tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post5224890364809631221..comments2024-03-29T09:07:50.569+00:00Comments on SCOT goes POP!: Presiding Officer dilemma for SNPJames Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01516007141763230886noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-3054271398442540282011-05-11T12:00:01.932+01:002011-05-11T12:00:01.932+01:00When did it become not OK for the government side ...When did it become not OK for the government side to hold the post of Presiding Officer?<br /><br />In the first parliament, the LibLab coalition made sure they controlled the post by installing David Steel. Steel then took the government side in the most contentious debate of that session - the Holyrood Building project.<br /><br />Labour had the opportunity to take the Presiding Officer role in the last parliament, but were so tribal in their approach that they couldn't bring themselves to lose a single anti-SNP vote.<br /><br />I don't mind losers mourning their loss, but please don't wrap it up in spurious principles like 'it's buggins turn for Labour' or 'no government stooge for Presiding Officer'.<br /><br />If you want to see where buggins turn gets you, just look at Labour's successful list candidates!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-27356027974122109042011-05-10T23:55:55.402+01:002011-05-10T23:55:55.402+01:00Hugh Henry is out for me.
He made an outrageously...Hugh Henry is out for me.<br /><br />He made an outrageously partisan speech at the Politician of the Year Awards, precisely the kind of platform where it is not appropriate.<br /><br />If he is capable of that then he is clearly not fit to be an impartial PO.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-45181432257013017852011-05-10T18:03:06.170+01:002011-05-10T18:03:06.170+01:00Agree, Hugh Henry's statement on the independe...Agree, Hugh Henry's statement on the independence referendum means he's an acceptable choice.<br /><br />Christine Grahame would be entertaining if a little maverick.<br /><br />Tricia Marwick would be disastrous since she consistently opposed an open and accessible parliament when on the SPCB.<br /><br />Tavish (or any Lib Dem) won't go for it because it would reduce the Lib Dem group below 5, thus denying them a seat on Parliamentary Bureau and SPCB (and denying them the automatic right to a Q at FMQs).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-28718815273816881902011-05-10T17:47:11.813+01:002011-05-10T17:47:11.813+01:00It's a tough one to call but seeing what Labou...It's a tough one to call but seeing what Labour are like in opposition then I hope no one from their ranks is elected. They don't deserve to hold such a position.<br /><br />My preference would be Tavish Scot although as Tris has pointed out, this would bring the Libs down to a tiny rump of 4.<br /><br />James I see your point regarding the SNPs majority dropping from 10 to 8 but we would still by in large the support of the Greens on most issues (I think) and Margo.<br /><br />I'm not even thinking about anyone from the Tory party, their last candidate was dreadful and big Bella would just play up to the theatre.<br /><br />So Tavish or Christine Grahame for me. It would be funny seeing Christine Grahame slap Iain Gray down with his long and tedious stupid questions and she would be the one to sort the lack luster buffoon out.Allanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12264783996137140609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-15255279230738173822011-05-10T17:29:18.815+01:002011-05-10T17:29:18.815+01:00In my opinion it would be wrong for the SNP to hav...In my opinion it would be wrong for the SNP to have the chair as well as a majority.<br /><br />It is Labour’s turn but I suppose they may feel that, with their diminished numbers, many new inexperienced list members who didn’t expect to be elected and don’t really want to be MSPs, a leader to find , and an internal investigation to run, that they have anyone suitable.<br /><br />The Liberals should think carefully before proposing Tavish. They only have 5 members as it is. If they lose one, they would find themselves (I think) in a minor party position.<br /><br />The Tories may have someone suitable. As I understand it Mr Ferguson has made it clear he doesn’t want to continue in the role. Annabel Goldie would be a possibility, but she has said that she will not stand down till the end of the year.<br /><br />I wonder if Margo has thought about standing!<br /><br />I agree with you about David Cairns. I’ve criticised his politics often enough, but he was the first of the ministers to resign in the Brown years and his resignation undoubtedly encouraged others to do the same. He was clearly a man of some principles. No one deserves to die at 44 and it must be a terrible time for his partner and family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com