'That' Book Reviewed

'The Journey', possibly the most over-promoted book published this year, but Gordon's still has to hit the shelves so I could be wrong.

Thankfully I made the decision some time ago not to purchase the Labour-trilogy from Mandeleson, Blair and Brown, so my knowledge comes from reviewers of all political persuasions and none.

This morning two of what I consider are the best reviews are in today's Sundays. Iain MacWhirter and Gerald Warner provide the entertainment.

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Iain MacWhirter - A Speedy Recovery

By the time you read this Iain MacWhirter will have had his heart by-pass operation in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

It was by accident I discovered he was suffering heart problems again and his latest post 'Heart diseases: even fit people like me get it' explains it all.

For those readers who don't know Iain, he is one of Scotland's most highly respected journalists. I wish him a speedy recovery.

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Iain MacWhirter - The Differences Between the SNP and BNP

Today's Herald publishes an article by Iain MacWhirter entitled 'Why SNP believes we are the people... wherever we're from'.

The subheading is - 'What's the difference between the SNP and the BNP?'

Apart from praising Iain's daring in tackling the subject of race and immigration, this extract from his last paragraph sums up my thoughts on the matter.

We must stop allowing the BNP to dictate the terms of the debate on national identity. Racism and ethnic chauvinism in all their forms are repellent and inexcusable. But this is not the same as love of country or celebration of community identity. The SNP is not racist, and never will be, because it does not have, at its root, any concept of national or ethnic superiority.

Source: Herald

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Iain MacWhirter on Afghanistan

For those of my readers who have never heard of Iain MacWhirter, he is one of Scotland's top freelance journalists. He is also Rector of Edinburgh University.

Today he has a meritorious post about Afghanistan on his blog. It can be read it here.

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CONGRATULATIONS IAIN MACWHIRTER

Congratulations to Iain on his well deserved election to the post of Rector of Edinburgh University.  Iain is one of the best commentators on Scottish politics, writes frequently for the Guardian and is a columnist for the Herald and the Sunday Herald.

He was running against George Foulkes, the Scottish MSP and member of the House of Lords. The third candidate, George Galloway, withdrew early in the race owing to unexpected work commitments, but he asked his supporters to redirect their support to Iain.

As an Edinburgh politics graduate, he is the 50th rector;  the post was set up in 1859 and first held by Gladstone.

I'm sure he will be an outstanding Rector and I wish him every success. The better man won by a good few miles.

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