Owing to other commitments I've just watched yesterday's FMQs. Because it was the last one of this parliamentary session, I expected an 'end of term' atmosphere but was disappointed.
Iain Gray opened the proceedings in his usual pedestrian style and this set the tone of the event - bordering on boring. In characteristic monotone his three questions related to child protection services. The First Minister's responses included a request that the parliament wait for the result of the independent inquiry which is presently being undertaken by Peter Wilson, ex Chief Constable of Fife, before any changes are made to the present system which was agreed by the parliament in 2005 and implemented by the present government.
He also mentioned Scotland had the most systematic and strenuous system of inspection with 5 councils being reported as bad, 26 satisfactory or better and 5 very good indeed. The 5 councils were Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, West Lothian and Perth and Kinross. The follow up report for Aberdeen had shown a great improvement after a poor report some six months ago so the system was working. Scotland has a record number of social workers and also a record number in child protection plus the lowest number of vacancies for 6 years.
Ms Goldie criticised the broken promises of this government but Mr Salmond produced his own list of achievements and reminded Ms Goldie that there had been an election in Scotland just two weeks ago when the SNP came first. He believed this proved the people of Scotland were reasonably satisfied with the performance of the SNP government.
Tavish Scott picked the subject of the new national police board and he wanted assurance that it was not a slippery slope to a one nation police force. Don't be daft replied the FM (or words to that effect), this new board was necessary because certain areas of policing require co-ordination across the country. For Mr Scott's information the definition of internecine is here.
Posts
7 comments:
I remember the days when I used to think of FMQs as a must-see event (if only to laugh at Wendy Alexander).
Now, I don't even watch it, it's that boring.
I don't put it all down to Iain Gray, but...
I think Sean is onto something. It is boring. That is the intention. Instead of having an inspirational debate on Scotland's future we are dumbed down to a discussion on social work and
co-ordination of policing functions.
All very necessary stuff I am sure, but hardly inspirational. SNP - step it up a notch wull ye no?
Morning Sean, you're right, it is boring. Salmond does all he can to make it of interest though I think, but if the rest of the actors are third rate, what can he do.
Unfortunately that's the last thing the opposition parties want scunnert. They don't even want the word mentioned.
Iain Gray: monobrowed, monotonous, monosyllabic, monoverboard...glug, glug...
I was about to type moron to add to your list FL but decided that would be a little insulting.
monospeed
Post a Comment