Drumlanrig

Published on 27/05/2012 00:00

Snippets from the past week in the political sphere...

SNP ducks the issue to swerve banner brigade

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, or CND, has enjoyed more influential moments in its history, but it still carries clout, it appears. Last week, it emerged that the issue of Nato membership would not be discussed at a forthcoming meeting of the SNP’s National Council in June. The news followed reports over the last few weeks that, as the Nationalists seek to beef up their defence credentials, Nato membership might be considered there.

Two well-placed Nationalist figures note privately that one of the reasons for not getting into the issue was the concern that it may have sparked a banner-waving CND protest outside. Such protests are, of course, meat and drink for parties like Labour and the Tories. But the SNP, it appears, doesn’t like the prospect. No matter – the issue may now roll on to the National Conference later this year. CND activists may wish to keep their posters at the ready.

Long-winded name worthy of a No vote

No sooner had the Yes Scotland campaign launched on Friday than its pro-Union equivalent was launched online. However, even political ingenues may question whether the campaign – to be called “No Scotland” – has come up with the best possible title. The question of what to call the anti-independence campaign (as the SNP likes to badge them) is certainly a tricky one. For now, it is known as the Campaign in support of Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom. CSSRPUK is not quite as catchy as Yes Scotland however.

Darling takes the biscuit as frugal host

Last weekend’s headlines of “secret campaign talks” between Tory, Labour and Lib Dem figures at the pleasant Morningside home of Alistair Darling raised a few eyebrows. Not that it hadn’t happened; rather that the talks, which have included Johann Lamont’s team, Douglas Alexander, Jim Murphy and senior Lib Dems have been going on for a while. One absolutely accurate element of the story, however, was that these talks have been refreshed and boosted by the excellent catering of Darling’s wife, Maggie. Or put it this way, says one, when she’s not there “all you get is maybe half a Kit-Kat.”

Valiant MSPs fighting to achieve their goals

Scotland’s male MSPs are beginning to gain some self respect. The MSPs’ football team played their annual match against an RAF veterans XI on Friday. On the two previous occasions the game was played, the team had been wiped off the park 6-0 and 3-0. They lost again this time round, but at least limited the score to 3-2. Better luck next year.