Consensus outbreak
Our common human vulnerability has a tendency to concentrate the mind.
And so it did during questions to the first minister.
The exchanges between Alex Salmond and Iain Gray sounded notably consensual. That is because they were exactly that.
The Labour leader rightly concluded that the customary political brawling would sound somewhat incongruous in the light of the heightened alert over swine flu.
So he approached the FM, offering to voice questions which would enable Mr Salmond to put up-to-date information in the public domain.
Reassurance and realism
The FM accepted the opportunity gratefully - noting repeatedly that Mr Gray's questions were "helpful". As, indeed, they were meant to be.
As has Nicola Sturgeon throughout, Mr Salmond generated the right blend of reassurance and realism.
He was able to break the happy news that the Askhams, the couple from Polmont who contracted the disease on honeymoon in Mexico, have been released from hospital.
However, he also stressed that Scotland had not by any means conquered the virus - but had rather "bought time" by swift and decisive action.
PS: Welcome your comments as ever. Would remind you, gently, that it is one of the house rules that responses should not stray from the particular topic on offer.
This is designed to ensure that, in the interests of all readers, there can be focused, substantive debate.
Over a prolonged period, it means that the broadest possible range of topics can be aired.
I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~04~RS~)
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The media has an important part to play in raising awareness in the public. However, when children are leaving our schools in tears because a fellow pupil is suspected of having flu then the level of hysteria has been cranked up far too much, in my opinion. There really is no need, at this stage, to be scaring the public to such an extent.
Brian - admire your PS, let's hope it doesn't fall on deaf ears ;-)
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brian - today's FMQ's actually showed the Scottish Parliament at it's best.
the ability of grown up adults to agree when agreement is indeed the best policy for the people of Scotland right now. full marks to gray & salmond for working out that today was not the time to slag each other of and prove that consensus is definitely the way to move forward.
A mighty difference between Holyrood and Westminster!
I would have Holyrood every time
Sid
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Brian,
A refreshing change indeed at FMQ's today. Messrs Gray and Salmond are to be applauded.
Personally, I'm also a wee bit glad that Tavish rumbled things up a bit towards the end. We still need a bit of theatre to get the juices flowing.
Re your advice / warning about staying on topic:-
You must realise that a thread will meander and take on a life of its own. Particularly when many hundreds of comments in length and several days old. Events still occur, and people want to debate them.
Best way to keep on topic is for you to refresh your entry regularly, but given your Devolution documentary time commitments I expect the length of threads will be increasing.
I'll try to be good and stay on topic though.
Swine Flu :- I'm agin it! What say the rest of you?
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"PS: Welcome your comments as ever. Would remind you, gently, that it is one of the house rules that responses should not stray from the particular topic on offer.
This is designed to ensure that, in the interests of all readers, there can be focused, substantive debate.
Over a prolonged period, it means that the broadest possible range of topics can be aired."
The topic is swine flu, or is it Iain Gray's apparent suggestion that 'political brawling' be suspended. Is it the Scottish government's swift and decisive action?
Any attempts at coralling discussion will be viewed by many as parameters being dictated. This may lead to comments by other posters (that draw attention to stories that, for whatever reason, fail to appear in Scotland) being removed.
Can commenting on the 'PS' itself (as I am doing now) be construed as being 'off topic'?
Whatever the view, it is clear that censorship is being alluded to - not healthy !!
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It seems a suitable tone and temper has been set at Holyrood by swine flu.
Let us hope that other topics of national interest can aslso be discussed without the tit-for-tat tenor.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/8026700.stm
Still no mention as to why Labour Bannockburn councillor had to go in the first place (at least on the beeb).
dear_wendy #3, I'm agin "swine" (human/bird/swine) flu too! Well thats that debate pretty much had.
PS - blether?(ble·ther) Dialect, chiefly Scot. ~n.?1. a person who chatters incessantly, someone who babbles on and on ("That wee yin o' yours is an awfy blether gettin'").?~v.?2. to engage in conversation, long-winded or idle talk (as in "Ah met yer granny doon the toun, we had a richt gud blether the gither"). [See also sweetie-wife]
http://literalbarrage.org/blog/archives/2005/01/27/your-scottish-slang-word-o-the-day-blether/
Sharp, short, on-topic conversations? Simply ain't a proper "blether".
Brian, this could potentially hurt your blog, your readers/contributors could drop down in to the Douglas Fraser range if this on-topic stuff is going to be rigorously enforced.
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Harmony is always to be applauded, but lets be realistic. What we are faced with here is an act of God which has not arisen as a result of a particular policy or political decision. It demands and is receiving a straightforward response dictated by medical professionals rather than politicians. There is therefore nothing (yet at any rate) for the politicians to argue over and indeed to do so would only reflect very badly upon themselves – see for instance Lord Foulkes extraordinary claim that the First Minister made an official statement on the recent helicopter tragedy in order to upstage the G20 summit!
In that respect therefore the dignified consensus at Holyrood was as predictable as it was appropriate and sadly likely to be all too temporary, unless of course those concerned find that they rather like conducting business without first working themselves up into a ritual hatred of the other lot.
Unfortunately flying pigs, infected or otherwise, are probably more likely
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Can anyone possibly give me a link to watch FMQ please?
With regards to the PS message .....
I visit this form for different reasons.
It's not necessary because of the subject. The reason I keep coming back is because of the added political information and links users kindly post.
Like today, the topic yesterday was swine flue, if the BBC only printed posts on swine flu there would be hardly anything to read. The blog would have ended after a few posts!
At the end of the day it is politics and it is impossible to separate things out as we need to look at the bigger picture and our political history.
Please don't push the posters away or there will be nothing left. That would be an awful shame Brian.
I commend our First Minister, Alex Salmond and his team for the excellent handling of the swine flu.
The Scottish Governments use of YouTube to get the swine flu message out to the public was extremely professional.
A good lesson for Labours Iain Gray & his boss!
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This type of exchange shows that politics need not be the petty point socring exercise that FMQ's normally is. It is a pity that it takes a crisis to get politicians to behave in a more civilised way and do what they are paid to do, serve those who elected them.
Re sticking to the subject of the blog, debates should be allowed to wander into areas of interest as they wish. Free speech is an important principle. However it won't take long for this blog to consider the usual fare.
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Someone emailed the Today programme this morning because they'd been trying to call the Swine Flu hot line and all they got was crackling.
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#7.Caledonian54
"What we are faced with here is an act of God which has not arisen as a result of a particular policy or political decision."
What has a myth got to do with Flu? Pigs are very close to humans and we are all members of the animal kingdom the only difference, other than shape and form being that we "think" that we are more intelligent. The flu virus will mutate and cross borders as that is how they survive and evolve as does many fungi and there intended victims will build up there natural immune systems over time not by divine intervention.
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#10. Wee-Scamp
I've just cracked a spare rib laughing, trotting of now.
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Consensus is fine now and again.
Now that I'm safely on topic, Brian, if those are the house rules, then the house rules are an ass. I suspect we've simply been deemed to be imposing too heavy a burden on the mods with all our bletherings. Why do you suddenly object after so many months of blogging?
You must realise that your blog doubles as a discussion of the topic in hand, as well as a general commentary on current politics as it affects Scotland. If you remove the second of those elements you'll remove a great many of your posters. The reality is that events move quickly and people will want to discuss the latest news.
#10 and #12 It's the aporkalypse!
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#11 my reference to an "Act of God" was simply a turn of phrase Dear Boy - the point being that the current situation is not an outcome of any government action or inaction, idealogy (or religion come to that). Consequently our elected representatives have nothing to argue over or blame each other for and therefore have no alternative but to be nice to each other
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I note that Alan Cochrane has not joined in the spirit of consensus over at the Telegraph. I wouldn't have thought it possible but his article actually deteriorates after his opening words of "Thank God for Tavish Scott". Truly Cochrane is a modern-day McGonagall.
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well, human peace is always applauded by most people in the world. and the media play a great important role in the world's peace.
wish the world all in peace!
http://www.trade9shoes.com
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Annabel Goldie still managed to look fierce today as she tried to lift the level 5 to a level 6. I understand that she would probably love to shut down football stadiums but maybe she was just trying induce a little panic to the situation.
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It's only the Flu nae the Black Death.
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"The Labour leader rightly concluded that the customary political brawling would sound somewhat incongruous"
Normal Labour Party propaganda service is resumed with this transparent attempt to attribute Gray with statesmanlike qualities.
Apparently we're also supposed to believe Gray's blessed with the ability to predict the future.
How did he know the "customary political brawling" would take place?
A real statesman doesn't make patronising assumptions like that.
So much for his silly attempt to claim the high ground on an issue ove whihc he has no direct power to influence.
I also note the BBC's attempt to stifle free speech by limiting people to the Labour Party propaganda topics they deem important enough to mention.
If the BBC didn't ignore the topics of actual concern to the Scottish people then people wouldn't have to raise "off topic" matters.
Anyone would think it's costing them time or money to allow posts on a wider range of topics. Even if it is - it's our money.
I don't need the BBC to tell me what topics to talk about and I for one will ignore their "rule".
I can feel a new moderating rule coming on: "this post was removed because it is off topic".
Can there be any doubt left whatsoever that we have finally reached Orwell's dystopia?
If this is what Scots are prepared to put up with this nonsense then they deserve everything they get.
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While I'm (still) here let me say that the BBC's new "on topic" rule is just the latest proof - if any was needed - that the Unionists are in retreat. They're losing the argument.
So, no matter what orders the BBC is under to try and stifle free speech in Scotland, they will ultimately fail.
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Consensus is indeed, a fine thing now and again (on topic).
I repeat my question of previous blogs: why can't the BBC - a so-called "public" broadcaster - allow a true reflection of a cross section of Scottish political opinion by allowing the public to write their own articles on political topics of their own choosing, with the public free to comment and rate those articles according to their choice?
This is already a reality on the BBC Sport website so why not politics? Or are we to be patronised with this insistence of the BBC to be the censor of what is and is not a suitable topic for political debate? Is is not enough that this apology for political coverage is already pre-moderated on the same basis as those of Children's BBC? It's obvious the sole reason for this is they just can't stand the pro-independence posters here wiping the floor with the distortions and untruths of the Unionist rump.
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I hope I catch the Swine Flu... I could do with a week off work *;o)
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This is a political blog, so it is reasonable to address only political issues, not medical ones - except in so far as there is a political dimension.
This early in a pandemic it would not be either reasonable or sensible for any political leader to attack the Government - since any such attack would be scaremongering and speculative. All the evidence so far is that the medical authorities are taking the appropriate measures.
Salmond and Sturgeon have made the sensible comments that are required from any Government ministers in a situation like this where the media often feed fear rather than reassure.
Re Brian's PS - It has always been a House Rule that posts should be "on topic". I'm happy to comply with the basic premise that any of Brian's posts concern Scottish politics and that, therefore, any political posting is "on topic".
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Brownedov - if you're reading: isn't consensus a wonderful thinbg? (On topic)
Please don't let the BBC's brazen attempt to stifle free speech stop you from posting the many useful and informative news references and links you have been providing for months. I have relied on your posts almost exclusively for genuine information on the Scottish political scene, simply because it isnt' to be found anywhere else in the so-called "Scottish" media.
If it wasn't for you, half the really important political topics that the BBC consistently ignore would get no public airing whatsoever. You've proved even with a budget of "zero" (no pun intended) you can do a better job of Scottish political coverage than the BBC's over-paid "professionals" - and you're not even in the country! Bravo!
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Greenockboy - just read your #4 and couldn't agree more.
What is the "topic"?
Swine flu or Iain Gray's "statesmanlike" suggestion of "consensus"?
Both appera to me to be equally valid points of discussion for an atricle headline "Consensus outbreak".
The BBC is now trying to have it's cake and eat it.
Write articles purporting to be about matters of serious political import to the Scottish people whilst slipping in their obvious pro-Labour propaganda, but stilfing any comment on the latter.
Totally unacceptable.
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Before we all get too dismissive of the "Swine" Flu; it is worth mentioning the last ocassion Swine-Human-Bird strains were thought to come together and allow Human to Human spread was 1918 in the "Spanish" Flu, it killed somewhere between 30-50 million and infected around 1/3 of the global population. Healthcare has improved markedly in the intervening years of course.
By all means lets hope this blows over and we are laughing at how panicked we all were a matter of weeks/months ago shortly, but its not over yet - and flu season wont be kicking in in the northern hemisphere again until autumn. So this could be with us for some time.
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I've not yet seen the exchanges at Holyrood so can't comment.
That "gentle" PS felt like a telling off. I'm not impressed. On a previous blog our comments were described thus; "as ever, very welcome", and the next we are being admonished for straying "off topic". The way in which these threads take a life of their own has been happening for as long as I have been posting here so this warning seems a little late in the day and inappropriate considering how illuminating many of these discussions become. Considering Scotland has far less than 10% of the blogs on here when we constitute apx 10% of the BBC licence fee then I think we should be indulged. And if this is to do with moderators discomfitted by our input then why not do as we've continually requested and make this a reactively-moderated blog only.
Lastly, the new Blog lay-out is very cumbersome to use. It requires me to scroll in a way I haven't had to do since the late 90s. The lack of contrasting colours and bold type to define and give context to areas more clearly, the inability to move seamlessly to a second page once it's 500+ comments and having to scroll to the bottom for a topic listing is all ergonomically very poor. I think the font type is improved but again text and title are too similar to each other.
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Iain Gray "approached the FM, offering to voice questions which would enable Mr. Salmond to put up-to-date information in the public domain". Forgive me for being cynical, but sure as heck he did in order to keep the FM away from the subject of last week's YouGov poll showing the dire straits that Mr. Gray and his party are in.
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Brian's PS is of course "0n topic". Why did he add it? Was it his personal choice to limit discussion? - seems unlikely. Was it dictated by the BBC bosses? - possibly, but then such a PS would have also appeared on the other political blogs.
The most likely scenario seems to be that he is warning us that the Beeb needs to cut costs of moderation - are too scared to allow reactive moderation on political blogs (what would be the Govt reaction?), so will use any excuse to cut the number of comments - just look at the number of threads on other blogs which are suddenly "closed to further comments".
Is it co-incidence that both BT and Mardell have announced that they will be posting less often due to other commitments? - Again seems unlikely. How much time does it take either of these experienced journalists to write a few words on a current issue?
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#29 oldnat
"such a PS would have also appeared on the other political blogs"
Not necessarily. The other political blogs don't see the same level of successful argument against the Unionist government, which is what this BBC "rule" is really designed to stop.
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Call the leaders: Tavish Scott
"Over to you" quote BT will be on Scotland at ten shortly.
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#26 Patty, Quote "By all means lets hope this blows over and we are laughing at how panicked we all were a matter of weeks/months ago shortly"
... speak for yourself, I personally, do not fall for all this media 'Princess Diana' style mass hysteria. Check my post #22 and rochcarlie's post #18. *;o)
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Ps. I thought Brian Taylor was busy making a rockumentry about "funky deva-lution" or something to have the time to post? Seems to me a bit rich to dictate which are or are not "the issues of importance to the people of scotland!"... in any event, the Taylor 'Topics' seem to be coming thick and fast!
Brian... your comment is censorship. My advice is that you post what you want and we post what we want. End of story *;o)
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#32, still think your being overly dismissive ... posts 22 and 18, were exactly what I was talking about, but I don't want to make a big deal out of this.
Truth is we wait and shall see how in turns out. If human to human spread starts outside of Mexico City and the surrounding area then the world has serious problems.
Right now, it looks as though it may not kill many in the west/north, as it appears standard flu drugs are fairly effective. If it were to get to areas of Africa or poorer areas in Asia however ... the toll could be of quite a different magnitude.
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Patty, the world does not have serious problems.
It's only Flu. Have you ever had Flu? I have had it twice (Ps. Dont mistake it for the common cold). Flu Lasts about two weeks and lays you up pretty bad. The last time I had it, I lost about a stone in weight over the fortnight... but I never felt like I was going to die. Yes, old people, infants and those with general poor health should take precautions. But personally if I were to catch it, I am absolutely in no doubt that I will easily ride it out.
Also do not forget that people now and medical facilities to fight Flu are far advanced from nearly 100 years ago when 40 odd million died from the disease. That level of death has ZERO chance of ever happening again. The WHO are simply covering their backsides by declaring this as a possibility and the media are excitedly reporting the story (that's what they do!)
And as for taking their Flu drugs, If I contracted the disease, it would be a week or so in bed with a paracetamol and a bottle of l'ucozade (Mods - appostrophy added to prevent advertising *;o)
Sleep well all and dream nice dreams, nothing to worry about.
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Your definately being overly dismissive now. Had garden variety flu your talking about when I was small.
Interesting thing with this strain is it is the 20-40 age bracket (with healthy immune systems - which may over-react flooding their lungs) that are at most risk. That is why citing 1918 is relevant - unlike say 57 Asian Flu (killed "only" 2 million) or 68 (killed "only" just under 1 million), which largely targetted the groups you mention.
Chances are alot of people are going to die, they may be overwhelmingly in far away countries of which we know nothing ... but all the same: don't hope for a week off that way!
This may turn out to be "nothing" (only a handful of deaths) in developed countries, but death toll elsewhere could yet be significant.
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The BBC are tightening up on their blogs generally at the moment and not just political ones. BBC Scotland closed off most of their messageboards two years ago and have just announced that their last remaining messageboard for "Rivercity" will close 14th May. Okay RC may not be important but hey the BBC have about 7 messageboards for em the Archers? BBC Scotland obviously are not funded by the Scottish taxpayer but by BBC London.
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