Senior LibDem to Stand Down

After 12 years as an MSP in the Scottish Parliament, the ex-leader of the libdems has announced he is standing down at the election next May.

Nicol Stephen currently represents Aberdeen South and started his political career as a councillor with the old Grampian Regional Council in 1982 rising to deputy first minister with the labour/libdem pact from 2005 to 2007.

As Iain Macwirther said some years ago, 'The nearest thing to a scandal has been the revelation that he broke the Holyrood expenses rules by claiming accommodation allowance for a house jointly owned with his wife.  Otherwise, he is so clean he squeaks'.

Since he relinquished the libdem leadership he's not been squeaking much so perhaps he thinks it's time to return to his old profession - the law.

Will he be missed?  I doubt it.  He was a mediocre performer during his spell as leader and often seemed uncomfortable in the post.  Rumour is that he's jumping now because he knows the libdems will take a beating at the Scottish Parliament elections next May.  Who will the libdems pick as the next candidate for Aberdeen South?  Time will tell.

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The Statement and the Questions

I arranged my afternoon in order to watch Kenny MacAskill's statement on the Megrahi decision and the subsequent MSP's questions.

His statement was a repeat of his statement last Thursday but he was much more relaxed.

The questions varied in quality with Ian Gray later insisting, on Sky News, that none of his questions was answered. Perhaps he wasn't listening because in my opinion they were answered fully.

Annabel Goldie's idea that Mr Megrahi could have been transferred to his temporary home in Newton Mearns, a hospice or a hospital was quite ridiculous. Even to the most disinterested person the policing of any of these situations would be a nightmare. I'm sure Ms Goldie doesn't live in Newton Mearns or has ever been in a hospital when a criminal is also a patient. The freedom of patients is seriously curtailed and inconvenience is caused to staff, visitors and patients. With a man of Mr Megrahi's criminal status it would be quite impossible to ensure security and allow normal business to proceed. The same would apply to a hospice situation.

The least said about Tavish Scott and Nicol Stephen's contributions the better. Very disappointing performances from both whose desperate attempts to score political points drifted into the ether. The subject matter is far too important for this type of behaviour.

The MSP who deserves a mention is Malcolm Chisholm, a man not unused to sticking his head above the party line and voicing his own opinion - dignified, brief and to the point. I see others agree with me.

As a result of this afternoon it would seem the unionist parties intend to push for a full debate in the Parliament next Wednesday and a vote thereafter. Interesting times indeed.

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