people,and in a democracy that requires continual monitoring.
You cannot exclude the independence option and claim to be democratic.
What the people think is paramount .When what the Labour Party thinks is included in the options,then they have been afforded their democratic right ,and the same must apply to everybody,just as I would have no problem with the inclusion of a return to Westminster as an option,even though it would scarcely register any votes at all.
[bold]In a democracy the people tell the politicians what they want,not the other way round.[/bold]
Steven Purcell has made a comment which should be welcomed I would have thought.
He acknowledges that which the rest of the New Labour Party will not acknowledge ,but all fair minded people should,and that is that
Scotlands constitutional position should be determined by the people,and in a democracy that requires continual monitoring.
You cannot exclude the independence option and claim to be democratic.
What the people think is paramount .When what the Labour Party thinks is included in the options,then they have been afforded their democratic right ,and the same must apply to everybody,just as I would have no problem with the inclusion of a return to Westminster as an option,even though it would scarcely register any votes at all.
In a democracy the people tell the politicians what they want,not the other way round. Posted by: Strathturret, Montrose on 8:08pm Sun 20 Apr 08
I'm eagerly waiting the first defector from Slab to SNP.
Anyone running a book on it?
I'm eagerly waiting the first defector from Slab to SNP.
Anyone running a book on it?
Posted by: tris, scotland on 9:27pm Sun 20 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Strathturret[/bold] wrote:
I'm eagerly waiting the first defector from Slab to SNP. Anyone running a book on it?[/quote]
Wendy "I don't have any questions" Alexander must be waiting for that every day. It has to happen sometime.Rats always leave sinking ships.
Strathturret wrote:
I'm eagerly waiting the first defector from Slab to SNP. Anyone running a book on it?
Wendy "I don't have any questions" Alexander must be waiting for that every day. It has to happen sometime.Rats always leave sinking ships.
Posted by: Luigi, Aberdeen on 10:48pm Sun 20 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Strathturret[/bold] wrote:
I'm eagerly waiting the first defector from Slab to SNP. Anyone running a book on it?[/quote] Henry McLeish ?
Strathturret wrote:
I'm eagerly waiting the first defector from Slab to SNP. Anyone running a book on it?
Henry McLeish ?
Posted by: nostress, grangemouth on 10:52pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Luigi - Jackie Baillie? - she'd be effin brilliant!
Only kiddin' - it's just I can't remember any of the others' names...
Luigi - Jackie Baillie? - she'd be effin brilliant!
Only kiddin' - it's just I can't remember any of the others' names...
Posted by: Bruce, Ayrshire on 11:27pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Well nostress, the dis-orderly Ms Baillie is a career politician, of that there is no doubt - but do us nationalists really want such tuneless instruments in their band?
She joins, I cut up my membership card!!!
Well nostress, the dis-orderly Ms Baillie is a career politician, of that there is no doubt - but do us nationalists really want such tuneless instruments in their band?
She joins, I cut up my membership card!!!
Posted by: nostress, grangemouth on 11:47pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Bruce - lol - don't worry it'll never happen...not even in my worst nightmares...
Bruce - lol - don't worry it'll never happen...not even in my worst nightmares...
Posted by: Politically-incorrec
t Man, Glasgow on 11:48pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Well done Steven! I think the tablets must be starting to work.
Well done Steven! I think the tablets must be starting to work.
Posted by: Politically-incorrec
t Man, Glasgow on 11:52pm Sun 20 Apr 08
[quote][bold]nostress[/bold] wrote:
Luigi - Jackie Baillie? - she'd be effin brilliant! Only kiddin' - it's just I can't remember any of the others' names...[/quote] Now that would be a shift of seismic proportions and send aftershocks reverberating around Scotland. Jackie jumping ship, what a splash that would make in the headlines!
nostress wrote:
Luigi - Jackie Baillie? - she'd be effin brilliant! Only kiddin' - it's just I can't remember any of the others' names...
Now that would be a shift of seismic proportions and send aftershocks reverberating around Scotland. Jackie jumping ship, what a splash that would make in the headlines!
Posted by: doonhamer on 11:53pm Sun 20 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Strathturret[/bold] wrote:
I'm eagerly waiting the first defector from Slab to SNP. Anyone running a book on it?[/quote] Do we really want any of the current MSP's? Steven Purcell or Pat Waters or a number of councillors would be most welcome, but the MSP's no thanks.... unless of course, 18 come across as a block and support independence. LOL
Strathturret wrote:
I'm eagerly waiting the first defector from Slab to SNP. Anyone running a book on it?
Do we really want any of the current MSP's? Steven Purcell or Pat Waters or a number of councillors would be most welcome, but the MSP's no thanks.... unless of course, 18 come across as a block and support independence. LOL
Posted by: Andrew BOD, Aberdeen on 12:01am Mon 21 Apr 08
Doonhamer
If Wendy defected, she'd be prosecuted for past affairs.
And anyway, you're right. There's no Labour MSP with any talent.
Doonhamer
If Wendy defected, she'd be prosecuted for past affairs.
And anyway, you're right. There's no Labour MSP with any talent.
Posted by: Samoyed, Costa del Menie on 1:53am Mon 21 Apr 08
I know we shouldn't look a gifted horse in the mouth, but this particular horse is to be touched with a barge pole. His record in the handling of Glasgow is abissmal. Let's don't lose perspective, please.
Some "friends" or "supporters" like him are worst than our worst enemies.
I know we shouldn't look a gifted horse in the mouth, but this particular horse is to be touched with a barge pole. His record in the handling of Glasgow is abissmal. Let's don't lose perspective, please.
Some "friends" or "supporters" like him are worst than our worst enemies.
Posted by: frank mcbride, lusitania on 4:00am Mon 21 Apr 08
Michael Connarty?
Posted by: Wullie, Aberdeen on 4:33am Mon 21 Apr 08
I didnt see Alex Salmond's speech on television yesterday.Needless to say, Alex Salmond is correct. Whatever it was he said.
I didnt see Alex Salmond's speech on television yesterday.Needless to say, Alex Salmond is correct. Whatever it was he said.
Posted by: Allan, glasgow on 8:29am Mon 21 Apr 08
Steven Purcell- This is a welcome statement-by a "insignificant non elected leader of the Glasgow City Council". LOL- I hope there are no defectors : we cant carry any more rubbish-Not one in the Labour party has a brain cell,hence the reason they lost the election.
FREEDOM-from the idiots in Glasgow City council
Steven Purcell- This is a welcome statement-by a "insignificant non elected leader of the Glasgow City Council". LOL- I hope there are no defectors : we cant carry any more rubbish-Not one in the Labour party has a brain cell,hence the reason they lost the election.
FREEDOM-from the idiots in Glasgow City council
Posted by: robmcdonald, East Kilbride on 9:12am Mon 21 Apr 08
I think it matters not what Westmonster think of Stevieboy but maybe it'll matter when the people of Glasgow start seeing the light and smelling the fresh air filtering in from under the stifling blanket of Labour.
I think it matters not what Westmonster think of Stevieboy but maybe it'll matter when the people of Glasgow start seeing the light and smelling the fresh air filtering in from under the stifling blanket of Labour.
Posted by: ex labour voter, glasgow on 9:28am Mon 21 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Allan[/bold] wrote:
Steven Purcell- This is a welcome statement-by a "insignificant non elected leader of the Glasgow City Council". LOL- I hope there are no defectors : we cant carry any more rubbish-Not one in the Labour party has a brain cell,hence the reason they lost the election. FREEDOM-from the idiots in Glasgow City council [/quote] Seconded.
PPP= Purcell = labour dross.Not to be trusted.
Allan wrote:
Steven Purcell- This is a welcome statement-by a "insignificant non elected leader of the Glasgow City Council". LOL- I hope there are no defectors : we cant carry any more rubbish-Not one in the Labour party has a brain cell,hence the reason they lost the election. FREEDOM-from the idiots in Glasgow City council
Seconded.
PPP= Purcell = labour dross.Not to be trusted.
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 9:38am Mon 21 Apr 08
Mr Purcell is only saying what is true, it is a legitimate option and one which should not be excluded from talks on Scotlands future. I don't see many countries wanting to come back under colonial control and the americans value their independence from the uk so much they have a day to celebrate every year, i envy them that.
Mr Purcell is only saying what is true, it is a legitimate option and one which should not be excluded from talks on Scotlands future. I don't see many countries wanting to come back under colonial control and the americans value their independence from the uk so much they have a day to celebrate every year, i envy them that.
Posted by: Brian Hill, Edinburgh on 10:54am Mon 21 Apr 08
"Rats always leave sinking ships." ???? Not a very intelligent comment but typical of people who fail to see the big political picture.
Point 1. Scotland will never gain its independence without Glasgow. I suggest you get that firmly embedded into your thinking.
2. Steven Purcell is one of the more progressive elements in the Scottish Labour party and, like Henry McLeish, is not afraid of speaking his mind, even if it helps the cause of Independence.
3. Everyone from McLeish and Purcell to Bailley and Kerr, yes and even George Foulkes would be welcome converts to our cause, not only for what they have to offer, but for the thousands of Labour voters their defections would influence.
There is too much of the football mentality in these columns. Politics is serious business and anyone who has the slightest knowledge of politics will know that you can look like a winner right up to the eve of poll....remember Neil Kinnock's disaster at the Sheffield rally?.....and still lose the election.
No one likes over cocky-ness, especially the Scots. We are on our way to Independence but we're not there yet. Let's not get carried away and above all, let's always show respect to our enemies and welcome all comers and please remember, Glasgow is the key to Independence.
"Rats always leave sinking ships." ???? Not a very intelligent comment but typical of people who fail to see the big political picture.
Point 1. Scotland will never gain its independence without Glasgow. I suggest you get that firmly embedded into your thinking.
2. Steven Purcell is one of the more progressive elements in the Scottish Labour party and, like Henry McLeish, is not afraid of speaking his mind, even if it helps the cause of Independence.
3. Everyone from McLeish and Purcell to Bailley and Kerr, yes and even George Foulkes would be welcome converts to our cause, not only for what they have to offer, but for the thousands of Labour voters their defections would influence.
There is too much of the football mentality in these columns. Politics is serious business and anyone who has the slightest knowledge of politics will know that you can look like a winner right up to the eve of poll....remember Neil Kinnock's disaster at the Sheffield rally?.....and still lose the election.
No one likes over cocky-ness, especially the Scots. We are on our way to Independence but we're not there yet. Let's not get carried away and above all, let's always show respect to our enemies and welcome all comers and please remember, Glasgow is the key to Independence.
Posted by: tris, scotland on 11:54am Mon 21 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Brian Hill[/bold] wrote:
"Rats always leave sinking ships." ???? Not a very intelligent comment but typical of people who fail to see the big political picture. Point 1. Scotland will never gain its independence without Glasgow. I suggest you get that firmly embedded into your thinking. 2. Steven Purcell is one of the more progressive elements in the Scottish Labour party and, like Henry McLeish, is not afraid of speaking his mind, even if it helps the cause of Independence. 3. Everyone from McLeish and Purcell to Bailley and Kerr, yes and even George Foulkes would be welcome converts to our cause, not only for what they have to offer, but for the thousands of Labour voters their defections would influence. There is too much of the football mentality in these columns. Politics is serious business and anyone who has the slightest knowledge of politics will know that you can look like a winner right up to the eve of poll....remember Neil Kinnock's disaster at the Sheffield rally?.....and still lose the election. No one likes over cocky-ness, especially the Scots. We are on our way to Independence but we're not there yet. Let's not get carried away and above all, let's always show respect to our enemies and welcome all comers and please remember, Glasgow is the key to Independence.[/quote]
In what way is it not intelligent?
Isn't it true?
Brian Hill wrote:
"Rats always leave sinking ships." ???? Not a very intelligent comment but typical of people who fail to see the big political picture. Point 1. Scotland will never gain its independence without Glasgow. I suggest you get that firmly embedded into your thinking. 2. Steven Purcell is one of the more progressive elements in the Scottish Labour party and, like Henry McLeish, is not afraid of speaking his mind, even if it helps the cause of Independence. 3. Everyone from McLeish and Purcell to Bailley and Kerr, yes and even George Foulkes would be welcome converts to our cause, not only for what they have to offer, but for the thousands of Labour voters their defections would influence. There is too much of the football mentality in these columns. Politics is serious business and anyone who has the slightest knowledge of politics will know that you can look like a winner right up to the eve of poll....remember Neil Kinnock's disaster at the Sheffield rally?.....and still lose the election. No one likes over cocky-ness, especially the Scots. We are on our way to Independence but we're not there yet. Let's not get carried away and above all, let's always show respect to our enemies and welcome all comers and please remember, Glasgow is the key to Independence.
In what way is it not intelligent?
Isn't it true?
Posted by: jazzdrum, glasgow on 12:33pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Mr Purcell is only stating the obvious, i wish more politicians were like him instead of hiding their heads in the sand. Good for him!
Mr Purcell is only stating the obvious, i wish more politicians were like him instead of hiding their heads in the sand. Good for him!
Posted by: John Leven, Leven Fife on 12:51pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Brian Hill,
Very good points, well made. Any Labour MSP that defects should be welcome, not just for the voters that they will bring at future elections, but everyone who moves to the SNP puts another vote in the correct column.
Malcom Chisholm maybe.
Brian Hill,
Very good points, well made. Any Labour MSP that defects should be welcome, not just for the voters that they will bring at future elections, but everyone who moves to the SNP puts another vote in the correct column.
Malcom Chisholm maybe.
Posted by: george alexander, north lanarkshire on 12:52pm Mon 21 Apr 08
tris wrote:
[quote]In what way is it not intelligent?
Isn't it true?[/quote]
I think what Brian was alluding to tris is that we musn't resort to abusing those who appear to be moving towards an acceptance that independence needs to be seriously looked at.
I myself commented on Purcell's similar remarks during the recent Labour conference in Aviemore and wondered if we were seeing the first signs of Scottish Labour struggling free from the shackles of Westminster.
I am not saying that the abuse is intentional but a more magnanamous gesture towards people like McLeish and Purcell will surely lead to greater co-operation.
Feel fee though to pour scorn on the likes of David Cairns, Des Browne, Tom Harris, Wendy/Douglas Alexander and the King of the North Britons Gordon Brown...............
they truly deserve it.
tris wrote:
In what way is it not intelligent?
Isn't it true?
I think what Brian was alluding to tris is that we musn't resort to abusing those who appear to be moving towards an acceptance that independence needs to be seriously looked at.
I myself commented on Purcell's similar remarks during the recent Labour conference in Aviemore and wondered if we were seeing the first signs of Scottish Labour struggling free from the shackles of Westminster.
I am not saying that the abuse is intentional but a more magnanamous gesture towards people like McLeish and Purcell will surely lead to greater co-operation.
Feel fee though to pour scorn on the likes of David Cairns, Des Browne, Tom Harris, Wendy/Douglas Alexander and the King of the North Britons Gordon Brown...............
they truly deserve it.
Posted by: pehman, sussex on 2:31pm Mon 21 Apr 08
George Alexander,
Since you mention des browne, it was reported in yesterday's mail on sunday that he was "stressed " or having a breakdown as I read it.
Yet the Scottish media seems to have nothing to say on this, I just wonder if yourself or someone else has any news of the poor thing
George Alexander,
Since you mention des browne, it was reported in yesterday's mail on sunday that he was "stressed " or having a breakdown as I read it.
Yet the Scottish media seems to have nothing to say on this, I just wonder if yourself or someone else has any news of the poor thing
Posted by: nostress, grangemouth on 2:43pm Mon 21 Apr 08
George - thanks for your permission to pour scorn - will try to adhere to your principles there...
pehman - there was a piece in the Daily Mail online yesterday describing how he's very tired and not getting to see as much of his family now that he's got two jobs from Browny baby...Mrs Des is constantly phoning Gordy to ask if Des can't be given The foreign Office too....check out the anti-Scottish sentiment on the posts for that article in the Daily Mail...it's hilarious...soon the whole lot of Labour's "Scottish" front bench will be like the Marie Celeste...doomed to sail on lost forever with no hope of finding a welcoming home...
George - thanks for your permission to pour scorn - will try to adhere to your principles there...
pehman - there was a piece in the Daily Mail online yesterday describing how he's very tired and not getting to see as much of his family now that he's got two jobs from Browny baby...Mrs Des is constantly phoning Gordy to ask if Des can't be given The foreign Office too....check out the anti-Scottish sentiment on the posts for that article in the Daily Mail...it's hilarious...soon the whole lot of Labour's "Scottish" front bench will be like the Marie Celeste...doomed to sail on lost forever with no hope of finding a welcoming home...
Posted by: pehman, sussex on 2:53pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Nostress,
Yeah I read the article yesterday and the posts,
Although I'm not in Scotland it doesn't mean I can't do any thing down here, if you catch my drift
Nostress,
Yeah I read the article yesterday and the posts,
Although I'm not in Scotland it doesn't mean I can't do any thing down here, if you catch my drift
Posted by: Patrick Kirkwood, West Kilbride on 3:31pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Browne has time for Baghdad and visits to NATO conferences in Romania, but no time for his constituents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun. He also seems to have special alotted time slots dedicated to attacking the minority administration at Holyrood.
5 days of constituency surgeries now missed in the past couple weeks ... I wonder how much longer the good people of Kilmarnock and Loudoun will have time for him?!
Browne has time for Baghdad and visits to NATO conferences in Romania, but no time for his constituents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun. He also seems to have special alotted time slots dedicated to attacking the minority administration at Holyrood.
5 days of constituency surgeries now missed in the past couple weeks ... I wonder how much longer the good people of Kilmarnock and Loudoun will have time for him?!
Posted by: stonehaven on 4:07pm Mon 21 Apr 08
I wouldn't wish a nervous breakdown on my worst enemy, HOWEVER, in Des Browne's case I will make an exception.
I wouldn't wish a nervous breakdown on my worst enemy, HOWEVER, in Des Browne's case I will make an exception.
Posted by: stonehaven on 4:08pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Hopefully Cairns will be forced to take up the slack while Des is recuperating.
Hopefully Cairns will be forced to take up the slack while Des is recuperating.
Posted by: teamdroid on 4:32pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Just back from reading the Herald's Brown-nosing editorial "Labour's in-fighting". Not allowed to comment on it, which is probably not surprising. Some gems of obsequiousness to Labour that I've cherry-picked:
"By any impartial measure, the Prime Minister's trip to the US was reasonably successful."
Save the impartial measures of publicity (it went almost unnoticed in the US), timing (that son of the big Italian manse - the Pope - was also in town, a somewhat bigger draw), and domestic politics (Labour MPs are returning to the Commons, many of them having just noticed that many constituents, even those with vulnerable two-year olds, are worse off now).
It seems that the Herald is helping Brown refine his Macavity act: not only can he be nowhere to be found when the going gets tough, it turns out he was busy doing heroic deeds elsewhere at the time as well. Reminiscent of the "if only Stalin knew" state of denial some Soviet citizens used to have about corruption, really.
"It took until yesterday for a member of the government - Foreign Secretary David Miliband - to come to the Prime Minister's aid by stating what is surely obvious: that unless the Labour Party pulls together and states its case more effectively, the Conservatives are going to win the next General Election."
Of course, the Herald will never ever point out the even more obvious: that if all Labour's voters switched to the SNP, the UK General Election result would not matter.
"It is time the government stopped being so coy about all the quiet redistribution that has been going on since 1997: tax credits, pensioner credits, winter fuel payments, free nursery education, huge investments in health and education. "
A low income tax band is the best form of redistribution of all. It brings people into the wages economy and ends the culture of handouts and dependency. Otherwise, this is a nauseating PPB. The "huge investments in health and education" noted above are, of course, on the tick (or PFI to give it its Sunday name): and those vulnerable two-year olds will be paying for Brown's generosity charade for a long time to come.
"It should also admit it has lost the argument on 42-day detention."
Ooo, way to go, Alfie - stick it to them where it hurts, eh?
Just back from reading the Herald's Brown-nosing editorial "Labour's in-fighting". Not allowed to comment on it, which is probably not surprising. Some gems of obsequiousness to Labour that I've cherry-picked:
"By any impartial measure, the Prime Minister's trip to the US was reasonably successful."
Save the impartial measures of publicity (it went almost unnoticed in the US), timing (that son of the big Italian manse - the Pope - was also in town, a somewhat bigger draw), and domestic politics (Labour MPs are returning to the Commons, many of them having just noticed that many constituents, even those with vulnerable two-year olds, are worse off now).
It seems that the Herald is helping Brown refine his Macavity act: not only can he be nowhere to be found when the going gets tough, it turns out he was busy doing heroic deeds elsewhere at the time as well. Reminiscent of the "if only Stalin knew" state of denial some Soviet citizens used to have about corruption, really.
"It took until yesterday for a member of the government - Foreign Secretary David Miliband - to come to the Prime Minister's aid by stating what is surely obvious: that unless the Labour Party pulls together and states its case more effectively, the Conservatives are going to win the next General Election."
Of course, the Herald will never ever point out the even more obvious: that if all Labour's voters switched to the SNP, the UK General Election result would not matter.
"It is time the government stopped being so coy about all the quiet redistribution that has been going on since 1997: tax credits, pensioner credits, winter fuel payments, free nursery education, huge investments in health and education. "
A low income tax band is the best form of redistribution of all. It brings people into the wages economy and ends the culture of handouts and dependency. Otherwise, this is a nauseating PPB. The "huge investments in health and education" noted above are, of course, on the tick (or PFI to give it its Sunday name): and those vulnerable two-year olds will be paying for Brown's generosity charade for a long time to come.
"It should also admit it has lost the argument on 42-day detention."
Ooo, way to go, Alfie - stick it to them where it hurts, eh?
Posted by: stevie, glasgow on 6:00pm Mon 21 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Wullie[/bold] wrote:
I didnt see Alex Salmond's speech on television yesterday.Needless to say, Alex Salmond is correct. Whatever it was he said.
[/quote] Wullie ,were you no moanin about Salmonds attitude to immigration the other day?.
Wullie wrote:
I didnt see Alex Salmond's speech on television yesterday.Needless to say, Alex Salmond is correct. Whatever it was he said.
Wullie ,were you no moanin about Salmonds attitude to immigration the other day?.
Posted by: Wullie, Aberdeen on 6:12pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Stevie
I believe what I said last week. I don't know what I said, but I know what I think, and, well, I assume it's what I said.
Stevie
I believe what I said last week. I don't know what I said, but I know what I think, and, well, I assume it's what I said.
Posted by: pehman, sussex on 6:16pm Mon 21 Apr 08
BBC 6 o'clock news, browns forcing his mps to vote for the 10p tax increase by making it a vote of confidence
BBC 6 o'clock news, browns forcing his mps to vote for the 10p tax increase by making it a vote of confidence
Posted by: Wullie, Aberdeen on 6:19pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Dunce Spotus
Just to let you know Dump that I got your two comments removed.
I yawned a couple of times while reading them, so I complained to the moderator and he agreed with me that the comments were a bit prim and prissy and removed them.
Dunce Spotus
Just to let you know Dump that I got your two comments removed.
I yawned a couple of times while reading them, so I complained to the moderator and he agreed with me that the comments were a bit prim and prissy and removed them.
Posted by: Wullie, Aberdeen on 6:22pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Dumpy Pocus
Thankyou and goodnight
Dumpy Pocus
Thankyou and goodnight
Posted by: Observer, Glasgow on 7:15pm Mon 21 Apr 08
[quote][bold]stevie[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Wullie[/bold] wrote: I didnt see Alex Salmond's speech on television yesterday.Needless to say, Alex Salmond is correct. Whatever it was he said. [/quote] Wullie ,were you no moanin about Salmonds attitude to immigration the other day?.[/quote] I'm really glad Wullie that you have seen the light and agree with Salmond that immigration can be a good thing and we should view it in a positive light.
stevie wrote:
Wullie wrote: I didnt see Alex Salmond's speech on television yesterday.Needless to say, Alex Salmond is correct. Whatever it was he said.
Wullie ,were you no moanin about Salmonds attitude to immigration the other day?.
I'm really glad Wullie that you have seen the light and agree with Salmond that immigration can be a good thing and we should view it in a positive light.
Posted by: Observer, Glasgow on 7:18pm Mon 21 Apr 08
This is an interesting story. Wee Stephen is good at being one step ahead in the game. He's a complete git in other ways, but he is very shrewd.
This is an interesting story. Wee Stephen is good at being one step ahead in the game. He's a complete git in other ways, but he is very shrewd.
Posted by: Jwil, Lanarkshire on 7:45pm Mon 21 Apr 08
I may be wrong, as I don't know Purcell all that well, but he and Alex Salmond seemed to get on like a house on fire when they were presenting the case for the Commonwealth games. Maybe Purcell is a closet Nationalist. On the other hand independence could be a great asset to him if he wants to be the leader of Scottish Labour in an independent Scotland.
I may be wrong, as I don't know Purcell all that well, but he and Alex Salmond seemed to get on like a house on fire when they were presenting the case for the Commonwealth games. Maybe Purcell is a closet Nationalist. On the other hand independence could be a great asset to him if he wants to be the leader of Scottish Labour in an independent Scotland.
Posted by: rob4i, Scottish Borders on 11:00pm Mon 21 Apr 08
The neo-con party New Labour are total goners, they will now have to re-invent themselves again, say, New New Labour, then maybe,
New Old New Labour and so on, and on, and on, and on, ..............
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The neo-con party New Labour are total goners, they will now have to re-invent themselves again, say, New New Labour, then maybe,
New Old New Labour and so on, and on, and on, and on, ..............
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Posted by: Lachlan, Stirling on 8:30am Tue 22 Apr 08
All politicians are opportunists and the Leader of Glasgow City Council is simply hedging his bets and looking to the future?
All the Unionist parties are full of crypto-Nationalists, and today the young Mr. Purcell might be a Unionist but who knows what politicial movement he might support in 5 or 10 years time?
All politicians are opportunists and the Leader of Glasgow City Council is simply hedging his bets and looking to the future?
All the Unionist parties are full of crypto-Nationalists, and today the young Mr. Purcell might be a Unionist but who knows what politicial movement he might support in 5 or 10 years time?
Posted by: puskas, East Kilbride on 9:43am Wed 23 Apr 08
Anyone attached to Labour would have to put in a lot of hard work to prove their honesty and integrity.
Everyone has options in whatever politic direction we take at the polling booths.
Change in direction from politicians, whether MP's, MSP's or councillors has to be approached with caution. Lie detectors on their genuine feelings wouldn't be a bad thing .... Wendy, Jackie, Andy, et al.... wouldn't agree though .
Lachlan you sum it up very well.
Anyone attached to Labour would have to put in a lot of hard work to prove their honesty and integrity.
Everyone has options in whatever politic direction we take at the polling booths.
Change in direction from politicians, whether MP's, MSP's or councillors has to be approached with caution. Lie detectors on their genuine feelings wouldn't be a bad thing .... Wendy, Jackie, Andy, et al.... wouldn't agree though .
Lachlan you sum it up very well.
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