The labour leader's questions were rather poor this week and Ian Gray left himself wide open to ridicule with the fifth question he was permitted - "What about a debate on St Andrew's Day?" to which the FM replied he debated with Mr Gray every Thursday and if Mr Gray didn't pick the correct questions to ask then the problem was his and his alone. His other questions centred on the council tax payments for Bute House and the FM delighted in spelling out the reasons that council tax wasn't relevant to Bute House as it was registered for business rates, which are paid to Ediburgh council.
Annabel Goldie's question was about the Good Shepherd Centre and the sadness of the suicide of two girl residents this week. He informed Ms Goldie that it will be for Crown Council to determine any fatal accident inquiry once the present one has been completed but assured her that any decision would be speedy.
Tavish Scott questioned the FM about the building of new schools and why the lack of school building in the past 2 years. The FM delighted in telling Mr Scott that 100,000 more school children are now is better accommodation than they were two years ago and building work is progressing. Contracts have been signed for 62 (non-PPP) schools since 2007.
Tris Godman returned to the suicides this week at the Erskine Bridge and asked for support for suicide barriers to be erected as these had proved to be a deterrent. He offered to meet with her and other constituents should they so choose, to discuss the matter.
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I was laughing out loud after watching this, Salmond was on top form.
Gray and Tavish's leaderhsips have just hit new lows.
I don't to see either in their current roles after the General Election.
I think I've finally worked it out. The only rational reason for Wendy and Gray having been shoved into the limelight is to convince us Scots that we really are too stupid for independence: shoehorn as many imbeciles into Holyrood as possible and then bemoan the quality of politicians in Scotland. Just imagine the consequences if one of their ilk ever got into power in an independent Scotland. Brrr, almost makes me think twice about the whole thing...except of course that one of their ilk has been running the UK into the ground for the last 12 years.
Rosa, the atmosphere in the chamber yesterday was utterly palpable. When Gray made his 'come ahead' gesture, more often seen in playgrounds and street fights, everyone in the chamber knew that his days as leader are now numbered. The thinking Labour MSP's visibly slumped with dismay.
I fully expect there to be a Labour leadership challenge after the by-election.
I cringed at times for them Wardog. Sorry it's a poor summary but I'm using a borrowed laptop and I was tired.
Using the adjective poor was being very kind to Gray.
Ah forfar-loon, you're not the first to think that. Only a couple of months ago someone said that to me and I thought - jings that could be the unionists' greatest weapon. Stupidity I mean and showing the worst of our characters.
Even through my weariness late last night when I watched it on this laptop Monty, I thought Gray's behaviour so unbecoming to an MSP and especially a party leader. Couldn't get much of a feel for the atmosphere as on the wee holyrood tv it's not so easy.
I can well imagine labour cringing.
Thanks so much for telling me.I would have thought Gray was a liability for the by-election but then it's an area where many would vote for a bag of last weeks chips if it had a red rosette.
Both Tavish and Gray (like Wendy before him), ask such poorly researched questions. It's like they want the FM to look good. On the rare occasions when they ask a good question Mr Salmond has the wit to get round it. But it doesn't happen that often, and nearly always from Ms Goldie.
To resort to street fight gestures shows Gray for what he is. Not even Gray would have rehearsed that into his routine; it must have been a natural reaction, which shold tell you something about how he himself feels that FMQs went yesterday! In short he, like his idiot boss, was losing it.
If politicians (of all parties)read this kind of blog, and I would hope that they or their advisors do from time to time, could they please take note.
We pay you. You work for us. We'd like value for our money. Do your research, ask proper and penetrating questions about things that matter to us. Stop grandstanding and trying to look good. It's not working and you're looking pathetic.
In any other field customers don't pay for pathetic. So look up, get yourselves sorted and start doing the job you are handsomely paid for doing, or move over and let someone else at it.
Tris, I think you ought to do a post on your blog saying exactly that!!
I am wondering who the Labour party are going to field in Glasgow North to rally their supporters on behalf of Mr Bains.
I cannot believe that the shared neurone of the Knuckle Brothers (Gray and Murphy)- playing their current knock-about in the substantial shadow of the ex-grand honcho Martin will impress the Diageo workforce. Labour may hold on for old-time's sake but certainly not for any dazzling Labour ideology or talent.
Irrespective of political party - it is verging on a national disgrace that what ought to be a opportunity for potent Opposition questioning, results in a flaccid fumbling of members devoid of any penetrating performance. Did I go too far with that metaphor?
I don't think that the deaths of the two youngsters was the fault of the Erskine Bridge and I doubt whether an extra barrier would do anything other than make determined potential suicides seek some other method.
I manged to watch it late last nigh on another blog, especially the famous 5th question. and I read the article in the Times on the exchanges. The questions after Gray's were equally unbelieveable.
Is that the level of intellect of our elected representatives?
Anyway,as a Darwinian, I believe that the evolutionary consequences of this paucity of intellect on the opposition benches must be species extinction. I know it is not really Darwinian but, it is such an apposite metaphor.
They are all really a waste of Holyrood air and need to have their oxygen allowance rescinded.
Clarinda, it will all be set up - the buses from England and the 15 minute visits from Westminster heid bummers.
No you didn't go too far with that metaphor? You never do. :)
I agree suicides would look for another way but Ms Godman obviously doesn't want them jumping off the Erskine Bridge. Doesn't look good for the MSP does it? Pills and alcohol would be much tidier for her I assume.
BL you didn't wait for my summary?? I don't really blame you. :) Sorry posting is delayed at present but hopefully I'll get my own computer sorted by tomorrow evening and, after having to reload everything, normal service should be resumed by late Sunday/Monday.
Having had a couple of nano seconds (Iain Gray has a degree in Physics and Mathematics from EU)to think this pantomime that is Iain Gray and his Circus Clowns over and re-watched the video I am speechless, actually keyless, pishing myself with laughter.
Iain Gray, the man who used to "play" (sic) at karate challenges the FM to a square go at the back of the Holyrood bikeshed.
Next!
Shared neurone Clarinda no, shared genome perhaps.
I am beginning to suspsect that the newly found ancient ancestor of humanity, recently found in Ethiopia, actually didn't die out and lives amongst us yet.
Ever seen Nosferatu? That is Murphy absolutely and Gray is his hand maiden.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr4lfgrAgEM
Follow the yellow brick road.
Och, twist my arm SR... ;-)
Surely I'm not THAT cruel Tris.
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