How combative Conservative could hit Salmond where it hurts

IN KEEPING with her kick-boxing credentials, here’s how Davidson could hit Salmond, mocked up below, where it hurts, with some nifty moves.

The roundhouse kick: Used to strike an opponent to the head or body using the front of the foot or the lower shin.

Political equivalent: While the Tories will struggle to find such a knockout blow, they may be able to give the First Minister a bit of a “doing” over his plans for an independence referendum.

Flying punch: Also known as the Superman punch, this sees the combatant hopping on to their front foot, while kicking back with their rear and simultaneously extending the hand as a punch in the form of Superman flying through the air.

Political equivalent: The new Tory leader has promised to be tough on crime and she’ll look to go on the front foot by arguing Scotland’s streets have become less safe under the SNP. She advocates ending automatic early release, and a “whole-life tariff” for the most serious crimes.

Bob and weave: Allows the boxer to evade blows by bending the legs and shifting the body.

Political equivalent: The First Minister has become adroit in avoiding anything remotely resembling a killer blow. His recent performances at FMQs, which have seen him offer one-word responses to even the most searching of questions, will leave the new Tory leader much work to do.

The Clinch: A rough form of grappling to thwart an attack.

Political Equivalent: It’s difficult to see the Tories and the SNP clinching. But should Salmond look to lighten the blows, he can fall back on referring to the legacy left by another female Tory leader who exited politics over 20 years ago.