Government by numbers
So how has it been for you? The glorious new dawn. The path to enlightenment. Come on, you know, the first 100 days of the SNP in power.
According to Nationalist Ministers, Scotland is 鈥渟marter, greener, healthier, wealthier, fairer, safer and stronger鈥.
Or, at least, we鈥檝e made 鈥渕easurable progress鈥 in those directions.
Labour has measured that progress and come up with a rather different verdict. They set it out in considerable detail on their own website.
Their sums are as follows: 67 promises, 20 delivered in full, 10 in part, 38 not at all. To summarise, they reckon the first spell of Nationalist government has been mince.
(Actually, they say in an accompanying news release that the SNP 鈥渉as seemed to be effective鈥. If it is appearance that matters in politics, perhaps that would do. But no matter.)
Me, I鈥檓 somewhat less than whelmed. Personally, I鈥檇 settle for a new striker at Tannadice to help Noel Hunt up front.
More seriously, I don鈥檛 think governments are judged in 100 days. But, for once, this isn鈥檛 a stunt dreamed up by the wicked media.
The SNP said on Sunday 18 March at their spring conference in Glasgow that they would do certain things within 100 days. So it鈥檚 reasonable to make a tally.
Have they done everything they said they would do? No. Have they made a start on almost everything? Yes. Are you annoyed by answer one or satisfied with answer two?
Look at the legislation. The SNP outlined five potential Bills: phasing out prescription charges; replacing student loans with grants; scrapping tolls on the Forth and Tay Bridges; a Criminal Justice Bill; and a draft Bill on an Independence referendum.
"Ah, ha," say Labour. "You鈥檝e only done one of these, Mr Salmond. You鈥檝e only published your independence Bill. That shows where your real priorities lie - and they do not coincide with those of the people."
"Hang on," say ministers. "We鈥檝e made moves on all of these. We鈥檝e looked at options on prescription charges with a view to a Bill in the autumn, scrapped the graduate endowment fee and begun consultation on the student bill secured parliamentary approval for scrapping bridge tolls, announced plans to reform communities and published the independence white paper."
But there鈥檚 a problem, here, isn鈥檛 there? Depends on wording. Does 鈥渂ring forward legislation to phase out prescription charges鈥 mean 鈥渢ake steps towards鈥 - or, as opponents would have it, publish a Bill to allow scrutiny.
Ministers say the relevant Bills will be formally published when Holyrood reconvenes.
I understand the 鈥100 days鈥 initiative. Borrowed from JFK, it was an attempt to stress that the SNP would be active in government in the interests of Scotland, beyond the interest of their own members in securing independence.
They would not be 鈥渄oing less, better鈥 - but more, better still.
At the time, Labour seized on the document as evidence that the SNP would pick endless fights with Westminster.
Despite occasional flurries, that hasn鈥檛 really happened. By contrast, Alex Salmond鈥檚 strategy is to seem endlessly amenable - in the hope that the Scottish people will grant the SNP their wish of further power for Holyrood and, ultimately, independence.
More than that, Mr Salmond鈥檚 administration has seemed (that word again) generally pretty competent. He鈥檚 done, generally, well. So far.
However, the SNP are now open to the Labour charge of promising more than they have, precisely, delivered.
Without going through all the pledges, let me give you an example. The SNP promised a full, judicial inquiry into the Shirley McKie case.
They鈥檙e still planning that - and, indeed, I expect an announcement very soon. But it hasn鈥檛 been delivered within 100 days.
However, there are other examples where ministers have an arguable defence.
For example, there was a pledge to 鈥減repare draft legislation鈥 on replacing student loans with grants.
Labour says: 鈥渘o Bill published鈥. But the precise promise was to prepare a draft.
Other promises, such as first home grants, will await the publication of the executive's budget in the autumn.
Is it a reasonable excuse to say that the budget has been delayed because the Treasury鈥檚 outline of the next spending round was held back? Or is that another broken promise?
You choose. As I said at the outset, I think a tick-box exercise is fairly futile.
Yes, the SNP created the challenge. Yes, it鈥檚 reasonable to assess them. But the voting public will deliver their verdict over a longer time-scale - and that鈥檚 the relevant calculation to make.
In that regard, I鈥檓 far more interested in the potential consequences of the decisions that Alex Salmond鈥檚 government has taken.
I鈥檓 interested in discovering whether the reprieve for A&E units is a sensible response to public need - or a drain on other health budgets.
I鈥檓 interested in discovering whether or not council tax benefit could be sustained under a new system of local government finance, as advocated by ministers.
I鈥檓 interested in what happens to the transport infrastructure. Were ministers right to resist the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link? Were MSPs right to insist on Edinburgh trams - against ministerial advice?
Those questions and many, many others will help form a more useful judgement on Alex Salmond鈥檚 spell in office than a snap verdict after 100 days.
I'm 
Comments
Their first 100 days has been an object lesson on how to run a top class PR exercise. Complaints from the others about what's not been done, watered down, left out, just sounds like the moanings of out of power soor dooks wi a grudge. I reckon the populace at large will give them the benefit of the doubt if only because they are proving themselves to be fresh, exciting and making us feel good about ourselves! The SNP have made a good start and certainly given the appearance of being an active, almost dynamic force not seen in Scottish politics for decades. I think they will continue to confound their critics. Difficult times lie ahead but it looks like they have the talent and nous to cope.
"Their sums are as follows: 67 promises, 20 delivered in full, 10 in part, 38 not at all."
10+20+38 = 68.
I know something else that's mince...
The new SNP Government has delivered on many promises, thus far, and, I am sure, will deliver on many more in the next 100 days, and in the next 4 years.
The new Scottish Government isn't playing on a negative politics of fear, but is, instead, working with a positive politics of hope, inspiration and aspiration.
Alex Salmond's Government has made it clear that there will be proper consultation with the people across a wide range of important issues.
In contrast, what happened to our say on the son of trident and ID cards at Westminster?
Let's hope for the best in the next four years =)
A good piece, Brian.
However, there are a few points I'd like to add.
I did think that Nicol Stephen could make himself appear anymore irrelevant. His reliance on not-so-clever wordplay, such as his neverending use of the word "neverendum" served only to highlight his lack of anything substantive. However, now he has a new word game, criticising the SNP of spin so that he has the opportunity to use his new line, ice dancing. Maybe he hopes that this will somehow move his thin ice under Alex Salmond.
Labour, though, really do take the biscuit. With the lack of any other criticisms of the SNP they publish a document that identifies that the SNP have not precisely completed every piece of work that they sadi they would. They clearly don't think that it matters that most of this work has begun, as long as a few short-term headlines can be achieved.
The problem is, the work has begun in most areas, and when each of these pieces of work are achieved they will each have a higher profile as a result of Labour's current intervantion.
Alternatively, what risk is there for Labour if they now oppose any of the pieces of legislation that they have identified? What will the public think of a party that first complains about the SNP not doing something, and then try to block it when they do?
But over and above all of that, the public aren't daft. They know that while the Government have been continued to work throughout this 100 days, the Parliament have been in recess for much of it. And it is while the Labour party have been on holiday that they have made their complaints.
I don't know if you have noticed Brian but 20 plus 10 plus 38 totals 68 not 67. Is it a typo or another example of the Labour parties abilities?
Labour's comments seem typical. They are sore losers and they know it! What made me laugh was the 4 things they claimed the SNP failed to deliver:
* Use the money it would cost to scrap the graduate endowment to employ hundreds of probationary teachers
* Continue funding for antisocial behaviour teams in local authorities
* Commit to cancer and community casualty units in Ayr and Monklands
* Deliver Skills Academies to give Scotland鈥檚 workforce world leading skills and enable our economy to compete in a global marketplace
Now let's be realistic here. It has been only 100 days that have passed. Not to mention that I never heard of Labour even trying to do the above themselves. It is this exact reason why the Labour party didn't get it's majority. Until they learn this and start to eat humble pie, they will find themselves in more trouble.
A superb performance from the first 100 days, especially given issues such as the Glasgow Airport bomb and the Foot-And-Mouth restrictions. Also, as Brian points out, much of the program is dependent on the budgetary settlement with Westminster (an area where the Scottish Government have little influence, obviously) so while there will undoubtedly be some prioritisation in policy, I fully expect the Government to do as much as is possible. Put it another way, the SNP government appears has done more in 100 days than the Lib/Lab governments did in eight years. A great start!
Looking over the SNP's 100 days doc has taught me a lot about the difference between "committed to" and "implemented", and that's a lesson the SNP will have to learn soon.
It's one thing to promise things and make grand announcements, but quite another to get Bills passed in a Parliament without an SNP majority.
Admittedly, they have avoided falling apart and run a good PR operation, however, they are still an amalgamation of right-wingers and socialists, fundamentalists (in terms of independence) and gradualists, and eventually these tensions will surface.
A government cannot please everyone all of the time, and the distinct lack of real achievement will harm them.
I like Ed Martin's phrase "....benefit of the doubt". Alex Salmond deserves that from the Scottish people in the same way that in England we are giving Gordon Brown the benefit of the doubt.
Both will be judged on their performance and I just have the feeling that both will perform well.
(Apologies in advance for length..)
It hadn't been attributed, but I would be interested to know which party accused the SNP of being 'obsessed with spin' - surely not Labour?
It has also been said that the SNP are 'playing to the gallery' and being populist by abolishing student loans and keeping local A&E's open. I think they are completely justified in carrying out the wishes of the majority of Scots, as a government should do. It was Labour's failure to even appear to be listening that got them booted out. In some cases, such as fishing quotas, people do need to listen to the experts. In others, such as those above, it is surely the government's unenviable task to try to accede to public opinion in a workable way. I wish them all the best, as they will need it. However, I respect accountability as I'm sure do most other Scots. Didn't see many report cards from Labour.
Finally, I'm surprised at McLetchie, a politician whose abilities I'd respected (if not his choice of transport). Saying that the SNP will never be able to follow up all the arguments made against Labour policy while in opposition is a remarkably ignorant thing to say - the opposition's role is to point out alternatives to government policy where they believe reasonable; this does not mean all alternatives must become policy once they are in government. To say this makes them dishonest is missing the point - it was their duty to question policy, and it is unrealistic to expect all these alternatives to be possible at once - I would expect the former leader of his party to have a slightly better grasp of political debate than that.
I for one am happy to move forward in small steps - if other parties want to question these steps they should do so in a mature manner, through recognised means (y'know the big eyesore next to the Seat), not through alarmist press bleating.
Nice of the labour party to do a bit of advertising for the SNP dont you think especially since the papers arent giving us any information. In fact brian your blog is probably the best source of information for whats actually happening. Cheers for that.
Did the labour party also put on their website what they did with their first 100 days in power in the scottish parliament. I havent looked but tell you what i bet you a tenner they havent.
Myself and plenty like me are happy with our proud, confident and competent government.
What a change from the dead hand of Labour. The SNP have done more in 100 days than Labour could do in 100 years!
I eagerly await more good things from the party who is putting Scotland first (for a change).
It's a pity that the 100 day promises could not be recognised for what it was all about. In those short days the SNP have managed re-engage an entire nation in their own interests and made a sea change in people perceptions of politics - quite an achievement.
Alex Salmond is without doubt the most Statesman like First Minister we've had and knocks what's happening at Westminster into a cocked hat.
He's clearly surrounded by a dedicated, highly motivated and equally highly professional team of advisors.
He promised smaller government and has delivered. Soon students will be back in the driving seats with finance, business will be more competitive with the proposed tax system (which will by the way undoubtedly encourage more businesses to move their head offices to Scotland) and seems to have a clear vision for education and law and order.
After 100 days I feel pretty secure and happy with what's been done - I hope the vigor continues!
Mr Salmond had better speak to his ministers about their constituency obligations. I emailed Ms Fabiani over 5 weeks ago - I have yet to be acknowledged. The email arrived ok at the correct address. But then, she is after all a list MSP.
As for the 100 days? Well, Mr Salmond is a very effective politician. But if something happens to him the SNP are finished.
It is only 100 days (I'm not quite sure of the significance of this figure other than it is nice and round). Anyway, the SNP have so far done a sterling job of running the country despite the other 3 main party's at times refusing to even enter into debate on certain issues (particularly the extending of Holyrood powers). What have Labour done in the first 100 days of this parlimentary term other than try and throw some dirt at the SNP from time to time?
"Oh, just look at how much Mr Salmond is earning!"; they cry.
"Mr Salmond just blows his own trumpet"; They bleet.
How about the Labour party actually try and achieve something positive and do so in conjunction with the SNP, instead of continuing their negative posturing which rightly lost them the election.
The electorate in Scotland are far more informed than Labour give them credit for and will not fall for their continuing spin and fakery.
They should be warned.
It's a shame that the 100 day promises could not be recognised for what it was all about. In those short days the SNP have managed re-engage an entire nation in their own interests and made a sea change in peoples perceptions of politics - quite an achievement.
Alex Salmond is without doubt the most Statesman like First Minister we've had and a few lessons could be learnt south of the border.
He's clearly surrounded by a dedicated, highly motivated and equally highly professional team of advisors.
He promised smaller government and has delivered. Soon students will be back in the driving seats with finance, business will be more competitive with the proposed tax system (which will by the way undoubtedly encourage more businesses to move their head offices to Scotland) and seems to have a clear vision for education and law and order.
After 100 days I feel pretty secure and happy with what's been done - I hope the vigor continues!
Well I've been watching carefully deciding whether to leave Bath to return to Edinburgh. And the answer, a resounding NO.
Not impressive, not going anywhere and not worth the the rather large amount of money is how I'd class the new "Government".
Dear Brian
Very good observations as always.
I find it rather cheeky of Salmond to claim Scotland was not found wanting during the Foot and Mouth incident in Surrey and the attempted terrorist attack on Glasgow.
The containment of foot and mouth in Surrey was purley down to the authorities in Surrey. Not disrespecting the bravery shown by the sercurity services and emergency services the bungled ramraid come terrorist attack was hardly a serious threat to our national security.
Salmond should announce a referendum on independence as soon as can be arranged, face the voters and then exit stage right following a humilating defeat. Instead he will continue to parade around as though he has a majority in the Scottish parliament,throw a huff when he doesnt get in the front row of photo calls mumbling nonsense about the Scottish government.
Kind regards
The generally favourable opinion of the new administration might partly be relief at a change of government. In addition, the cabinet secretaries do seem to be more talented than most of Jack McConnell's team. Salmond himself just seems to be a better representative for Scotland than his predecessor. You don't need to be a nationalist to see that.
Minority government was said to be risky, but Salmond has played the opposition well. I'd expect more problems for them and more success for the SNP over the coming year.
I agree with No 1 Martin. No matter how the figures add up, this SNP Government has been exciting, innovative and certainly made us feel good about ourselves in a way which is entirely new to the people of Scotland.
Already people are beginning to feel included and valued. That in itself is a reason to re-elect the SNP, let's face it, that worked for Regan, and he was an idiot.
Finally the SNP pledges were made on the assumption that they would be in a majority government with the Lib Dems as junior partners.
Being a minority government has inevitably slowed things down, though only we political anoraks would claim to notice that, the public doesn't care about these technicalities, they are rightly delighted with the stream of policy directives so far.
If comparisons are to be made then what did the previous Scottish governments achieve in their first 100 days?
Perhaps such comparisons can be extended to Westminster as well. What have the current and previous UK governments achieved in their first 100 days?
It should be relatively easy to get the answers.
Am I alone in believing that Manifestos are not the be all and end all in politics? Few electors read them. "Events", such as terrorists attacks or foot and mouth outbreaks test the competence of government arguably in more important ways. And society never stands still. Contexts change. I'll bet neither SNP nor New Labour nor any other party wrote their manifesto for the assumption of being a minority government. So doing a manifesto audit is not for me the best way to judge any government's performance, although it is one way.
All that said, most people I speak to seem to be impressed, in many cases surprisingly impressed, by the government. I think in part it is not so much their collective brilliance, rather than putting into sharp relief the poverty of ideas and poor stewardship of the previous New Labour/Lib Dem coalition. We can see now that a devolved government need not be lacking in ambition or competence....even if we dont agree with everything that they do.
A real challenge awaits however. Will the new government "go native" and more and more come under the dead hand of the civil service? Will they be able to follow-up on this start by developing much further key policy areas? These and other questions await an answer.
I couldn't be described as a fan of Mr Salmond or the SNP...but... I might just be persuaded otherwise. They have had a great start that has been brisk, intelligent and professional. Alac salmond is a superbly effective and confident politican who appears statesman-like in contrast to the previous first minister!
Most of the last crowd were utterly useless and holding Scotland back. Some sounded barely intelligible. One female Labour MSP was interviewed on Radio 2 last week and couldn't even use the words submitted and subjected in the correct context! Who can take these people seriously?
Like many Scots I feel that a change with real competition for Labour has been long overdue. That is the hallmark of a healthy and vigorous democracy. Long may it continue!
It's a laugh really. Fifty years of ambition-less Labour despair and dependency and they're carping because the SNP haven't sorted it out in 100 days.
It shows that politics is not about delivering services for people.
It's just about competing for power.
I understand the 鈥100 days鈥 initiative. Borrowed from JFK, it was an attempt to stress that the SNP would be active in government.
An anorak writes:
Delete "JFK"; insert "FDR".
The SNP have done quite a few things that have attracted public approval. What we haven't seen yet is the end result of the decisions that have been made.
How exactly has the provision of health services been affected by the decision to keep A&E units open? How much has that cost?
How exactly are the costs of getting rid of student loans and the graduate endowment (tution fees in disguise) going to be met and what effect will that have on University funding.
How much is a full judical review of Shirley McKie going to cost?
How is the removal of tolls on the Forth Road bride going to affect transport funding round Edinburgh?
We haven't seen the fallout of their decisions yet.
And what about fiscal autonomy and extra revenue raising powers. The executive already has the ability the raise income tax levels (3%?). Let them use that first (how popular would that be - I remember "penny for Scotland" was a complete flop) and show they can spend the money wisely before they get the chance to take any more money off us.
Brian, the reality of Labour, either Jack鈥檚 or Wendy鈥檚 Labour is that they are counting the bills they are blocking or intend to block and destroy; there is nothing constructive about any of Labour鈥檚 current politics only a determined effort to thwart the legally elected Executive of Scotland by any means short of forcing an early Election.
If voters were forced back to the polls they would be less than enamoured by the real reason for such an early election, that Labour could regain power, irrespective of the damage it would cause to Scotland.
Wendy is making the right noises, a rethink on policy, change Jack McConnell鈥檚 policies which were rejected by voters, the problem is that many of these are London鈥檚 policies and Wendy is merely an Labour flunky approved by Gordon Brown.
We will not be presented with new policies only altered and renamed policies, Wendy is a tinkerer she will produce nothing radical, equally she must do Gordon Brown鈥檚 bidding as the next General Election for Labour will hinge on the Labour turn out in Scotland.
What we require is a listing of all items of legislation or administration that are being blocked or hampered and by whom; let the people know what dastardly deeds are being perpetrated in their name, the people will have the final say, they have the right to be informed.
I note you do not use the other 鈥楲鈥 word, Liberal although other than to point out your omission, I too can find no good reason for its inclusion.
I agree with comment #1.
The SNP have shown that politics can work in Scotland and that things can be done/changed despite the moans of labour ("do less better" was thier campaign slogan at the last election was that a joke!!??).
The SNP have shown that their sole interest is the advancement of Scotland and in doing so have shown how Labour/Lib dems/Torys are only interested in what thier masters in London allow them to be interested in.
More pro Scottish policies please and if Labour can't handle it-then good.
I think what you wrote was pretty fair and balanced. The SNP have had a good start, and like Ed Martin above I think the their win in May has added an impetus to Scotish politics that has been missing for years. However, most of what they have done has been populist and eye catching - the difficult decisions lie ahead.
Unlike Ed Martin, over the long run, I do not think they have the nous and talent to cope. Their main asset is Alex Salmond, and one day he will be history. The tragedy is there no-one else of similar ability or stature in the SNP, or the other parties at Holyrood for that matter, and that does not bode well for Scotland whether it is part of the Union or not.
To be fair, the 100 days claim was made by the SNP back in March, most probably with the assumption that they would be in coalition government at least, if not an outright majority, before they would ever be called upon to follow through on their promise.
As it stands, we know they've been taking things slower than they otherwise would have, seeing as they're the largest party only by the smallest margin.
I'm not saying that, had they achieved a majority or coalition, they would have achieved everything they said they wanted to by this point. They probably wouldn't have. What they seem to have done is achieved more than anybody thought a minority government could have done.
More sour grapes from the losers of the Labour Party. I would like to see a comparison drawn between the first 100 days of the new Scottish Government and the first 100 days of the two former administrations in Hollyrood. Now that really would make interesting reading, especially before the Labour revisionists complete their plans to beatify the reign of St. Joke McConnell of Malawi.
Am I missing something here? 67 promises. OK, still with you so far. 10 delivered + 20 partially delivered + 38 not at all. 10 + 20 + 38 = 68??? Was McConnell's education mantra so poor that even Labour msp's can't count now???
Brian, not sure if it is your mistake or Labours mistake but
67 promises made by SNP
20 delivered in full
10 delivered in part
38 not delivered at all
forgive me for being pedantic and refering to the labour mantra of "sums not adding up". But I struggle to see how 20+10+38=67.
But this kind of creative arithmentic isn't going to help labours image...or even help united get in the top 6 of the SPL and I'm fairly sure both labour and united must be desperate to find a real quality player rather than hyping up what they have already.
I must admitt I am sumwhat underwhelmed by the SNP's first 100 days, it seems that out of the numerous proposals and gestures all they have to show is an independance bill. It seems that the glorious sunshine filled paradise promised by the SNP during the election campaign has somewhat failed to materialise (infact to my knowledge there has only been at most 4 days where I have seen the sun since it set on the Labour administration in May).
This said however I beleive that in my area at least the executives proposals to freeze council tax and stance against PPP projects has resulted in the Council having to 'review' a decision made by the preveious incumbent to build 2 new state of the art Secondary Schools a Primary School and a regional sports facility. It is quite aparent that this review will no doubt result in the scrapping of these plans and force caretakers in the 3 current schools to get the duct tape and buckets out to try and keep the schools up to scratch for health and safety rules.
Then again mebe they may not be able to afford that seeing as the decision to lower class sizes to 18 has resulted in one Primary school being forced to utilise classroom space (previously not needed by the school) forcing the council to seek a new area (probably somewhere on the schools grounds) for a multi-agency building which was previously to be located in the main school building (additional costs of 拢87,000.00 seemingly).
This said the SNP councillors aren't overtly concerned about this they are too busy attempting to overturn decisions to close unused public facilities and delay plans to integrate Libraries and Schools (all designed to create effieciency savings).
It's ok though we now have an independance bill that will never get through unless the oposistion parties allow it to (hurry up i want my referendum for the union even John Smeaton backs the Union what more evidence do you need that its worthwhile saving? (see scotsman front page for confirmation)
hi again brian,
nice to hear your blethers have changed cource,now this is a subject close to my heart, i cant see anyone unless they've a vested interest, picking fault with the way the snp have used their time in gov. only the fear factor of the unionists seeing what can be done,with a minorety rull, it is what scotland needs,we the people should not be blackmailed into keeping quiet on matters of referendum, because others fear its outcome,after all every poll i've seen we the people would vote for indepenence.
The first 100 days were largely unapposed given the
Holyrood recess.. hardly worth boasting about?
What now for the Scotland-wide EARL given Edinburgh is now Scotland's busiest airport.? Expect a battle-royal when Holyrood returns.
Sure, the SNP haven't done everything they said they would do in the first 100 days (thanks mainly to not having a majority coalition). At least, unlike NeoLabour, they don't do things they explicitly promised not to do in their manifesto (2001... top-up fees... legislated to prevent)
To No 12, what on earth do you expect Opposition parties to do? Effective government requires effective opposition to act as a counterbalance. You emotively refer to "blocking and destroying".....others would call it Democracy in action. If Labour, Conservative, or LibDems oppose any of the SNPs bills or motions, I expect them to vote against it. And if the SNP get defeated, I expect them to accept it with good grace and move on.
Cant complain about the present government. So much more hard working dynamic and fresh, than what weve had in Scotland since before I was born. I hope messers Salmond and Swinney have done their sums right (unlike labour in blog 17)and these popular (not necesarily populist)decisions dont come back to financially bite us in the bahookie. Otherwise I am more than pleased with the peoples choice of government.
Let's be realistic. We would hardly expect the Labour party to come out and be positive about the achievements of the SNP over the past 100 days. At least the SNP spin the positive rather than the childish negative tactics of the labour party. They were not so good at publicising their own check lists.It would be interesting to compare this list with the Labour governments achievements over a matter of years! I suspect that they would centre on 'Brown' nosing the Westminster government and southern priorities as ususal. I find it heartening to waken up in a country that at last thinks for Scotland.
Its patently obvious that we now have at last scottish government who care passionately about the welfare of this proud nation's people. In the preceding posts there is overwhelming consensus on that point. Contrast this with the lacklustre peformance of McConnell and his cronies over the previous several years, with the complacent snouts in the trough living off the backs of hard-working scots.
That incendiary was it? Not anodyne enough? Oh well, sorry.
Maybe it was the confrontational tone, but I quite enjoy arguing the toss with Labour, as I suspect the SNP have better things to do.
Cheers, brilliant powers of editorial cowardice.
Ahem...
Sincere apologies, didn't think you'd posted my comment. I stand humbly corrected and retract my last mail sheepishly...
For the record, really like Brian's blog, it is very fair and balanced.
Keep up the good work! There's a lot of nutters out there....
It befuddles me to understand why SLP has focused on the first 100 days facet? A huge political gaff...
It seems bizarre that they have come to the conclusion that pointing out any failures to delivery will result in some point scoring.
The SLP are so far off the mark that its a clear indication of just how out of touch they really are with the views, hopes and aspirations of the nation in general.
Did they or did they not have 50 years to engender the same sort of excitement, commitment, self assurance that this first rue Scottish Executive has done so far?
The labour party in Scotland is in a bitter and directionless state more interested in sniping at the good work done by the other parties than doing anything positive for the country.
Does this sound familiar..? Well it should... they had plenty of time to achieve a similiar feeling of well being.
I think parallels can be drawn between the state of the Labour party in Scotland to that of the Tory Party in England 10 years ago.
They have stagnated for years to a point where their policies and membership are not in line with the electorate or the country's requirements. The SLP have massive internal divisions and when you combine that with their continued negative bleating the SLP has been illuminated as the slow moving political dinosaur. This in a climate that requires a dynamic, flexible and responsive government that has tapped the mood of the nation.
Can't wait for the next 100 days..
What do the labour party expect? They have had 100days, so but 100days is nothing! SNP have done great so far by taking steps for the future, Labour wouldn't have even bothered.
Labour are bad losers, they can't see anything helping the country, all they do is challenge it in the hope that we might like them again.
What do the labour party expect? They have had 100days, but 100days is nothing! SNP have done great so far by taking steps for the future, Labour wouldn't have even bothered.
Labour are bad losers, they can't see anything helping the country, all they do is challenge it in the hope that we might like them again.
Agree United need a new striker ASAP, hopefully Levein will get someone in next week. Rumours of playing Wilkie up front tomorrow!
SNP for a free Scotland and a better government for Scotland. English can enjoy a Conservative party until a Labour brand name.
A new of Scottish Politics!!? A Refreshing change!!? Competent Leadership!!? WHAT!!! The new SNP executive has delivered nothing but rhyme and rhetoric, the worst parts of new politics. The populist and PR campaign has been well run, it is a pity they will be letting the country go to the dogs at the same time. I no more trust Salmond and his minions (lets face it about from Salmonds PR and the over commited swinney there are a clueless bunch.)with the country then i would Salmond with a Scotch Pie.
They have issued a bill on independence, that is it, only been planning it since the creation of the SNP. What a waste of 100 days, lets see how the waste their term in office. There are more serious issues then independence, don't get me wrong some issues the SNP come up with seem good, on the cover, it is the costing and implemtation where they fall down, shame!
And what about Labour's promise of what would happen in the first 100 days of an SNP government?
I seem to remember that they - and the hysterical "Scottish" press - suggested that Scotland would be visited by famine, plague and pestilence if the SNP were elected. Where are all the companies upping sticks and fleeing for the border? Where is the "constant conflict" with Westminster? (although Brown did his best to stir some up with his sulky refusal to acknowledge the new First Minister).
When the sky falls down and the firstborn of every family is visited by the angel of death, maybe I will take Labour's press releases seriously!
Perhsps Mr Salmond and his party should be judged not on election promises but on the commitment to the people they have been voted in to represent. This judgement could be made by Mr Salmond resigning his Westminster seat and putting in place legislation that would make it impossible to stand for or hold two public offices at the same time the current system is an affront to democracy. Perhaps Mr Salmond does not wish to put his and hsi party to thr test and anyn suport I may or may not have for his party will be judged more on this than some of the election promises wich are always looked on with a degree of sceptisism. The phrase "Live Cuddy and you'll get corn" sprimgs to mind.
So far some very easy decisions have ben made and some backed off from. Lets see the colour of thier mones before any judgement is made
I must admit I too am concerned about the lack of a striking partner for Noel Hunt.
I'm not sure of the political leanings of my fellow bloggers, but if the large majority of the pro / pro-ish Scottish Government commentary were reflected in a surprise first-past-the-post election called from Westminster, how many consituencies would potentially be turning purple? With Mr Brown's lead in the UK polls (which would suggest that David Cameron won't win), would this make Scots voters feel safe to register a protest against Gordon, knowing that the Tories won't win overall by default.
Alternatively, given Mr Brown has a majority of only 66 and has to rely on his 41 seats in Scotland, will he sit tight and not risk losing out.
What swing from the Scottish elections is required for a majority of SNP MPs in Scotland?
Interesting times!
Lets be honest here,in the first 100 days Mr Salmond has turned the new labour party a whiter shade of pale,one of the reasons why Wendy stood alone, was because the SNP had shot any other labour candidates down in flames in the first third of the 100 days,however i do agree with Brian,the big questions have still to be answered "LIKE"how will Mr Salmond re-act to the EU treaty,which will play a part in the infrastructure of Scotland,will he join his friend in west minster, on the EU issue or will he seek to have a collaborate strong voice from the Scottish parliament.????
If you accuse the SNP of populism then you are accusing them of doing what people want. If you oppose them then according to your own argument you are opposing the wishes of the public.
This is not just a clever piece of positioning by the SNP, it is the reason they have received so much good will in office - even from their die-hard opponents.
The SNP seem to be trying to achieve what the public wants.
The other politicians think that's wrong, they think they know better: fine let's see what will continue to happen at the ballot box if they continue to rule rather than serve the public
Some of these comments amaze me.
"Wow, look Brian, that doens't add up to 67! haha, point and laugh at the silly politicians!" Well done, you've attained the mathematical level of a 9 year old. Next, please.
I find the idea of judging any government, never mind a devolved government, in 100 days (particularly when a significant portion of these days fall into the summer recess) a bit of a waste of time. Especially for a party which has no previous governing experience. The impact of the first SNP-led Executive can only be judged after the four years.
Another thing is the number of people claiming majority approval of initiatives and an engaged nation. Where are you getting this information from? Despite the SNP victory at the election, you'll remember that turnout decreased. Again. The turnout at the 2011 election will be indicative as to whether this decline is a reflection of a nation fed up of Scottish Labour, the Scottish Parliament or politics in general. And I've yet to see "engaged" citizens taking to the streets of Glasgow, dancing in delight of the SNP's achievements. In fact, outside of the media, few talk about it. And I'm a politics student in Scotland.
The SNP have a lot of ambition, and Alex Salmond is clearly a very intelligent man, but whether they can deliver on any of their promises remains to be seen.
Congratulations to the Scottish press for giving the SNP a platform on which to stand and pat each other on the back, while publishing photos of Wendy Alexander attempting to catch flies.
Many comments about the SNP being a one man band. At least they have one, what have the Libs, Cons and Lab got? not a lot.
Keep up the good work SNP, you have brought a lot of pride back to the country but please get rid of Jack's only contribution; Scotland the Best Small Country in the World. Stick to basics.
Welcome to Scotland
As a Scot living in the US I am very exited about the new SNP government. It has started of with a bang and I hope it continues to do so, It is time the Scottish people are truly represented by their political party. England and the Labour government have always placed their main interests in the south, hopefully SNP will change that and move Scottish interests to the North,and listen for once to the Scottish people. A successful cottish Government means to finnaly have Scottish independence, and Scotland can be a free nation again.
I watched Wendy Alexander being interviewed on Newsnight Scotland earlier this week. She was asked a number of quite reasonable questions and treated very gently, I thought. Yet she answered not a single one of the questions, slithering off sideways every time. 100 days? Not in 100 years, if this is to be the new face of the opposition.
"We will immediately abolish prescription charges for people suffering from chronic illnesses". An SNP Election Manifesto pledge! So far - nothing. How immediate is immediate?.I contacted Nicola Sturgeon about it. She passed it to a Civil Servant, who replied as best he could with no information. Then I contacted Rob Gibson, who to his credit, has been bothering Ministers on the subject without getting anywhere. Alex Salmond would have been more credible had he honoured this pledge, instead of wasting his first 100 days on producing a White Paper on Independence - a subject on which he is heading for a good hiding!.
The thing that annoyed me more than anything in the first 100 days was when the SNP were outlining the proposals to scrap the 拢2000 graduate tax. The labour minister stood up and said "Aha! You said you would scrap all loans and replace them with grants!". It infuriated me because you can't seriously expect a government within the first 100 days of power to pass every single little thing they want to do. Parties are in power for 4 years for a reason...
Goodluck to the SNP... lets hope they carry on pushing forwards for further autonomy for Scotland til you all finally get your long awaited freedom. Maybe then England will be given a chance to breath and not be restricted and bullied by your Scottsh politicians in the British parliament!
Englisc Gylp!
Can't see much to complain about in the SNP's performance apart from the announcement they will double aid to Malawi - as we already provide aid via Westminster, I disagreed with Labour interfering on this issue - it should wait until we get Independence or not at all.
In addition there are many housing schemes in Scotland that could do with that money being spent on them -lets get our priorities right.
Lets get the Council Tax sorted out -that's why myself and many others voted for them - if they don't do that by the end of their term then .....
Re post no14,
Neil, it's not just MSp's who dont reply to email. I have written and emailed my(Labour)UK Parliamentary MP, asking for reasons for voting on particular issues. I have not yet had the courtesy of a reply. This is New Labour's way of engaging with the elctorate? No wonder people dont participate!!
Wasn't the "First 100 Days" idea originally FDR's rather than JFK's?
Agree with all you mention Brian. The lack of a new striker for Dundee United could cost them dear in the long run.
Good unbiased piece though. Not what I am used to. (Scotsman reader)
The pen is certainley mightier than the sword so keep scribbling Brian and keep it nuetral.
i agree with #29
SNP are finally giving us a government that is thinking about Scotland rather than the rest of the UK. isnt this the reason we have a Scottish Parliament??
Labour are going on about the white paper on independence being one of the only promises SNP have carried through with properly, but so what? that is one of the main reasons people would have voted them into government, so why shouldnt they get on to that firstly? "scottish" Labour (with a very small "s" ) are now attacking the SNP for carrying through with their main policy of their whole existence! the SNP was founded on the basis of gaining independence for Scotland, so of course they are going to get straight onto that the first time they get into power. Why would they let the chance slip?
labour are just proving with every public statement they make in the scottish (basically labour) press, that they are pathetic losers who cant handle the fact that they look like tits not being in government where they are in England and Wales. (hopefully plaid cymru get rid of them properly next time round!) god knows its going to get worse when their main voice is Wendy the mouth Alexander.
Good work SNP and i cant wait for the wheels to start moving faster towards freedom.
Personally i dont understand people who dont want to give independence a chance. Why should we sit back behind London (and i dont mean England, because there is alot of areas of England which are just as dominated by LOndon as Scotland is)and let them decide our global affairs, when there are countries in the world such as New Zealand, Ireland and Denmark (so similar to us in alot of ways.... land, population, resources) who have a voice at the top table and dont have to send their troops into illegal bloodbaths, and who get the money directly for their exports and natural energy!??
It seems that the LAbour party being in control for the last 10 years has rubbed off on alot of people. Are we all just negative wimps now?
I don't think the most important point has been noticed here. The SNP government doesn't have to do everything on time or be perfect in every way, righting wrongs with a magic wand. It merely has to be competent. Winning some, losing some but most importantly behaving in a respectable and statesmanlike manner.
If it achieves this over the next four years the unionist parties will have a very difficult time telling the Scottish people that they shouldn't vote for the separatist wreckers. They will have seen for themselves that those separatist wreckers are reasonable and competent and they will be able to deduce that some parties have been telling them porkies for years. This presumably is wee Ecks main policy and by it he hopes to gain an overall majority next time round.
Brian
Why is the Scottish government/Scottish Executive charging 拢10 for copies of the document on the national conversation? Its not an easy document to read on-line, printing it out will do as much damage to the environment as producing the published booklet and not everyone has access to computers. If this is a democracy and the conversation is supposed the public and be their decision, surely this should be a free document and available to pick up in libraries, schools, supermarkets, government buildings etc.
Why are they charging? And where's the money going - the public have surely paid for the production of the document in the first place.
Just wondering
When I hear the First Minister talk on behalf of the us, the Scottish people, I feel proud to be Scottish. Before I just felt invisible within the Union. Who cares how the figures stack up. Plenty other countries the same size as ours manage just fine independently.
Did the SNP mention anything about Mr Salmond becoming the King of Scotland in 100 days or was going to be announced after independence?
Hi,
On another topic I am amazed to see this story in the English based Times:
"Alexander鈥檚 husband 鈥榖acks鈥 independence"
Where Wendy Alexander's husband (Brian Ashcroft) is quoted as "making a case for independence."
Surprised that it hasn't been picked up by any Scottish Newspaper or the 成人快手 in Scotland - I mean he conducted his lecture in Edinburgh so how hard would it have been to track him down?
Cheers
Jason
Nationalist parties around the world have never done any good to their country except sown hatred towards their neighbours and anyone who does not agree with them.
SALMOND AND THE SNP ARE A WASTE OF SPACE.
Watch Scotland suffer the hype in taxes as the coffers run dry.
United we stand - Divided we fall!
Albert:
The SNP aren't an ethnic nationalist group. They're civic nationalists. The idea is that anyone who takes part in the nation (pays taxes, votes, etc) is part of the nation. If you don't understand the difference between Civic and Ethnic Nationalism, then I suggest that you do some investigating.
I find it rich that you claim that the only thing nationalist parties have done is "sown hatred towards their neighbours and anyone who does not agree with them" and then go on to call Alex Salmond and the SNP a waste of space. What is that but hatred?
#64.
After 100 days, we are not all starving and having every penny made by us taken in taxes.
The SNP are doing a great job. ome the General Election I hope to see tyhe number of labour MSP reduced in half and the number of SNP MPS increased.
See how the Labour MPs like it if they arnt a shoe in anymore because Scotland is changing for the better.