Long-term readers of this blog may recall that I don't believe in positive discrimination, but think there may be a case for making an exception with parliamentary selections, because it's particularly important that MPs should reflect the population they represent. As I'm sure we'll all agree, the Eurovision Song Contest is just as important, and I'm wondering if there may also be a case for some positive discrimination on that front as well. No Scot has represented the UK at the contest since Scott Fitzgerald back in 1988, which is even more incredible when you consider that both France and Cyprus have been represented by Scots more recently than that. As far as I can see, there have been just two Scottish acts in UK national selection finals since 1988, which is a shocking level of under-representation given that there were typically 6-8 acts in the final every year until the BBC introduced internal selections in 2011.
The standard of singing and song-writing in Scotland can't be that bad, so there must be something going wrong at an institutional level, and a drastic step may be required to put it right. With the national final being brought back this year, perhaps Scotland should be guaranteed at least one entry?
You know, better together? Union dividend? All that?
I'll back you on most things James, but no this.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine the kicking the SNP, Nicola, Alex et al would get when the inevitable null points was delivered?!
No thank you sir.
I've had this conversation with a pal of mine before, saying that we'd be an absolute shoe-in to win Eurovision after we're independent.
Can't wait for that day!
Lest we forget;
DeleteRikki Peebles of Glasgow was chosen to represent the Utd Kingdom in the 1987 Eurovision Song Contest - being held that year in Brussels. As England was an international sporting and social pariah at that time, due to their repeated hooliganism inside and outside of England, and in particular, the disgrace of the Heysel Stadium Disaster - in Brussels - poor Rikki, from Glasgow, Scotland, UK, was a very obvious lamb to the slaughter.
Eurovision cannon-fodder, courtesy of our big-brothers and good neighbours in England, Scotland's Rikki was ranked 13 from 22 which at that time was the worst result of any UK entry in the competition. It was glaringly obvious that the Europeans hated 'us' at the time and the lowly 13th position was the rest of Europe's retribution for a 'Great Britain' that they were sick to the back teeth of. This this was why Scotland were 'gifted' the honour of representing the UK in 1987 - no other reason. Rikki's song might not have been good-enough to win but he certainly didn't deserve this.
I think that was the last Euro Song Contest I watched because I could plainly see 30 years ago what I plainly see now - Scotland doesn't matter. Furthermore, they can stick their London Eurovision auditions right up their bitter arses until we're independent of them - then, as you say, Andy, we'll skate it.
The ESC is drivel. The EU certainly like our taxpayers loadsamoney we hand to them which also keeps that farce of a parliament in existence. Vote to get out and restore some dignity.
Delete"The standard of singing and song-writing in Scotland can't be that bad,"
ReplyDeleteExactly. It isn't bad enough for Eurovision, and may that remain till we have our own place there.
Perhaps we should do what Switzerland and Belgium (and former Yugoslavia used to)do and let the different parts of their country take turns at selectings a singer. Scotland one year then Wales, Northern Ireland, England Regions, London the following years. No reason why the person giving the votes has to be in London.
ReplyDeleteRotating entries each year between Scotland, England, Wales and N.Ireland would create a new dimension for us to enjoy Eurovision. Imagine the pressure to avoid "nil point"! It would hopefully avoid the usual compromise, zero substance entry.
ReplyDeleteBring back Lulu and Sandie Shaw with Cliff as back up .
DeleteAfter the debacle of Piff Paff Poff, I doubt we'll be getting a chance any time soon.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you so keen to have your pop charts made in Brussels, James? :-p
ReplyDeleteNo special treat,wnt, just equal treatment thanks.
ReplyDeleteCareful, James. If the bbc does what you want they'll use it as an excuse to say they've reformed themselves viz. bbc bias in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteCome, come James.
ReplyDeleteCameron had hours of uncriticle coverage on BBC24 and BBCnews today.
Scotland actually had a news item on the BBC and BBC Scotland news. No Scottish Minister was allowed ANY airtime. Racism? British Nationalism? It's a typical BBC disgrace.
Really? I heard a report on Radio 4 yesterday going into depth on how Labour and struggling to win votes in Glasgow, while the SNP are cleaning up. Including interviews with doorstep canvassers from both parties and some of the people who switched to the SNP.
DeleteThey included a live canvass conversation with one old lady who said she'd always vote Labour until she was told Nicola Sturgeon was the leader of the SNP, then she switched.
This is like the BBC that brought Jimmy Saville to Scotland right?
ReplyDeleteJimmy Saville came in Scotland big style but blame the English for Scottish parents neglecting their children and any mug that let their child be groped by that super star. Jim did fix it.
DeleteI agree children should be kept away from the BBC; it would be negligent not to do so as you say.
DeleteSkier, I was lining up for the Grt Scottish Run in Bellahouston Park and clocked Saville. What an fn creep but he had all the celebs and fans hingin around him like flies over shoite. Its no wonder he got away with it.
DeletePaedo Central,AKA BBC.The less we have to do with hem the better.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that Miss Piggy will be UKCOCK's entry this year. Just to give you the "heads" up
ReplyDelete