AND AS WE CONTINUE.........

If you read our first issue of The Flag in the Wind you will know that this is a weekly Internet commentary on the Scottish political scene; if you desire further erudition click on Archives.

 

THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY

The Scots Independent Newspaper is independent of the Scottish National Party, but we support the Party in its drive for Independence; while space precludes us commenting on all the issues raised by the 35 MSPs, 6 MPS and 2 MEPs, also the Party Office Bearers, we have provided a link to the SNP Website - click on SNP on the Menu Bar.

 

OLIVER BROWN AWARD

The Oliver Brown Award was presented to Paul Scott, CMG, MA, Mlitt at the Annual Scots Independent lunch in the Terraces Hotel Stirling on Saturday 10 Jun 00. It was presented by Kenneth Fee, Editor of the Scots Independent.

Mr Scott said in his acceptance speech that he was especially pleased as the award is given for "advancing the cause of Scotland’s self respect" - which was one of the conscious aims in much of what he had written.

The toast to the Scots Independent was given by Mrs Irene McGugan, MSP. She commented that when reading "The Wisdom of Oliver Brown" she came across the entry which read "The last words pronounced in the Scottish Parliament in 1707 merely declared that it had been ADJOURNED." She said that the most moving moment at the opening ceremonies in May last year was when Dr Winnie Ewing MSP took the chair as the oldest member and said "The Scottish Parliament, adjourned on 25th March 1707, is hereby reconvened".

A full report, with pictures, will appear in the July issue of the Scots Independent.

 

DOMED - WE’RE ALL DOMED!

How much more money is going to be ploughed into that cultural and mediocre monstrosity, the Millenium Dome? The National Lottery’s Charities Board in Scotland is advising voluntary groups and community councils that it now has less money to spend on tackling poverty.

The Dome was built in the wealthiest part of Britain, and proportionately more Lottery money comes from the poorer parts. What was that about the redistribution of wealth by stealth? Was it not meant to be TO the poor?

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THE HOL(E)Y GROUND

And what about our very own Dome - the Holyrood Project to build a Parliament - no expense spared? Well, the Committee appointed to oversee the project was appointed in April but has not yet met, nobody wants to be associated with it. The whole thing has been a disaster ever since Dear Old Uncle Donald Dewar decided unilaterally it was going to be at Holyrood, and he has been frantically looking for a scapegoat ever since. He thought he had found one in George Reid, Deputy Presiding Officer, a senior and respected member of the SNP, and a man who would make sure the job was done. After consultation with the SNP group it was decided to leave the poisoned chalice with the man who put the poison in it in the first place - Dear Old Uncle Donald Dewar.

Incidentally, on the Uncle Donald approach; when in Opposition in the Westminster Parliament, Donald was the Labour Chief Whip. Now whatever qualities a Chief Whip may require, he is not a Goody Two Shoes.

 

POTS AND KETTLES

It would not be possible to ignore the very public row between Alex Salmond MSP, Leader of the SNP and Ian Blackford, Treasurer of the same, which could end up in court. However while refraining from comment on the dispute, due to the aforesaid legal action, it was interesting to see the reaction of the other parties. Brian Wilson, soon not to be Deputy Secretary of State for Scotland, accused Alex Salmond of "control freakery". You might think that remark coming from New Labour is a bit preposterous, but it’s all right; Alastair Campbell (Tony Blair’s unelected Spokesman) would have approved the script.

The Tories are so busy with the Donald (Kim not Uncle) versus Walker dispute they probably haven’t noticed.

 

WHAT HAPPENED TO GORDON BROWN?

About a month ago the Press was full of reports that Gordon Brown was going to take charge in Scotland during Donald Dewar’s illness.

What happened? I think we should be told.

 

THE WELSH DRAGON IS BUGGED

The Welsh Assembly’s intranet system is being monitored in London without either their knowledge or consent. Well they know now but they didn’t consent. Confidential information has been found in the hands of civil servants in London which could only have come from e-mails within the Assembly.

Just as well that it’s New Labour spying on New Labour (Control freakery?) and not on the other parties, or are they looking at all e-mails?

One thing is sure; the buggers won’t admit it.

 

WILD WILD WOMEN !!

Strangely, and I know it’s not politically correct, I felt a touch of sympathy for Tony Blair when he got the slow handclap from the Women’s Institute. It seems that they did not expect him to make any political remarks! On his part he did not think it was a political speech.

All a bit naive, I would say. Invite the Prime Minister who eats drinks and sleeps politics and expect him to do a Max Boyce warm up.....

William Hague, the Tory Leader accused Mr. Blair of being "out of touch, arrogant, opportunistic and remote"; well, he should know - he’s speaking from experience.

 

ANOTHER WEST LOTHIAN QUESTION?

Labour in West Lothian is about to spend £30000 on a research assistant; the job has been vacant for over a year. According to them it is not a political post and although they have cut millions off front line services they feel this post is essential.

I remember when a member of staff came to me and asked for 9 weeks holidays to go to Australia. My response was "If I can do without you for 9 weeks I can do without you." (Mind you it was not public money).

Oh, the person who left West Lothian’s "non-political" job last year was Susan Deacon. She left to become a Member of the Scottish Parliament. She is now Health Minister and is trying to cut bureaucracy in the NHS.

 

DATES IN HISTORY

16th June 1807
Death of Rev. John Skinner, poet, theologion, Episcopalian minister of Longside in Buchan. His song 'Tullochgorum' was regarded by Robert Burns as "the best Scotch song ever Scotland saw". (letter from Burns to Skinner October 1787).

17th June 1567
Mary, Queen of Scots, imprisoned in Lochleven casgtle by the Council of Scotland and compelled to abdicate in favour of her son (James VI).

18th June 1970
First General Electric success for the Scottish National Party with Donald Stewart winning the Western Isles constituency from Labour. He held the seat until his retiral in 1987.