Question Time

[Porty]

I am interested to hear what it was actually like to be there, perhaps Skeely will oblige? I really enjoy question time and try not to miss it. However, last night it was from Scotland and I can't recall an occasion when I felt more embarrassed to be scottish. What a second rate panel it was. Who basically did not want to get substantial on this issues facing Scotland and its people.

There was an Asian fellow , a comedian, whose name escapes me, I had seen him before and thought he was ok, intelligent and perceptive. He obviously sinks to the level around him. Last night he went for the milking of the crowd with popular nonsense and what I thought was a faked heavy glaswegian accent, at times. There is a long line of vacuous politician; David Cameron and Michael Howared spring to mind but Alex Salmond is a challenger. Neither himself or his party have a deliverable, economically sound policy. It worries me that many people seem to believe iin them.

[Sandra]

It was dreadful, we watched for about 10 minutes and then switched off

[Dadaist]

Two of my friends were at a taping (this was last year) of Question Time and they told an interesting story about continuity.

Before the "live" show is recorded they have banter between the audience and the panel where questions are asked and answers given - but the continuity people are on hand and are paranoid about people from the audience not mentioning answers to questions given during this segment - because once the programme is edited, things could slip into the discussion which the viewing public hadn't seen, and hence make sense to the studio audience and panel but not us.

During the show they recorded that my friends were at, something did slip in - not sure if someone did it on purpose or just forgot though.

Also, one of the guys I knew had a funny question for the end but didn't get asked to ask it. I'll have to ask him what it was.

[Skeely]

I am interested to hear what it was actually like to be there, perhaps Skeely will oblige?

Happy to, although maybe not in one long post - I've got a toddler on my knee right now.

I was vetted by phone before the recording - asked about my views on Iraq pull-out, and asked who I would vote for in the next general election. They want to be sure they have a representative mix.

When we arrived, we wrote out our 2 questions on cards, and Dimbleby came through to chat to us. After a 20 minute wait, we went through to the theatre for the warm-up as Dadaist describes. The people who's questions are chosen are picked out, and you saw the rest - no editing as far as I can tell. The first question was interesting though, I got the impression that the questioner didn't read the question he had submitted on his card. I don't understand why McConnell won't appear on a panel with a Lib-dem.

I'll try to post more later…

[Porty]

They want to be sure they have a representative mix.

Seemed to me to be a large quota of SNP followers, maybe they just made more noise. What did you think of the quality of the debate?

Dimbleby had to intervene like a headmaster.

[Skeely]

I agree that the quality of debate was pretty poor. Salmond came out of it well though, and having Hardeep on his side was a huge bonus. Angus Robertson (an old pal of my brother) described it as a "slam-dunk". We had a wee chat with Salmond after the show, who seemed pretty happy with it. No wonder really - the phrase "shooting fish in a barrel" springs to mind.

[Porty]

. No wonder really - the phrase "shooting fish in a barrel" springs to mind.

Yeah, he is an accomplished cheap-shot taker. He reminds me of the Emperor with no clothes. Slam-Dunk is right for the sound-bite takers.

Although it irks me to say it Goldie cam out best of a bad bunch. Won't do her much good tho.

[Pal of Porty]

It was dreadful, we watched for about 10 minutes and then switched off

Snap

[ali]

Porty
I didn't see the program but that's about 7 or 8 cheap shots you've just had at the SNP and/or Alex Salmond. You must be really worried. What are you scared of?

If you think that the Scottish Executive or London Labour are the economic saviours of Scotland then you are the one wearing the emperor's new clothes - Scotland has consistently had the a lower rate of economic growth than the rest of the UK and has the lowest rate in western Europe. Plus we have our appalling health statistics.

I can remember when you were a cheerleader for the Labour Party and Tony Blair on this forum - we don't hear much from you about them now do we? Yesterday's men.

I along with many others believe that its time that we started to hold our heads up and have a little bit of dignity about ourselves again - and listening to Blair and his pals telling us that we are too wee, too stupid or too poor to run our own affairs is just what we need to hear as our minds turn to the election. Bring it on!!!!!

[Porty]

Porty
I didn't see the program but that's about 7 or 8 cheap shots you've just had at the SNP and/or Alex Salmond. You must be really worried. What are you scared of?

Independence. In fact I'm terrified. I'm more terfified by the thought of the SNP running Scotland.

A cheap shot is not when one accuses a politician of having no deliverable or economically sound policy (ies). Unless of course a substantive counter argiment is put forwrad. I'd be happy to hear yours.

[gilo]

[quote="PortyIndependence. In fact I'm terrified. [/quote]

So since devolution, which aspects of devolved government have been run worse than when westminster and the scottish office were in charge?

[Dadaist]

I used to really like Alex Salmond til I found out what he was like.

My mate does lights at a venue and was mic-ing up Alex and giving him his cue to go on.

"Is there water on the podium?" says Alex

My friend didn't know.

"There'd better be" says Alex

[Porty]

I along with many others believe that its time that we started to hold our heads up and have a little bit of dignity about ourselves again -

Hahahahahahahahaha...... and you think Salmond will deliver dignity? Why not watch the programme on teleport?

PS: I was never a cheerleader for Blair. There is strong evidence that him and New Labour have done a good job with the overall economy, health, education, crime and poverty in fact its irrefutable. Not perfect but a huge improvement. Unfortunately he/they made a big mistake in Iraq or so it seems at the moment. As a result it colours what else has been achieved.

As for being yesterday's men, there is no doubt about that. However, they are also today's men and women. They are liable to be tomorrow's too. There are no serious contenders just the ocassional cheap-shot jokester who can mock relentlessly but doesnt have a Scooby. Scooby No Policies.

I am gobsmacked at your apparent insinuation that New Labour is responsible for the endemic health issues we experience in Scotland.

[Porty]

Independence. In fact I'm terrified.

So since devolution, which aspects of devolved government have been run worse than when westminster and the scottish office were in charge?

I don't feel the same way about devolvement as I do about independence. And I can't think of any aspects that have been more poory managed, although there may well be some.

Devolvement is a mangement concept, Independence requires ultimate responsibility, including economic stability and success. If Scotland were a start up company with no access to subsidies, in their various forms then we would be dead in the water, economically speaking. So I believe we can be good micro and macro managers but we simply don't have the resources to stand alone.

Neither the SNP or anyone else could map a credible path to Scotland's indpendent economic success. That is what I'm scared off.

Apart from that, doesn't the paucity of political "talent" we have here in Scotland concern you?

[Skeely]

doesn't the paucity of political "talent" we have here in Scotland concern you?

Not me. Most of it is in London at the moment, where the real politics goes on. That'll change.

[Porty]

Not me. Most of it is in London at the moment, where the real politics goes on. That'll change.

What do you base the anticipated change on and what's your estimated timescale for the transformation?

[gilo]

Independence requires ultimate responsibility, including economic stability and success. If Scotland were a start up company with no access to subsidies, in their various forms then we would be dead in the water, economically speaking.

I understand what you are saying but I've got problems with this. Firstly it has a very adolescent feel to it, the parental safety net of the English. I don't think it encourages a healthy national psyche. and think about the ethics of it, being bailed out and subsidised if needed. (Cue North Sea Oil debate!).

I think it less risky than you do. Firstly there is the euro for economic stability. Secondly a small economy can and should be far better placed to respond to demand and is much easier to regulate. I think bringing democracy closer to people will encourage participation and involvement. But crucially there is a chance to make Scotland a better place to live.

Check out the latest Unicef report that rates the UK the worst developed country to grow up in. 21st out of 21 countries studied. The best? Holland, followed by Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Small countries, small economies providing the best outcomes. I don't see why Scotland can't do the same.

I thank you.

[Skeely]

Not me. Most of it is in London at the moment, where the real politics goes on. That'll change.

What do you base the anticipated change on and what's your estimated timescale for the transformation?

It'll change if Scotland gains independence. Immediately, I would have thought.

[Porty]

I don't see why Scotland can't do the same.

However, do you have a blueprint or maybe even an inkling of how we can achieve small economy success?

The UNICEF report was an eye opener and I woud not challenge the content nor deny the deire to improve it. However, waving a bad report and saying "see this is not working" is not the same thing as having a solution. You say independence gives us a chance of making Scotland a better place to live. I guess we differ on how big the gamble is.

[Porty]

Not me. Most of it is in London at the moment, where the real politics goes on. That'll change.

What do you base the anticipated change on and what's your estimated timescale for the transformation?

It'll change if Scotland gains independence. Immediately, I would have thought.

What? We suddenly get brilliant economic minds, innovatie policy makers, first class mangers and a coalition government that will deliver those wonderful policies.

I

[ali]

.................... I guess we differ on how big the gamble is.

It is a gamble....but I'll take that rather than get dragged in to an illegal war again. Can you name any country in the developed world which has suffered from gaining independence???????? I'm with Gilo here.

And as a local businessman and entrepreneur why are you so afraid to gamble?

Nobody including the SNP is saying that all our problems will disappear overnight but independence will give people back some pride and dignity and we won't have to suffer any more of that awful lanarkshire mafia toon cooncillor municipal numpty-ism (at this point just fix Hugh Henry's miserable fizzog in yer mind ) which is all that Labour has to offer in Scotland.

[ali]

I used to really like Alex Salmond til I found out what he was like.

My mate does lights at a venue and was mic-ing up Alex and giving him his cue to go on.

"Is there water on the podium?" says Alex

My friend didn't know.

"There'd better be" says Alex

What's your point?
Why didn't your mate know if there was water?
Who's job was it?
Why should Eck have to go on to a public podium without water ?
Are you objecting to his tone?
Did your mate feel threatened?
Do you think he was rude to expect a glass of water to be provided?

Personally I admire Eck's attention to detail, his vision and his managerial skills - he had thought ahead about the need for water, identified someone who may or may not have been responsible and left them in no doubt that the consequences of the non-provision of that water might be unpleasant - of course I would also imagine that Mr Salmond delivered the "There'd better be!" line with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips, didn't he.

If you really believe that you "found out what he was like" through this story then you should think again. It was a nice try at character assassination all wrapped up in a neat little anecdote, Dada. Better luck next time.

[Porty]

.................... I guess we differ on how big the gamble is.

It is a gamble....but I'll take that rather than get dragged in to an illegal war again.

Are you saying that if England, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed to support the USA invasion of Iraq, the Scottish people would have stood alone against it? On what basis do you make that assertion? Alex Salmond et al have created the delusion that Scotland would have deferred from invading Iraq ,it is based in fantasy.

And as a local businessman and entrepreneur why are you so afraid to gamble?

I would have thought that was obvious, the odds are stacked massively against success. (I'm a bit baffled by your "local" reference)

[Porty]

Can you name any country in the developed world which has suffered from gaining independence???????? I'm with Gilo here.

With all Scotland's problems we are still a key part of what is the 5th or 6th strongest and best performing economy in the world. The SNP don't have a representative in either London or Edinburgh that has managed a sizeable government department. They have never had anything like a majority or even the biggest vote. What position do you think we will end up?

[ali]

Can you name any country in the developed world which has suffered from gaining independence???????? I'm with Gilo here.

With all Scotland's problems we are still a key part of what is the 5th or 6th strongest and best performing economy in the world.

Key? You mean we get to provide a home for warheads that would take out the central belt if there was an accident? You didn't answer my question.

The SNP don't have a representative in either London or Edinburgh that has managed a sizeable government department. They have never had anything like a majority or even the biggest vote.

They used to say that about the Labour Party. Its not an argument against anything.

What position do you think we will end up?

Don't know what you're getting at........??? Do you want to rephrase that so it makes sense?

[ali]

Are you saying that if England, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed to support the USA invasion of Iraq, the Scottish people would have stood alone against it? On what basis do you make that assertion? Alex Salmond et al have created the delusion that Scotland would have deferred from invading Iraq ,it is based in fantasy.

We would have been in good company with most of the rest of Europe.

And as a local businessman and entrepreneur why are you so afraid to gamble?

I would have thought that was obvious, the odds are stacked massively against success. (I'm a bit baffled by your "local" reference)

There's nothing obvious about it. I'll ask you again. Name one country which has failed to make a success of independence?

You are local aren't you?? You have built several successful businesses. Why can't you see the opportunities independence would bring? Or are you too wee, too stupid, too feart??

What is it that you see in the Scottish people's character that makes you think that the odds are uniquely stacked against us?

[aileenandfearghal]

As a relative outsider (N.Irish living in Scotland) I'm interested in the debate surrounding Scottish independence, but I can not stand listening to/watching a member of the SNP.

Politicians in general can be pretty painful to listen to, but there's something about Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon (in particular) which has me leaping across the room to grab the remote control. I can't quite put my finger on what it is about them that repels me, and I'm afraid to even try to explain it for fear of the inevitable reprisals.

I used to love watching Question Time when I was 16/17, but I've now given up. It got to the stage where I had to the TV on mute for longer than I had the volume on. I can only tolerate so many pointless soundbites and stupid comments from the audience.

Rant over.

F

[ali]

As a relative outsider (N.Irish living in Scotland) I'm interested in the debate surrounding Scottish independence, but I can not stand listening to/watching a member of the SNP.

Politicians in general can be pretty painful to listen to, but there's something about Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon (in particular) which has me leaping across the room to grab the remote control. I can't quite put my finger on what it is about them that repels me, and I'm afraid to even try to explain it for fear of the inevitable reprisals.

I used to love watching Question Time when I was 16/17, but I've now given up. It got to the stage where I had to the TV on mute for longer than I had the volume on. I can only tolerate so many pointless soundbites and stupid comments from the audience.

Rant over.

F

Feargal

I agree with you about Alex and Nicola. I can see exactly what it is about them that turns people off but you have to look behind the personalities. The arguments that support independence are powerful enough in themselves.

I sometimes think that people assume that if the SNP won independence for Scotland that they would be in charge for ever. The first Scottish General Election in an independent Scotland would certainly be an interesting fight. Especially when you consider that the UK Labour party would have to re-configure itself to reflect the changes.......

[Dadaist]

I used to really like Alex Salmond til I found out what he was like.

My mate does lights at a venue and was mic-ing up Alex and giving him his cue to go on.

"Is there water on the podium?" says Alex

My friend didn't know.

"There'd better be" says Alex

What's your point?
Why didn't your mate know if there was water?
Who's job was it?
Why should Eck have to go on to a public podium without water ?
Are you objecting to his tone?
Did your mate feel threatened?
Do you think he was rude to expect a glass of water to be provided?

Personally I admire Eck's attention to detail, his vision and his managerial skills - he had thought ahead about the need for water, identified someone who may or may not have been responsible and left them in no doubt that the consequences of the non-provision of that water might be unpleasant - of course I would also imagine that Mr Salmond delivered the "There'd better be!" line with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips, didn't he.

If you really believe that you "found out what he was like" through this story then you should think again. It was a nice try at character assassination all wrapped up in a neat little anecdote, Dada. Better luck next time.

No, I was just being honest about how my opinion of him changed after my mate related how rude he was to him.

[bearcub]

Although it irks me to say it Goldie cam out best of a bad bunch. Won't do her much good tho.

Thought the exact opposite of her, she seemed out of her depth - even at this shallow end of politics - and gave the impression of a person not comfortable being the leader of a political party.

Hardeep was the only one that I thought came out of it with any credit! Salmond looked smug throughout, and used the show to score points instead of answering any questions. Foulkes looked like what he was, a stand-in. And Nicol Stephens.....who?

I'm an SNP (well, just independence first really) voter, but I just think Salmond goes OTT on the sound-bites.

All-in-all, thought (regretably) that the show was a poor advert for Scottish politicians.

[bearcub]

Independence. In fact I'm terrified. I'm more terfified by the thought of the SNP running Scotland.

Which they, in all likelihood, wouldn't for long once Scotland became Independent......but I think we had this argument before, and a very drunken one at that, at the last POL night!

[bearcub]

What? We suddenly get brilliant economic minds, innovatie policy makers, first class mangers and a coalition government that will deliver those wonderful policies.

No, we get people who no longer have a "safety-net" to fall back on, which in itself limits ambition/ideas. Think/fight for yourself, and I think you'd be surprised about what all people, never mind Scots, can accomplish.

"We're not big/clever/strong enough" is just negative thinking and, to me, an insult to Scots.

[Sandra]

I used to really like Alex Salmond til I found out what he was like.

My mate does lights at a venue and was mic-ing up Alex and giving him his cue to go on.

"Is there water on the podium?" says Alex

My friend didn't know.

"There'd better be" says Alex

What's your point?
Why didn't your mate know if there was water?
Who's job was it?
Why should Eck have to go on to a public podium without water ?
Are you objecting to his tone?
Did your mate feel threatened?
Do you think he was rude to expect a glass of water to be provided?

Personally I admire Eck's attention to detail, his vision and his managerial skills - he had thought ahead about the need for water, identified someone who may or may not have been responsible and left them in no doubt that the consequences of the non-provision of that water might be unpleasant - of course I would also imagine that Mr Salmond delivered the "There'd better be!" line with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips, didn't he.

If you really believe that you "found out what he was like" through this story then you should think again. It was a nice try at character assassination all wrapped up in a neat little anecdote, Dada. Better luck next time.

No, I was just being honest about how my opinion of him changed after my mate related how rude he was to him.

I agree with this Dadaist, your opinion on someone can totally change in the way they are towards you.

[Maria]

I too gave up watching the programme though I lasted slightly longer than PoP and Sandra's 10 mins.

Regarding Scottish Independence, it seems to me that Scotland often defines itself as a country by its people's common antipathy towards its neighbour, England, rather than a sense of a united nation within our own borders. Last Friday, I was in a pub in Thistle Street and on the table was a printed leaflet one of the guys had found in the men's toilet. It was full of vitriol against 'the English' , contained the old 1970's claim that it is 'Scotland's oil', promoted violence against 'the English' and was illustrated with a paramilitary style picture of raised, crossed arms holding sub-machine guns. The group responsible had a Gaelic name which I can't recall, however, it is this ability to appeal to the lowest common denominator and lay all our woes at the feet of the Westminster Parliament that, for me, sums up the SNP.

If the SNP get their way and gain an Independent Scotland - though it seems unlikely as Alex Salmond has recently back pedalled on holding a referendum on Independence, even if the SNP do gain the votes needed to form the governing party in Scotland at the next elections - then whom shall we blame for our woes?

Will Edinburgers blame Weegies for costing the Scottish Health Service too much because of their unhealthy lifestyles? Will we be happy to subsidise the travel and work of the teuchtars in the Western Isles because they choose to live in a sparsely populated area out-with the central belt? Will it become compulsory to speak Gaelic and learn Scottish Country dancing? Will Celtic and Rangers fans bury the sectarian hatchet and unite in a shiny new Republic of Scotland? Will it even be a Republic? Will Ali stop being the forum grump?

[Dadaist]

It's Cornish independence that scares me. The thought of a border between me and a cream tea in Polperro is enough to make me want to send in the SAS.