Initially I thought I wouldn't bother writing a summary of today's televised First Minister's Questions then I decided a record was needed.
After a long Christmas break for MSPs, the best the three opposition party leaders could come up with was questions about roads and pavements.
The SNP government are to blame for the weather, particularly according to Iain Gray. 'Why was there no emergency phone line for the vulnerable,' he asked. 'Because the councils want localised telephone enquiries and the numbers are on the government's website,' was the FM's response. Iain Gray, hell bent on blaming Alex Salmond for the freezing conditions in the last three weeks continued on the same theme. As Alan Cochrane said, in his chat with Brian Taylor at the end of the programme, Mr Gray was really flogging a dead horse.
Annabel Goldie didn't perform any better, in fact it could be argued, was worse than the labour leader. 'Why aren't those on community service orders out clearing the pavements,' was her inquiry. They are insisted the FM but, in his usual subtle manner, he reminded her that if the tories had their way there would be no one on community service orders as they'd all be locked up in centrally heated jails. Annabelle walked right into that one I'm afraid.
Tavish Scott questioned the closing of schools. The only blanket closures were in Aberdeenshire and the borders and the FM explained, that was understandable owing to the conditions of the past two days. Over 80% of Scottish schools are open today, that number increasing since Monday.
The opposition were skating on thin ice today by concentrating on weather, roads and pavements. Viewers learned John Swinney worked Christmas and New Year's Day to ensure supplies were getting through and liaising with Pat Watters of COSLA. We also learned that sensible people don't go walking on icy pavements but walk in the cleared road. Let's hope next week is an improvement on question quality.
Possibly Tavish asked the most sensible question but Alex Salmond was the overall winner - by a good few shovels full of salt.
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10 comments:
Just goes to show you can take the Lib/Lab/Con out of the Parish Council; but you can't take the Parish out of the councillor.
It was a terrible performance from the opposition Crinkly. Each played into Salmond's hands like balls being thrown from 3 feet.
Those of you who complain of the calibre of the SNP, look at the calibre of the opposition, and weep.
D.
I know politicians can "ham it up", but I've never seen Salmond so angry as Gray scraped the bottom of the barrel.
I don't think those who criticise the SNP want to notice the pathetic level of opposition we have Apogee.
Alan Cochrane nearly said that today. Only nearly mind you...
He was furious for a few seconds wasn't he Andrew. It was more frustration at Gray wittering on about something the government isn't even responsible for that angered him.
I hope he let's that show a bit more often instead of trying to be the 'good guy' to all.
I think Alex's trying hard to appear nice at present. Being hard on the three stoogies at FMQ is just cruelty!
Having an opposition like them is cruel to us viewers!
AS should have a wee man with a drum kit to give a roll and a crash of a cymbal to accompany his put downs of the opposition. :-)
Robert, I'll try to remember to include a few drumrolls in FMQs next week.
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