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Scottish Parliament election

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Big deal

  • Brian Taylor
  • 11 May 07, 03:13 PM

It's a deal! In truth, it's not all that big a deal. But we have a contract between the SNP and the Greens. (Is there a sanity clause? You can't kid me, there ain't no Sanity Claus. Copyright: Groucho and Chico Marx.)

So what is this deal? The SNP and the Greens agree that - they won't build any new nuclear power stations; they'll introduce a law to cut climate-change pollution year on year (instead of vague longer-term targets); and they'll "work to extend the responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament."

And that's it. In return, the Greens will vote for Alex Salmond as First Minister - and will also support his ministerial appointments. The Greens will get one of the SNP's committee convenerships.

Critics are already saying that the Greens haven't extracted much in the way of concessions. No end to road building programmes, for example. Get real, guys.

The Greens bring precisely two votes to the table. Count them - two. The Nats have 47 without their aid.

This is more about the concept of co-operation - although, for Alex Salmond, it's more than handy to be able to count on two votes in his corner, rather than ranged against him.

I say again, this is more about symbolism. This is aimed at the Liberal Democrats.

Comments   Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 04:41 PM on 11 May 2007,
  • derek barker wrote:

Deal or no Deal?it's already "NU-CLEAR" that the first stones have been cast between WEST MINSTER and THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT,what a situation for A.S. in office put not in power.47 + 2 not even half-way,will the "BUREAU" fill the gap's?

Speaking of the Liberal Democrats, I think it is a disgrace that they will not (apparently) talk to the SNP while a referendum is on the agenda.

They were more than happy to share power with Iraq-invading New Labour.

So a referendum is a big deal, Iraq isn't.

Quite pathetic.

  • 3.
  • At 05:30 PM on 11 May 2007,
  • Steve Tait wrote:

Totally agree with the symbolic aims of the "big deal"
Alex has taken aim with a snipers rifle here to pick off some tasty nibbles. For the veritable feast to continue heavier artillery will be required.
Listened to Lesley Riddoch this afternoon, it would appear that as she quoted a "senior" Scottish Lib Dem, that they are happier to talk with her than directly with the SNP.
Come on Nicol, pick up the phone, If Alex is not available I'm sure he'll call you straight back, that is if you can spare the time from calling the 大象传媒!

  • 4.
  • At 06:01 PM on 11 May 2007,
  • Peter, Fife wrote:

It鈥檚 no big deal unless you are a frozen out Liberal Democrat, one who was so expectant of the trappings of office based on the outcomes of previous administrations; I have heard it quoted from several sources, that it was Menzies Campbell, not Nicol Stephen who put the kibosh in any deal with the SNP, the Liberal Democrat way or no way, is there any truth in this?

This would indeed be a blowback on the Liberal Democrat Leader, especially if he expected the SNP would capitulate in order that they could gain a greater grip on power.

Why do the Liberal Democrats fear a referendum when they are so sure this would be rejected by the Scottish voters; could this be that resultant from a referendum the Liberal Democrat party could be split asunder rendering both English and Scottish factions into rumps?

The questions to be asked now are:

Will those wounded Liberal Democrats attempt to usurp the wishes of the Scottish people in the First Minister vote?

Will those damaged Liberal Democrats attempt to usurp the wishes of the Scottish people during the operation of the Parliament because they are unable to foist their ever decreasing minority views onto the majority at Ministerial level?

Will the Liberal Democrats attempt a face saving bid for coalition and enter coalition negotiations without preconditions?

It does not matter how many times I watch that scene from A Night at the Opera, I still laugh at the exchange where clauses are ripped of leaving only the sanity clause, I still laugh as I try to repeat in chorus that most masterful of lines, sad but true.

  • 5.
  • At 07:58 PM on 14 May 2007,
  • sacrebleu wrote:

I predict that somebody's memoirs a few years from now will reveal that Gordy had a chat with his pal Ming, to get him to tell Nicol Stephen to put the kybosh on any deal with the Nats to undermine them. No doubt a peerage in the bag for ol' Ming.

  • 6.
  • At 07:31 PM on 16 May 2007,
  • DisgustedDorothy wrote:

Can we say any more about the Lib.Dems? A misnomer for a start,what is liberal or democratic about denying a referendum?
They stood against the Iraq war and renewing Trident but still cuddled up to the party that led us to both.
Are they trying to pretend that they are men of honour now?Too late ,too late the gallant cry!
I do hope people keep the memory of the ever so silent Lib.Dem. post the election debacle.Where are they ?Are they so ashamed of themselves that they can't appear in public to defend their stance? Or is old man Ming pulling the strings from , in and for Westminster? Scottish liberals For shame!!

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