I have pulled out this comment and my reply on to the main blog because I think it is important.
Anthony Little Thursday, October 11, 2012
Hi Peter
I have to say that I no longer watch any of the meetings of this absurd committee. As far as I see it, they have no remit to discuss many of the issues that they now consider. Nothing of this is related to "examine the administration, policy and expenditure of the Scotland Office and relations with the Scottish Parliament." (Taken from the UK Parliament's own web page).
However, that being said, the clips were interesting, and as you say, Moore did OK! I may have to amend my opinion about him.
I will watch developments with interest, although I also note that Alex Salmond is today saying that claiming an agreement on the Referendum may be somewhat premature! (Given that the consultation results are not yet released, I would personally be surprised if any agreement is reach before that!)
Tony
My reply:
In fairness to this committee, they have also addressed a wide range of items and experts within that remit, and it has been valuable in a number of ways.
We have the bizarre situation that the SNP is boycotting the Committee, ostensibly because their representative, Eilidh Whiteford, was insulted by the Davidson. (She was, outrageously) The real reason is that they either could not - or would have been reluctant to - answer the range of questions asked, and to confront the views of 'experts' summoned by the Committee.
This is understandable, given that it would have blown their negotiating position on Sect. 30 and ultimately on their white paper releases in 2013, setting out their full prospectus for independence.
I have to say that the SNP strategy has worked, despite my initial misgivings. The Committee at one and the same time have managed to frame important elements of the debate, and elicit vital information while managing to make themselves look petty - and apprehensive - in the process. They have been out-manoeuvred by the SNP at every stage.
The mini-fiasco over the 'deal that wisnae' - with SNP politicians and backroom staff celebrating online a deal that wasn't yet finalised, to the considerable annoyance of the FM - simply illustrates the vital negotiating principle and discipline that nothing is agreed till everything is agreed, and no comment is the iron rule till then.
Posts
Hi Peter
ReplyDeleteI do not disagree with much of what you say, but I find the unremitting negativity about the aspiration of Independence so .. well, sad (and frustrating, and irritating, and mind-numbingly pathetic and small minded!).
Perhaps it is because the committee members will lose their jobs (and their comfortable lifestyle) in an Independent Scotland that makes them apparently so ill disposed to a Scotland where ALL decisions are made in Scotland, by Scots, responsible to Scots voters, and elected by them.
Why they remain in thrall to a Westminster system which is, frankly and to be polite, totally inadequate to the needs of a 21st century country, is beyond me.
We shall see what transpires in the next few weeks. Finally, we are at the end of the beginning! The real fight for Scotland's future starts now.
Regards (Saor Alba)
Tony
Thanks, Tony. I'm no fan of Davidson or the committee, but it has done some good by accident, not design, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteThe gravy train of mediocrity to Westminster that has always existed for Scottish Labour MPs will hit the buffers after independence, Tony, and they know it. They can scrabble for a English seat or come back to Scotland and try to find a Holyrood place - or take their resettlement grants and tout for advisory roles, places in PR companies, etc.
Perhaps their consitutents, who after all put them there, will still love them and find something for them to do.
Of course, the SNP MPs will be out of a job too, but will return in triumph to the New Scotland they helped to make, and there WILL be a place for them.
regards,
Peter
Good afternoon Peter. I was originally skeptical about these evidence sessions, but since having watched them I've come to share your view. The experts are well worth hearing. Some of the questions from the committee aren't bad either. I thought that the session on citizenship and related topics with Jo Shaw and Bernard Ryan was particularly good and should be more widely seen. There are a lot of interesting points get raised there.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good afternoon here,Angus, despite the earlier rain. The problem is the time nneded to break them up into digestible clips. The electorate - and the YouTube-watching sector of it - are easily bored, and won't work to get at the nuggets. (I'm referring to the info, not the Labour MPs)
ReplyDeleteregards,
Peter