Talk of the Town: Dawe's in awe of passing the buck

WHEN asked whether the decision to back the tram project was right in hindsight, Labour politicians in the Capital like to point out that, while they started the project, it was all going fine until they left office in 2007 and the problems only developed since then.

While council leader Jenny Dawe would probably have something to say about being landed with the blame, the "passing the buck attitude" actually seems to impress her.

The Lib Dem leader was recently taken on a tour of Belfast that included the Titanic Quarter, which she said celebrated the city's once-great ship-building industry and "exemplifies the future ambitions of this resurgent city".

Of course, given the tragedy that occurred, some would question whether a city should celebrate building the Titanic.

"For decades, Belfast chose to ignore that the Titanic was built there," said Cllr Dawe. "Now the line is: 'It was fine when it left here!'"

Salmond laments state of church committee's name

CHURCH-STATE conflicts are not what they were.

The days of the Kirk's church and nation committee condemning Thatcherite policies such as the poll tax and privatisation are a distant memory. But addressing a Holyrood reception for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, whose convener is the former Moderator and church and nation convener Alison Elliot, First Minister Alex Salmond took the opportunity to lament the change of name to church and society council.

"Why did you get rid of the old name?" he asked. "It was such a wonderful name - the church and nation committee. I can't remember what the new name is, but I'm sure it does just as important work."

Pub TV's boxing clever

IF you like a dash of adrenalin with your drink, help is at hand with the arrival of 3D boxing.

The Chanter in Bread Street is to be one of the first pubs in the country to show the ultra-real entertainment on Saturday when it features Sky 3D's coverage of Audley Harrison taking on David Haye at the SAP Arena in Mannheim.

Fan report scores own goal

HE gets about, that Ian Rankin.

According to Hibs fans one online match report - promptly corrected - even had the best-selling author popping up at Ibrox on Wednesday to score their side's second goal as they beat Rangers. Hibs player John Rankin was probably disappointed to hear this.

We shouldn't laugh. There but for the grace of God and all that.