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Salmond hits back at fresh attack over Trump role

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Salmond faces Trump questions: Clips from the government committee meeting held to discuss the turning down of Donald Trump's golf resort plans. Copywright SPCB 2008

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Published Date: 17 January 2008
By HAMISH MACDONELL
A DEFIANT Alex Salmond insisted yesterday he had not used his position as First Minister to influence the Scottish Government's approach to the Donald Trump golf development in Aberdeenshire.
But the furore over the controversial complex escalated again last night when an influential Labour committee convener said he would be "astonished" if the application was rejected by ministers now.

Mr Salmond has been at the centre of a political storm over the proposed £1 billion development ever since ministers decided to call in the application last month, giving the Scottish Government the final say on whether it will go ahead.

The First Minister is the constituency MSP for Gordon, where the development would be based, and yesterday he admitted having supported the scheme in the run-up to last year's election.

But under intense questioning from opposition MSPs, Mr Salmond insisted everything he had done in relation to the development was as a constituency MSP, not as the head of the Scottish Government.

And he claimed he had not used his influence as a minister to sway the decision by John Swinney, the finance secretary, to call in the application.

"Anyone who knows John Swinney knows that he will carry out his responsibilities without fear or favour." Mr Salmond said.

He stated: "Every single phone call, every single meeting, I've gone through what limits are placed on me, being the constituency MSP."

But Labour MSPs clearly believe the Scottish Government was desperate for the development to go ahead and found a way for ministers to have the final say.

Duncan McNeil, the Labour convener of the committee, said there was now a perception that the Trump development would simply be agreed by ministers as soon as possible.

Mr McNeil said he would be "shocked" if ministers rejected the application. "I would be astonished to find the application has been rejected," he said.

"We cannot afford to turn away a billion-pound development."

And Johann Lamont, Labour MSP for Glasgow Pollok, suggested that the Scottish Government had used the planning system to find a way of keeping the Trump proposal alive, after it had been rejected by Aberdeenshire Council and after the Trump organisation had decided not to appeal the decision.

Ms Lamont said: "The Trump organisation believed the appeal process was for the little people, not for the likes of them. So the Government needed to find a way to get this investment into Scotland."

The full article contains 414 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

 
1

Royster,

17/01/2008 00:08:39
This so-called billion pound development brings nothing to Scotland apart from a few short-term construction jobs and long-term waitressing jobs. In return, Salmond and his cronies have ridden rough-shod over local democracy in a cringing attempt to please Donald Trump. This is probably because he fits into their simplistic, romantic view of Scotland's economic future - a foreigner with Scottish heritage returning to the 'homeland'.
2

TommyKaye,

UK 17/01/2008 00:15:14
Great post Royster very well thought out and deeply technical.

Just for the record Royster could you tell everyone on the site what it is that you have done for the economy of Scotland? How many people do you employ for example, how many short term construction jobs have you made available to people in the North East and how many International Golf Tournaments have you put together?

I just wondered as you seem to have a strong opinion so you must be a self made man.

I heard from a PGA friend that if the course and development goes ahead there will be at least one PGA event held there and probaly an LPGA and a Seniors tour event all in all bringing in many millions of pounds to the immediate and surrounding areas.

Still you know best eh and I am sure you will be able to match that kind of revenue with your business ideas which you are going ot post soon?
3

,

17/01/2008 00:28:16
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4

Senga Jean,

17/01/2008 00:48:25
I smell a rotting Lib/dem party. Any other smells? Thank goodness it is an SNP Goverment in charge and like my good friend AM2 I trust they will make the correct decision.
5

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 00:49:30
Well said Conan - this poster (or is that poseur) has galloping myopia regarding certain criminal elements, but claims 20/20 when spewing forth on subjects beyond his ken.
6

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 00:50:27
5
So there is "nothing to see" with Wendy's,little problem.
Or Hains'forgetfulness.
Wonderful spin by the way"potentially defamatory".
No it isn't.
7

The Strategist,

17/01/2008 00:54:22
I've no doubt that given Trump's reputation for marketing this new venue will do well and as such will benefit the Aberdeenshire economy although by how much is anyone's guess.

I do however have some sympathy for Royster's position although I would take a slightly different tack.

What really concerns me given Aberdeen's expertise in the energy sector is whilst Trump can see fit to invest in a golf course the amount of money being invested in new energy technologies is extremely low.

There is therefore that - as the oil industry inevitably winds down - Aberdeen and Scotland for that matter will once again miss a major opportunity to develop a world class industry.

As it happens, £500m is exactly what Westminster has said it will invest in the new Loughborough based
Energy Technology Institute but over ten years.
8

Banff Loon,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 00:54:25
I see Royster with his pearls of wisdom must have a great love for all things northeast that he purports to know so much about the economy and democracy here.

The only folks who rode roughshod over local democracy was the Cllr Martin Ford, former chairman of the Infrastructure Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council who was thankfully relieved of his post by his fellow councillors in full council, and who, given the opportunity gave their full support to the Trump project with only two councillors registering their objection the said Mr Ford and his fellow-traveller Cllr Storr. Royster, you have your own petty axe to grind, as the Trump project has the overwhelming support of Aberdeenshire of all political persuasions (Greens excepted). This is not a party political matter and Salmond has been well and truly exonerated of any interference in the process.

It was the vocal 80% of the ordinary inhabitants of the northeast that kept the project alive. We are quite capable of forming our opinions and smart enough to weigh up what this project entails. Scotland would be more successful if the rest of the country was as smart, hardworking, prosperous and astute as the folk of Aberdeenshire.
9

,

17/01/2008 01:00:40
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10

,

17/01/2008 01:03:14
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11

Dboy,

Japan 17/01/2008 01:04:13
#2
I totally agree with you. Far too many arm chair critics are opposing this development without really thinking about the bigger picture. As an Aberdonian I view it as a second chance for the city as recently it has really become run down and tatty. Hopefully this development will help spur the rejuvination of Union Street and benefit the growth of small businesses in the area. The decision is really a `no-brainer`, either your for economic growth or economic stagnation, it`s a fairly simple decision. The witch-hunt surrounding the FM has now become painfully transparent and MacDonnell can`t seem to make up his mind whether he is criticising or praising the government in this article. The two comments from Labour MSPs Lamont and McNeill seem equally foggy. So what if the government used the planning process in a way that would secure the development stayed in Scotland. Isn`t that the job of politicians, to ensure the economic growth of the country and do what the public ask them to? Shame on them. Who the hell do they think they are, doing what people want them to do? It`s time for Labour to realise that the SNP did not take over Holyrood with a tommy gun but the with the votes of the Scottish people. Roll on the referendum.
12

Neil Waugh,

Old Strathcona 17/01/2008 01:56:55
What a disaster. Salmond was charged with overseeing the just, orderly and long overdue withdrawl of Scotland from it's English overlords. Something us overseas Scots have been demanding for decades. Getting into bed with Captain Combover is just plain dumb. Hold that thought, dumber than dumb.
Alex, what were ya thinkin' laddie.
13

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 02:27:19
I initially opposed this plan. However, putting myself in the position of someone who is unemployed in the North East I have to admit - any work is better than the dole. Alex is right. People need work. If any of the posters here have the cash to invest in jobs for people in the North East tell us your plans - otherwise you're just a bag of hot air.
14

,

17/01/2008 02:33:03
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15

,

17/01/2008 02:42:05
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16

Auckland Arab,

17/01/2008 05:49:54
Mr & Mrs Potato Head (aka Royster and AM2) have nothing constructive to say on this issue, nor do they have any knowldge of the northeast on which they base their views. As the Banff Bam said, most people are overwhelmingly in favour of this - so it must go ahead. Period. Rock on Alex, our current leader and future PM !!!!
17

Royster,

17/01/2008 06:01:10
I see the culties are out today to defend the Scotland's First Minister, Mrs Trump. #15. Your numbers are pie in the sky. If you want to create jobs, cut taxes and red tape and let the people do the rest. No need for pet projects with carpet-baggers like Trump. Mrs Trump's assertion that he was acting as a local MSP instead of First Minister is like a CEO saying he was only acting in his role as tea-boy. PS Do any of you lot want to buy beach-front property in Florida?
18

BIG EYE,

Paisley 17/01/2008 06:46:17
Well we knew before and now it is confimred. Alex Salmond done nothing wrong, indeed he did every very well in the interests of his constituents who must be patting themselves on the back for electing him last May.

We also know that there is something wrong with Nichol Stephen's sense of smell. I can only suggest the smell of sleaze he seems to have identified must be associated to the company he was keeping during the LAb/Lib days.

Nicol Stephen's behaviour over this issue has been a disgrace and he should be ashamed, very ashamed of himself this morning.

He has plummeted in my opinion.
19

overton,

Balmedie 17/01/2008 07:03:06
2 TommyKaye, Thank you sir.

Nicol Stephen - no more

Debra Storr - no more

Martin Ford - no more

Marcus Humphrey - no more

Paul Johnston - no more

Lib Dems - no more

(Marcus Humphrey is included as a guest in this wee song because his ignorance and stupidity is on a par with the 'soon to disappear off the face of the Earth' Liberal Democrats)
20

,

17/01/2008 07:45:19
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21

JayJay,

Here 17/01/2008 07:58:30
My favourite bit in the interrogation of the FM came when some idiot (was it Duncan McNeill) was trying to establish if Salmond was phoning as First Minister or as the Local MSP. LOL!
Why are we wasting public money debating this nonsense? I would be demanding the FM's resignation if he hadn't intervened - even pockled the whole shebang to source the investment. Lest anyone forgets, this was a project supported by the local council and the local community. And, most crucially, by the former first minister, Wee Jack, who had Trump flown around the place trying, quite correctly, to land a major deal for Scotland.
The day must be awfy long and dreary at Holyrood if this is the best use of MSPs time. To see Taxi McLetchie leading the grilling session just gave the whole charade added irony.
22

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 17/01/2008 07:58:41
It was amusing to watch Alex Salmond nimbly skipping around the rather clumsy and futile attempts by the labourite dullards to smear both him and his office.

Not only were they unable to lay a single glove upon him, but in the process of trying to do so, they appeared only to be ponderous, spiteful and vindictive.

Duncan McNeil may have seen himself in the role of somewhat of a school bully.
However, having been given a bloody nose by wee Eck, he will now require to crawl back into his cave and re-emerge only to pick up his well deserved P45 at the next election.
23

william c,

Blantyre 17/01/2008 08:04:36
Mr Salmond next reas--, sorry excuse, was that he was acting in his capacity as a Westminster MP, now we know why he pulls three salaries.
24

Mikey,

17/01/2008 08:21:46
Rules, you got evidence? No? Thought not. More unionist piffle!
25

David MacVicar,

web 17/01/2008 08:25:21
Lib dums have commited suicide in the NE leaving only a smell of ozone as they pop out of existence.

The 'Fresh' attacks were soundly countered with several 'trumph' cards and breath of freah air in Scottish politics, leaving the Lib Dems and especially Stevens sweating in the backgound, turning the air stale.

Yet there is no whiff of an apology from Stevens. He should have been getting some pointers from Labour(as their list of 'Hain'eous crimes continue to rise) and especially Wendy on the art of apology and incompetence during their Colonial summit in London.

But wait, he cant use 'unintentional' which is an ongoing cliché from Labour and even the SNP these days.
He cant use misunderstanding or incompetence, yet we all know these are some of his core 'soft skills'.

Looks like he is doing a 'Wendy', disappearing and laying low for a few weeks, waiting for the the conclusions from the 'Smell Commision'.

Smell Commision conclusions
===========================
There are some bad smells all right, Nichol Stevens nose just doesnt have a good sense of direction. Spending so much time with Wendy unfortunately left a residue that is proving hard to shake.

A spokesperson for Nichol said last night that Nichols keen nasal abilities have an outstanding record. Past expoits include always being amoung the first to locate the trough. It has also been put to good use past truffle hunts.
26

Mr. Lachie Todd,

Edinburgh 17/01/2008 08:29:22
It appears that this Labour dominated committee could
not extract a confession from a 5 year old caught red-handed in a sweet shop in possession of a handful
of chocolate bars?

An excellent opportunity presented itself to dent Wee Eck's smug countenance but these amateurish Unionist committee members could't get answers out of a parrot!
27

Linda,

Edinburgh 17/01/2008 08:30:13
Just heard Nicol Sleazen on Radio Scotland saying Salmond has more questions to answer and obviously wants this farce to drag on for months.

He is now alleging "inconsistencies" and all this from someone who has serious questions to ask over his role in the Aberdeen bypass route.

Can SNP not charge him with bringing politics into disrepute?
28

David MacVicar,

web 17/01/2008 08:30:48
#31 commision, should be commission...
29

Stephen101,

Drop it Trump 17/01/2008 08:41:20
Quite right Royster. It should NOT go ahead, will do no good to anyone. These incomers with money are not welcome.

Let him take it to County Antrim. And Trump won't have to stuff brown envelopes with used tenners there. Oh damn, forgot. Labour aren't in power any more.

And as AM2 has just reminded me, what about Wendy? Is she still out and about? When will the dawn raid take place? Thank God she has a house husband to look after the weans when she is behind bars.
30

Stephen101,

Jobs for the boys 17/01/2008 08:54:11
#13 "The i-Clean website says the company already works for several NHS trusts and is hoping to pick up further work as a result of the Government announcement of a deep-clean of all hospitals to prevent MRSA"

The NHS contracts for these products have been mired in sleaze and 'contracts for the boys' since day 1. The products used deliver a short term clean. In some cases as little as 30 seconds. When used on hands they dry the skin, so you have to buy moisturiser to rectify. The whole thing is ineffective and environmentally damaging.

The good news is we have a company in Scotland who has products that do the job properly. Very successful in just about every other major country in the world, but they cannot break into the NHS. Superior product by far (it works!) but they cannot break through the 'personal contacts' at the top.

Worth a story Scotsman if you don't mind upsetting a few of your friends.
31

David MacVicar,

web 17/01/2008 08:55:32
Royster said "If you want to create jobs, cut taxes and red tape and let the people do the rest."

This this has no chance of happening in the UK but is an SNP Policy. Unusual to see you presenting arguments suggesting Self determination for Scotland.

The people will 'do the rest', in the not to distant future...
32

scottish person,

paisley 17/01/2008 08:55:36
Wee Eck is bringing a 1billion pound contract to Scotland whilst labour are giving london 1.4billion in Scottish lottery money for the london olympics. All this approved by bendy wendy and her cronies. Are they sure they want to help reduce poverty in Scotland, or just suck up to their london bosses.They were actually saying that the SNP were being mean for complaining. You couldnt make this up.
Well said Linda
33

Gtj,

Dundee 17/01/2008 08:57:20
What will the cry babies unionists moan about now
34

james 1st,

hamilton 17/01/2008 08:59:09
the major problem here is that a small committe made the initial decision and the incompetent councils rules did not enable the full council to look at the proposal, which of course is what should have happened.
the government had no option but to call in the proposal. i have no preferance either way as to how the decision finally goes but a small committee should not be left to make such a monumentous decision
35

Senga Jean,

SCOTLAND 17/01/2008 09:11:21
Did we really pay £55billion to save Northern Rock. Why that is over £2,000 from every man woman and child. What was Labour thinking and where have I heard that figure before? We could have had ten Iraq wars or umpteen London Olympics for that. (or we could have eradicated poverty not only in Scotland but throughout the EU)
36

Teamdroid,

17/01/2008 09:15:18
#2 - actually there is something here to see: the rank hypocrisy of the Labour Party, as personified by Johann "Honours for Silverburn" Lamont. The Green Party were flinging the same sort of mud around this time last year at the FM. But of course that was McConnell then and it was all proper and above board. Odd, that.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4769901.stm
37

subrosa,

17/01/2008 09:15:41
# 36 What has been done to 'break through the personal contacts at the top'? I feel our Scottish Parliament allows anyone to approach an elected representative. Would be interested to hear your comments.
38

glassbenmhor,

17/01/2008 09:17:56
GGGGEEEEEEEZZZZZZZOOOOOOOO I bet Alex was petrified!!!
39

malkster,

Scotland 17/01/2008 09:29:22
#41

I dont think we have paid £55 billion but that is the commitment the governmnet have if everybody withdrew everything they have with Northern Rock. if they nationalise it and then re privatise we should all get a nice cheque.
40

walter,

17/01/2008 09:36:55
Salmond has been vindicated or at least that is what the groupthink tell us, well only time will tell.
Still I look forward to the next time an application is denied and the applicant refusing to either renegotiate with the council or appeal the decision,
meet with the local MSP on an evening, have the application called in with in hours of that meeting, meet with the government chief planner again with in hours?.
What the groupthink need to realise is that most people who have not been brainwashed do disagree with the planning committees decision and agree with the calling in of this application.
It is the speed that this was done, the due process in these matters takes weeks not days and in this case that is exactly what happened.
I have asked the Scottish parliament if there has been another case of a call in with out an appeal first being launched and at the speed this one was done, to date I have had no answer.
Maybe the Scotsman could find this out and if there is then we will know that Salmond and Swinney have done nothing wrong, if not then questions need to be answered from Salmond, Swinney and the chief planner.
41

Calum10,

17/01/2008 09:49:28
I hear that the Glasgow Herald has suspended all comment on it's political stories. It couldn't stand the criticism it was getting from it's own readers on the Labour bias in it's reporting.

SNP 1 Glasgow Herald 0
42

weh,

scotland 17/01/2008 09:52:29
Salmond, by his actions, has probably secured investment worth one thousand million pounds for NE Scotland. ANY other country would honour him for doing so! But NOT Scotland-all we can do is put him on trial!

It beggars belief but-hey-this is only one of the reasons why we Scots are regarded as numpties the world over!
43

morris,

edinburgh 17/01/2008 09:58:15
1

You said "a few short-term construction jobs and long-term waitressing jobs ."

Even if that were true,(and it will spin off much more than that),it would still be a first for Scotland, because previous governments could not even hang on to the jobs we already had,let alone be involved in NEW ONES, no matter what they are!
If you genuinely feel that this development is so insignificant,then why does it bother you enough to comment?
I would have thought a body swerve would have been just as appropriate?

Sounds like attack Salmond anyway you can ,even if it means resorting to this,because thats all the Unionists have got ,or at least have shown so far!
44

Doh,

17/01/2008 10:00:33
#48

"thousand million pound development"

Do you really believe that?

For a golf course and a hotel.

What about Carnoustie?
45

HEN BROON 5,

ALBA GU BRATH 17/01/2008 10:09:45
http://www.stv.tv/content/news/headlines/display.html?id=opencms:/news/Salmond_faces_questions_over_Trump_plans



Hilarious well done Alex you are a star shining on the heads of Unionist dwarfs :o)
46

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 10:13:44
41 Senga Jean,SCOTLAND 17/01/2008 09:11:21

Maggie Broon refused to give an answer to that very question yesterday when asked repeatedly by Dave, so their is something of a whiff starting to emanate from this pile of dirty washing.

My bet is that £55m. is a very conservative figure.
47

morris,

edinburgh 17/01/2008 10:14:26
47

Very much so Calum and I suspect it was triggered by the prediction ,that Corntonvale will not be converted into a Wendy House after all,even though her guilt is known, and they tried to cover up the donation, by falsifying its origin. The claim that they advised the electoral commission, as soon as they realised it was inpermissable, is also false .You dont tamper with the evidence when you want to confess your guilt for Goodness sake! Plus a persoanlised letter of Thank You was posted to the CHANNEL ISLANDS .Unless Wendy thinks Jersey and Guernsey are in Castlemilk then this is rubbish !

The system is corrupt and the electoral commission should face an investigation ,as soon as they announce Wendys innocence.She is responsible by law ,a law which her party created as far as I am aware,in order to stop sleaze, and they have acted on the basis that as party of governmnet THEY ARE ABOVE THE LAW.
This is not accusation.Its there in black and white!
The electoral commission would possibly appear to have colluded in a whitewash and THAT CANNOT EVER BE ACCEPTABLE TO ANYBODY.

The offical line is that abuse was experienced by certain individuals.The procedure is surely deal with the individual contributions,not bar everybody!

Personally I smell a Labourat.
48

Duncan in Edinburgh /,

17/01/2008 10:33:56
Welcome to Scotland - they all have their snouts in the trough - Trump must be laughing up his sleeve at the bumpkins who run this country - Lib Dem, labour, Tory or nat - they are all a bunch of incompetents.
49

Miss H,

17/01/2008 10:36:23
I have not really commented on the whole Trumptown thing because I don't actually care. If I lived in the north east I would probably be against it because I don't like Donald Trump. But I don't live in the north east so it's none of my business. The decision should have been taken locally but the council messed up the procedures. The decision should obviously have gone to full council but they messed up and allowed it to be taken by a maverick council convener.

If we believe their rhetoric Labour and the Lib Dems would have left it as that - even though they continually bleat that they support the development. But of course their rhetoric can't be believed and in reality they would have done exactly what the SNP Government did.

So it's all a lot of palaver about nothing and only one conclusion can really be drawn from the whole affair. The SNP will win Aberdeen South in 2011 and its's bye bye Nicol Stephen - though rumour has it he has already decided to stand down.
50

mr chips,

17/01/2008 10:37:38
55 morris,.WELL SAID.
There is more than one rat in the sleaze and corruption Labour party, there is an infestation of lying ,cheating , law breaking rats.
51

morris,

edinburgh 17/01/2008 10:38:09
41

If you think thats bad, Scotland gave 236 billion in oil revenues to save LONDON who are already subsidised by the United Kingdom and already receive 114% of the national average under the Barnett formula calculations,which means everybody else (almost) pays for it.Thats a far bigger scandal,but the Scots only belive the truth if Labour tell them it's true !Broon sold of a fair wack of UK Gold reserves as I understand it when the price was rock bottom, and lost millions because of sheer incompetence! Iron Chancellor? Highland dancer you mean!

Without wishing to make derogatory remarks about certain individuals,I can perhaps point out that I genuinly knew a man in Edinburgh who thought that the Sunday Sport was a newspaper! Im serious. Theres the real problem,but if you say it ,you are shot down in flames.

You realise of course Northern Rock will need to be taken into state ownership(nationalised) in order to cover up the fact that Northern Rock can never repay any of this money. If the government can swing a story about this has been secured for the country,it sounds far better than Labour have screwed up royally and lost 55 billion through sheer stupidity.
52

Gothic Rose,

17/01/2008 10:43:57
18# Now why did you have go and to spoil it,by repeating collusive, twice in the same sentence?
53

Miss H,

17/01/2008 10:44:53
58 Duncan

What a massive level of contempt you have for the people of Scotland. You must know perfectly well that local support for the development is pretty overwhelming. But that doesn't matter to you, as far as you are concerned it's all about snouts in the trough.

Well I'll bet you've got your snout in a pretty big trough yourself. Only someone who was financially very secure could afford to be so top-lofty.
54

Alex, Young Laird d' Drumchapel,

Madrid 17/01/2008 10:50:57
This is no longer a story (if it ever was one) and is only being given the oxygen of publicity because the press can kick Alex Salmond without needing to give a plausible reason for doing so.

How low people will stoop.

55

HEN BROON 5,

ALBA GU BRATH 17/01/2008 10:59:09
57 AM2,Glasgow,UK 17/01/2008 10:25:24
#52 Wardog

"A housing development constitutes "investment" for NE Scotland?!

My, how the SNP spin machine twists and dissembles!"

















Do please enlighten us oh spinning and ancient troll why housing is considered not to be an investment?
56

morris,

edinburgh 17/01/2008 11:00:35
64

Indeed Alex,

but I must confess I also feel a reasuurance , when the Unionists have to resort to this level, to try and stay afloat. It looks increasingly like HMS UNITED CONDOM is submerging, but its not meant to !I think sinking ship is the term!
57

Sprauncy,

Aberdeenshire - where the voice of the people is b 17/01/2008 11:05:32
If you support the proposal, please go to
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/TrumpSupport/ and record your vote.
58

Doh,

17/01/2008 11:11:34
#52 Wardog

A bit wishful thinking or Trump spin me thinks.

Check out the Ury Estate development just down the road, golf course (Jack Niclaus), renovated hotel and housing development.

All for just £40M.

http://uryestatescotland.com/about/vision.php

Also please dont forget Carnoustie it has a hotel and golf course but is really more of a white elephant than a white hot economic miracle.

Dont beleive everything Trump says it might just be self serving hype.
59

Suomi,

Salo 17/01/2008 11:16:14
Watching Holyrood TV yesterday,it is clear that there is no case to answer and that Alec Salmond has behaved within the ethical standards required of a First Minister around this planning issue in Aberdeenshire.What was shocking was that some MSP's seeme3d more interested in smearing the first minister than learning the truth.In particular one Labour MSP was very aggressive and my impression was that this was more to do with narrow party political politics.Once again I was impressed by Alec Salmond and the way that he dealt with rhetoric and innuendo,with great dignity.

Since the computer age allows us to access debates in the Scottish Parliment with ease.it is somewhat sad to see how poor some MSP's are and the reluctance of many of them to offer constructive contributions necessary to facilate what the electorate want.The tribal nature of narroe parety politics and the tendency to be offensive is sickening.That is why the Herald has now suspended it's comment section.A potentially useful medium for all of us to explain our thinking has been ruined by a few.I suspect,that was their objective,ie. to prevent the exchange of ideas.
60

JR Ewing,

Aberdeen 17/01/2008 11:19:31
I am beginning to get a wee bit concerned with Alec's continual drubbing of the various mouthpieces from the obviously still intact LibDem/NuLabour coalition. Only Annabel appears to able to lay a glove on him. The performance of many of these dunderheads (Nicol & Wendy included) is embarrassing for Scottish politics. He has to be careful how he deals with these lightweights as eventually they will accrue a significant sympathy vote
61

Nikostratos,

17/01/2008 11:24:47
And if John Swinney got out of bed tomorrow morning and said 'well that s it i am rejecting the Trump application'. Would he be the finance secretary for very long..no. of course not

Did John swinney know if Alex Salmond wanted the application to go through..yes..of course he did


Still whatever Alex Salmond may be called he is a 'Politician' no different to all the rest a simple hear today gone tomorrow self seeking whats in it for me politician.....they have even climbed into bed with the tory's very much at home....nuff said


#69 suomi

Alex is pretty quick to smear left right and centre when it suits him.... using quotes from a newspaper to attack another msp shows his true colors.....

Best look to the nationalist 'Clan' for the reason the Herald took the action it has........
62

HEN BROON 5,

ALBA GU BRATH 17/01/2008 11:25:34


The Unionist Inquisition have been left with egg running down it's face yet again by Alex Salmond.HE IS A MEAN WHIST HAND HAVING TRUMPED THE LOT OF THEM :o)

This devlopment was to be sacrificed by one pompus arrogant individual persuing his own personal agenda, flying in the face of local public opinion who are crying out for investment.

Turnberry, Royal Troon, Cameron House, Muirfield, Gleneagles, Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch,( Acclaimed by Tom Watson as the best links course in the world,)St. Andrews, all superb courses, internationally acknowledged as among the very best, bringing money into Scotland. With tournaments and tourists who come from the other side of the world to play here, the home of Golf. Why not add Balmeddie to that list? What mean spirited inward looking parochial cringers we have trying to undermine this fantastic scheme.

As to the bean munching sandal wearing nimby serial objectors,you have lost any credibility you though you had, like the boy crying wolf, your objections are pure fiction and farce. Golf courses in these modern times actually improve the environment and become wildlife habitats. Not one bird, bat, rat, dune or plant will suffer because of this. The dune area is on the NE edge of the perimiter and will be protected and new planting will enhance the whole thing.

Course managers are legally obliged to ensure that the material they use are environmetally friendly, as in the case of Gleneagles who use sea weed based products. Drainage is controlled by ponds and soak ways. The ponds are wildlife havens. the area is enriched and beautifull. Cameron house has a resident proffessor who advises on environmental protection issues. Anyone who has been on the course will testify to the beauty and amenity this course has brought to what was scrub and jungle.

Refusing this application sends a message to future investors, forget Scotland. Rather like the film industry in the past who avoided the place because of the lack of
63

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 11:26:05
Refusing this application sends a message to future investors, forget Scotland. Rather like the film industry in the past who avoided the place because of the lack of tax breaks and inward parochial thinking. This development must happen and thanks to Alex salmond it probably will.
64

TSynicto the core,

Bellshill.Saltireland 17/01/2008 12:05:21
Pack it in, Nicol. Look for a job more suited to your talents. How about binman? Like wee Bendy Wendy you are Primary One taking on a sixth form school dux. And like the wee one with Labour you were given the poisoned chalice of Dim-Lib leader on a hot platter because the rest acknowledged they would be on a hiding to nothing in head - to - head confrontations with Alex Salmond or Nichola Sturgeon.
65

TSynicto the core,

Bellshill.Saltireland 17/01/2008 12:05:22
Pack it in, Nicol. Look for a job more suited to your talents. How about binman? Like wee Bendy Wendy you are Primary One taking on a sixth form school dux. And like the wee one with Labour you were given the poisoned chalice of Dim-Lib leader on a hot platter because the rest acknowledged they would be on a hiding to nothing in head - to - head confrontations with Alex Salmond or Nichola Sturgeon.
66

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 12:18:49
Rather incomplete report. The Holyrood programme covered this and all the journalists interviewed after all said it was a bit of a disaster for Labour and the Tories. They criticised, or tried to, John Swinney for acting quickly and being on top of his brief (clearly they would have preferred a Labour incompetent bumbling about), they were firmly rebuffed by the chief planner and with Alex Salmond they never worked out what they were accusing him of. Joane Lamont's very first question was ruled out of order when Salmond batted it off to the chair - magisterial.

One journo summed it up - the unionists wanted the Trump development, as most people do, and are cross that Salmond might make it happen and the that the Scottish government acted quickly to fix the mess the council got itself into.
67

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 12:20:26
57 AM2. My my. the anti SNP bile has risen in your gorge today.

You are fond, overly, of repeating tales of successful inward investment in Scotland. Would you care to rank this investment vs the ones you have listed before, and perhaps list the larger ones from last year?
68

You can stick your independence up your a***!!,

17/01/2008 12:31:39
Why are so many morons falling over themselves to pander to this man?

Do you not know his record of unpaid developments and court cases?

If Trump puts in a billion into this project there will be a blue moon with pigs flying over it.
69

OscarMacApfel,

Dumfries 17/01/2008 12:39:02
"But the furore over the controversial complex escalated again last night when an influential Labour committee convener said he would be "astonished" if the application was rejected by ministers now."

Well if that isn't a ringing endorsment of the Trump plans, I don't know what is. Good to see Labour getting behind the scheme...perhaps their growing up now...
70

CowalDude,

Alba 17/01/2008 12:47:31
72 HEN BROON 5,ALBA GU BRATH 17/01/2008 11:25:34

Absolutely right..was going to say much the same myself...Lets just get on with the development.

mr chips,17/01/2008 10:37:38
.
"There is more than one rat in the sleaze and corruption Labour party, there is an infestation of lying ,cheating , law breaking rats."

While I agree with the underlying sentiment, I do think that this is slightly offensive to the rat community!
71

Observer. 1,

Glasgow 17/01/2008 12:56:32
The Herald has suspended all comments on political stories, allegedly for abuse. But from a quick flick through here I would say that we were amateurs quite frankly.
72

morris,

edinburgh 17/01/2008 13:17:14
81

I think Labour have known that Salmond would walk away unscathed, and cleared of any wrong doing ,so they are only getting behind the scheme, because there is squat reason to do otherwise.They were just riding the waves, so to speak, trying to deflect heat from WENDY.They could not announce Wendy is cleared of any wrong doing,the following day.They have to at least make it look like the electoral commission has in fact done what it was supposed to do!INVESTIGATE !
I cannot see how one can arrive at any conclusion other than WENDY is not only responsible,by law, but she is also GUILTY! We already know this and she has admitted it!
Anything less is a whitewash.Its not my opinion, its fact!
The electoral commission are NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE if they announce this. NO ONE BELIVES WENDY .
She is now a liability to Nu Labour,(but look at the alternatives)!
Margaret Curran must be the only Rottweiler in existence that has no teeth!
73

juan kerr and his dead magic hands, now re risen.,

17/01/2008 13:20:51
http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.1971226.0.Comments_suspension.php


Do they not realise everything is said toungue in cheek on these boards? If AM2 were real being, imagine the amount of deffamation he could get!

A thicker skin is most deffinately required if you wish to pursue a career in Scottish politics. If your going to screw up the country then expect full public scrutiny.

The Herald are being a bunch of jessies!
74

Ayrshire Scot.™,

17/01/2008 13:48:47
Honetly, if it’s not Souter it’s Trump! How many billionaire reactionaries does Alex have to suck up to before he’s tumbled? (And I’m not deliberately trying to be rude, by the way!)
75

OscarMacApfel,

Dumfries 17/01/2008 13:58:35
#90 Fake orf fakey.
76

Daibhidh,

Scotland 17/01/2008 14:11:27
What a load of misunderstanding and misinformation as per usual...

1) The application was called in so quickly after the council committee made their decision becasue, under the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, Scottish Ministers would have no power to call-in an application after it had been issued - being issued technically means put in the post and posted ot the applicant. Up until that point, even if the committee had decided to grant permission, a formal decision had not been made until that decision notice had been formally issued to the applicant...so, that explains why the call-in happened so quickly...because if it didn't, nothing could be called it.

The Scottish Government has within its power, the power to call-in ANY application if it so desires. Planning control is only devolved to Local Authopirtiees by central government (who are ultimately the planning authoirty for Scotland), it's not their God-given right...the Scottish Government, seeing this was a nationally important application, rightly decied to call it in and decide its fate themselves...

Let's also remeber, that the first council committee actually decided to GRANT consent, it was only the second committee which, by one casting vote made by a died in the wool envirnomentalist, over-ruled the local committee and council planning officials to refuse the application. It's this clearly unreliable uotcome from Aberdeenshire council that REQUIRED the Scottish Government to call it in...

Nothing wrong has happened here, it's all completely competant and legal. It's an utter disgrace that idiots like Duncan MacNeil can waste so much time and public money when nothing out of order has been done...labour and the lib dems just can't accept they're no longer in power...

None of the above means I am in either in favour of or against the applications, I'm simply explaining (as someone who actually knows the process inside out) that nothing wrong has been done, despite all of the
77

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 14:25:21
I don't recall anything objectionable in post 4! To suggest that someone (she who cannot be named apparently) has been involved in criminal activity when they have admitted such can hardly be considered libelous. Indeed, to suggest that one cannot comment on an on going criminal investigation is disingenuous as the police are not involved. It is, however, a rather tacky way of censoring comment for months and months and months and months............................................................................................................
78

Observer. 1,

Glasgow 17/01/2008 14:30:51
#95 On the other hand perhaps comment on Lady Voldemort, she who must not be named, is being restricted because the matters referred to may be sub judice in the very near future ?
79

mr chips,

17/01/2008 14:42:14
96 Observer. 1
We can only live in hope that she goes down.
80

An Beal Bacht,

John Smith House 17/01/2008 14:45:19
I have had a Road to Damascus experience - please ignore previous post.

Wendy Alexander is an honest woman who would never be intentionally involved in a criminal conspiracy to illegally accept dodgy donations. She is a woman of vision and integrity and, if she were First Minister, there would be no investment allowed anywhere in Scotland without the direct oversight
and participation of the appropriate labour party officials.
81

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 14:47:51
96 - Or may not.
82

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 14:52:17
Re: The Herald Closing Comment - Is it not possible that a certain faction wanted to close comment there and goaded their opponents into responding in ways that would ensure this?
83

BMeister,

17/01/2008 14:57:07
96, no, it's just unpopular with the editorship.
84

Observer. 1,

Glasgow 17/01/2008 14:58:46
#100 well there were certainly posters such as Aurora & co who liked to stir things up. But I hardly think considering the previous antics of Rab fae Pollok and Wullie from Aberdeen there was any sudden and pressing reason to take us off the air do you ?
85

Observer. 1,

Glasgow 17/01/2008 15:01:06
#103 We shall find out on sunday when the SH is published, if they restrict commentary or not their editorial team is quite different. I know I was being optimistic at 96 but that is an explanation I would prefer, rather than censorship.
86

BMeister,

17/01/2008 15:05:59
#103
Nothing wrong with optimism. I fear it's a bit of the latter for #4 here though going on past experience.
87

Nikostratos,

17/01/2008 16:29:00
You nationalists brought it upon yourselves..being so nasty to all and sundry..and now you reap what you have sown..if you lot went so horrid to others and used some common decency let alone good manners....But then it is in your nature so you could find it difficult.....probably be booted off the Scotsman next....I shouldn't be surprised best behave yourselves snp drones.

I am off to the Herald pop a comment in as I'm allowed
88

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 16:49:57
I suspect the reason the Herald have suspended their boards is because the nature of the nationalists' posts had moved beyond the bitter and personal to the actionable. Just as well, the behaviour of this minority should have shamed the more reasonable advocates of nationalism. To their shame they ignored the more grotesque and unacceptable features of nationalism and are now paying the price.
89

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 17:01:44
Methalions,
Their online editor says it's unacceptable to have a go at WA? are you sure that's what he said?
90

Colin McDonald,

Walton-on-Thames 17/01/2008 17:06:12
#106 Nikostratos

I doubt very much you will pop a comment on the herald as all posts are barred at the moment.

As for saying it was all nationalists I can assure you that it was not. There was a fair amount of abuse going both ways. You clearly have a partisan, blinkered outlook. Perhaps that is why you cannot fully appreciate the possibilities that an independent Scotland could bring.
91

weh,

17/01/2008 17:21:51
I'll warrant that the Herald suspended comments due to nulab pressurising them!
92

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 17:25:03
Colin McDonald,
In my experience the nationalists were far and away the most abusive and vitriolic. The merest suggestion of criticism of AS resulted in an incredible amount of abuse. Also, their relentless and unfounded bleating about criminality and corruption did them no favours. Don't they realise that making these allegations from behind a cloak of anonymity makes them cowards as well as fools?
93

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 17:43:19
Weh,
The Herald as publisher of the site is liable for content. If the content is actionable then of course they are going to close any forum down.
At last the nationalists have been hoist by their own bitter and twisted petard.
94

Nikostratos,

17/01/2008 18:01:15
#107 Methalions,

People who attack politicians (off any persuasion)through their family are the lowest of the low.

Whats the answer self control doesn't seem to work for some........hen broom for example but then he does have a condition.


perhaps if we use Ye Olde Official Shakespearean Insult Kit

http://petelevin.com/shakespeare.htm

mayhap that will be more acceptable.........
95

dianne12,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 18:06:53
Don't allow this to happen - we know that this whole Trump afair has had a nasty stink for a long time - anybody that stands in the way will be removed - a very unpleasant right wing faction are emerging and the SNP are fuelling their bad behaviour.
Keep protesting.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/trumpoff/
96

Alex, Young Laird d' Drumchapel,

Madrid 17/01/2008 18:27:16
Hamish MacDonnel wrote
"But the furore over the controversial complex escalated again last night when an influential Labour committee convener said he would be "astonished" if the application was rejected by ministers now."

And exactly how is this an escalation? A granny in Turrif says: "it'll come to nae good" and Salmond is in the dock? Get a grip.

The only story left in this is that Nichol Stephen is a national embarassment. He has attacked out FM without foundation and has been allowed to by compliant journalists like Hamish. Come on son, find a backbone.
97

Alex, Young Laird d' Drumchapel,

Madrid 17/01/2008 18:33:32
Dianne12,
How much are party headquarters paying you?

Right wing? Your party have helped a war that has led to the death of over a million people in Iraq. They are into PFI up to their oxsters, they have brought about the biggest surveillance society on earth, they want to bring in ID cards, they want to increase detention without trial for up to 48 days - unheard of in the Western world.

Get out before you are tarred with the same brush as these extremist fanatics.
98

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 18:36:37
Movement is life and that includes development, like it or not.

To all those moaning minnies out there going on about this development only creating menial jobs for eastern Europeans, might I suggest a call centre with cooncil hoosing to create menial jobs for Scots? Or no development to create no housing and no jobs?
99

dianne12,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 18:38:17
How come it was OK for Jack Nicklaus to appeal when his Stonehaven golf application was rejected? His application was initailly approved by the planning committee but failed at the infrastructure level( for good reasons) - he seemed quite happy to re-address the situation and re-apply and did eventually get permission through the correct channels. The argument that Aberdeenshire taxpayers might have been liable for the costs of Trumps re-application is a pathetic one - it means that if rich folk apply we can't turn them down because it might cost us money! Come on, who are they trying to kid with this rubbish? Who's going to be next for the chop? Alan Campbell he said he found the presence of the Trump organisation 'irregular' will he be next to go in this fiasco? Alex Salmond is making a fool of himself and the nation he serves - don't let him get away with it!
100

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 18:42:05
Alex 121,
There still seems to be a misunderstanding amongst nationalist supporters about why the opposition are so interested in Mr Salmond's conduct. If Mr Salmond has in any way acted improperly then that will increase the chances of a succesful legal challenge to this project.
Alex 122,
What extremist fanatics?
101

dianne12,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 18:42:58
#122 Alex

Assumptions! - how can you possibly know who 'my party' are? Stop making stupid assumptions and trying to distract from the disgracful behaviour of the SNP on this matter.




102

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 18:43:50
126 No one has suggested in what way Alex Salmond has acted improperly.

103

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 18:44:34
It's grand tae hiv a joab - the weans cannae eat sand dunes.

I have noticed that the average SNP poster has a better grasp of events and command of the language than the average unionist. Their moronic rants having led to the Herald suspending comment they now attempt to portray themselves as the innocent party - quaint!
104

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 18:44:50
127 What "disgraceful" behaviour?
105

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 18:49:24
Methalions,
Nobody told me but you don't need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. If ever you were on the receiving end of the nationalist bully boy tactics then you'd know what I'm talking about. It was getting to be pointless, no political discussion just a perpetual banging on about corruption and criminal behaviour.
The good news for me and people who are worried by the nationalists is that it seems to be a bit of a reaction against the more strident wing of nationalism. That was beginning to get a bit ugly. The idea that only one party had a monopoly in truth, justice and righteousness was just a wee bit alarming.
Hopefully this move by the Herald will calm the more lunatic fringe.
106

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 18:53:40
135 Grahamski

on these threads we have been treated to gems such as threats of violence against posters, pictures of concentration camp corpses and rants about Scots being useless whingers - all from Unionists.

While trying to throw muck at Salmond when no one can even yet define the accussation of wrong doing on this issue, it is amusing that you then complain about reasonable comment on law breaking by Labour - a very serious matter, and one where the Labour party have admitted illegality.

107

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 18:57:27
#136
What I find most amusing is that the Herald took the facility to post off their website to avoid legal action - the posts about various Labour Party ministers were libellous. And who were responsible for these posts? Why Lordy me if it isn't the nationalists who have been prattling on about illegality for weeks. Oh, the irony....
108

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 18:58:31
135 Your post is a perfect example of the arrogance and choking hypocrisy that still characterises Labour in Scotland, unable to accept defeat.

They complain about Salmond "misusing" his car to attend a meeting with a developer. McConnell hired helicopters twice. Alexander has given £40,000 in allowances to computers for Labour.

You try to throw much on an issue where Salmon has acted with total propriety, then complain when others comment on what Brown, Hain and Alexander have admitted to be breaches of electoral law.

Wendy Alexanders constituency chairman was recently sacked and is facing criminal investigation for corruption.

And yet still Labour try to muck rake here and still can't frame an actual accusation. Pathetic.
109

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 18:58:32
135,Grahamski, interesting post but it does not realise that the SNP and Labour are the bitter enemies in this and Labour appears to be the party which is being exposed for untruths.

Couple this with a NUJ dominated media and you begin to wonder at the freedom of the press these journalists always bang on about.

I would say they are not liking it, As Corporal Jones would say, up them.
110

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 18:59:21
128 Methalions,17/01/2008 18:43:30


You time travelling today? Gonnae gies the lottery numbers for Saturday, be a nice drink in it if I win :o)
111

JR Ewing,

Aberdeen 17/01/2008 19:00:30
Btw dianne
How are Sustainable Aberdeenshire getting on raising funds to buy Trump out. No public handouts yet?

Pity it looks like your mentor Mr Ford will no longer be able to give permission for 300,000 tonnes of concrete to be driven up the middle of an SSSI just cause its suits his allegedly green agenda.
112

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:00:55
137 There is no doubt about illegality of Labour actions on dodgy sleazy donations.

Gordon Brown has admitted Labour broke the law.

Wendy Alexander has admitted Labour broke the law.

Tom MCCabe has admitted Labour broke the law.

And all this just after Labour faced criminal investigation over the cash for peerages sleaze, where the police said they did not receive full cooperation.

The only person who seems to think Labour have not broken the law is you.

Now tell us what law/ code or regulation Salmond is alleged to have broken?
113

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:03:56
125 dianne12,Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 18:38:17


Seems to me the ones who have ended up looking fools are Duncan McNeil and his po faced parochial cringer's on the Labour benches. They are a bunch of utter amateurs not fit to run a bouncy castle. What have they achieved this session? Oh aye, legislation on sun beds, a devious scheme to get at Tommy Sheridan.
114

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:04:55
143 LOL. Hadn't considered the sun bed law was aimed at Tommy the Tan
115

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:08:04
#138
You miss the point of the opposition parties questioning of Mr Salmond's behaviour. All the main parties support this development. They have concerns that Mr Salmond's buffoonery will make a legal challenge more likely and more successful.
#139
What has the NUJ got to do with this? They are a trade union, without a political fund and unaligned to any political party. I would suggest that what 'they' don't like is the self-righteous cant emanating from the nationalist camp.
116

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:13:05
137 Grahamski,Falkirk 17/01/2008 18:57:27


Can you prove that allegation with a wee reference please, you know how AM2 insists on these, and he is watching, oops it's you.


Dianne had a wee look at the petition, not going to good is it. It say's:

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to back SNH and stop Donald Trump from building a golf course in Aberdeenshire that will damage a SSSI and one of the top 5 dune sites in the UK."

Can you please enlighten us what this alledged damage to this SSS1 will be?

Or can you give us a reference to keep the AM2 moderator on board?

117

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:13:39
#142
'And all this just after Labour faced criminal investigation over the cash for peerages sleaze, where the police said they did not receive full cooperation.

The only person who seems to think Labour have not broken the law is you.'

That would be me AND the CPS would it? Presumably they are hopelessly corrupt as well?
The SNP managed to cost the nation over a million quid by insisting that their unsubstantiated allegations be investigated. When they were and were found to be unsubstantiated do they apologise? Of course not, they accuse the Lord Advocate of corruption. Talk about the wee boy crying wolf.....
118

dianne12,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 19:16:00
The application breached the Aberdeenshire Local Plan -The Local Plan is the result of a democratic process that we all paid for.
The application breached Aberdeenshire Council's environmental policy -Environmental responsibilities are not optional - they are in response to International Laws regarding the protection of Biodiversity.
These policies should not be allowed to be squashed by the bully boy tactics!
SNH, the Government advisory body - object to this proposal because of the damage to the SSSI (this damage is acknowledged by Trump international EIA, so stop asking me what the damage to the SSSI is!).
If SNH object, the matter will still have to go before the Scottish Land Court - or will Alex over-ride this too?
Architecture & Design Scotland(gov. advisory body object )on the grounds that the development does not fit in with the high quality landscape.
For goodness sake don't let the SNP trash Scotland by allowing this development to go ahead! and as for Trump's people pretending they don't understand the planning process .....c'mon


119

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:16:27
"They have concerns that Mr Salmond's buffoonery will make a legal challenge more likely and more successful."
145 Grahamski,Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:08:04

Is there something you know that Duncan McNeil and his team of bufoons did not find during their pathetic attempt at questioning Alex Salmond?

If there is, it is your public duty to reveal it.


120

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:19:53
148 The full council voted in favour, overwhelmingly. The leader of the council (a lib dem) welcomed the calling in of the application.
121

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 19:20:15
144
Evening Ayrshire.
122

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:21:25
#149
I know that if Mr Salmond has behaved with his usual buffoonery then it may well jeopardise this important development. I do hope for Scotland's sake that his usual disregard for details hasn't cost us dear.
123

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:22:03
148 dianne12,Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 19:16:00

So this development will breach international law, does that mean that the UN will be issuing a directive and that we can expect The Green Berets and Seals to pitch up on Balmeddie beach,followed by a parachute drop by The 101st. Airborne? that will really put us on the map.
124

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:22:56
147. Several Labour hacks were arrested and questioned under caution. The metropolitan pilice said it did not receive full cooperation - what a disgrace from the government, from the party "tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime".

As for the sleazy donations - here read for yourself who thinks Labour broke the law:
"Brown to return dodgy donations as he admits 'We broke the law ...... £600000 today as he dramatically admitted Labour broke the law over donations. ... even Mr Brown acknowledged that the donations had broken the law. ...
www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?
"With Labour in Scotland openly acknowledging the law has been broken, ..."
www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1867076.0.0.php - 53k -
125

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 19:22:59
150
My post at 151 originally had a lot more in it.
Couldn't seem to post it,strange that;-)
126

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:24:09
152 Grahamski,Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:21:25


I'm sorry are you Nicol Stevens, you sound exactly like him. Gibbering through a dry and incoherent mouth.
127

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:26:21
152 Disregard for details?

Like the details of electoral law that led Gordon Brown to describe Peter Hain as "incompetent" and his admission Labour broke the law?

Or details such as the electoral law Scottish Labour have admitted breaking?

Or details about wrongly subletting offices and claiming parliamentary allowances falsey, the details as previous Labour First Minister got the boot for?

Attention to detail and buffoonery like losing half the populations personal and bank records?

Please, it is too hilarious seeing a Labour hack going on about "details" in a regulatory sense.
128

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:26:26
#147
Sorry, why were there no criminal charges made after the investigation?
As regards the infringement of funding law, get a grip. Every party has been guilty of this to a greater or lesser extent, to pretend otherwise is hopelessly naive.
129

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:26:57
151 awrighty there C the L?
130

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 19:27:06
145, Grahamski, you obviously are getting riled. Denial is coming into this too. Perhaps you have been the sole defender of unionism for too long tonight.

Do you really believe all you say?
131

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:29:13
#156 Hen,
Keep talking and get these boards shut down too, why don't you? Will the nationalist posters never learn that personal abuse is unacceptable?
I'm sure it's somebody else's fault, it always seems to be that way with the nationalists.....
132

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:29:39
158 Grahamski

I think the more pertinent question is why did the government and Laboru party not cooperate with the police? Is this New Labours "tough on crime" in action? What a disgrace.

Tell us more about attention to detail and buffoonery? Like Peter Mandelson's mortgage? Or Blunkett's lover's nanny's visa? Or the Hinduja's passports? New Labour don't seem so good at the "details" do they?
133

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:30:56
#148 Wendy, "If SNH object, the matter will still have to go before the Scottish Land Court - or will Alex over-ride this too?"

Can you tell us please what Alex Salmond has overridden, please read my question @ #149.


SNH will not object as they themselves have admitted that they now lack credibility as they have become serial objectors, rather like the RSPB. The Royal Society for People with Beards. These clowns are bored middle class twits who are utterly despised through out Scotland. Even the seagulls hate them.
134

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:33:20
#160,
I am getting a bit weary of the incessant self-righteous holier-than-thou platitudes being spouted by nationalist supporters. Every party is guilty here, i think it is typically short-sighted of the SNP to try to make too much political hay out of this. When their time comes it will be excruciatingly embarrassing for them after all the cant they've spouted.
135

dianne12,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 19:35:15
For references on damage to the SSSI,(how many times do I have to do this?) See Trump's own environmental imapct assessment (even he acknowledges the damage!) -all available on Aberdeenshire Council's website/ planning applications, along with all the responses from SNH, SWT, CEH, RSPB, SEPA, Architecture & Design Scotland etc, etc. In particular note the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology response, this points out the threats to Red Data Book endangered species, which were wrongly identified by Trump International, CEH make sensible recommendations to avoid damage, as do SNH, SWT and others. Unfortunately Mr Trump refused to compromise but instead chose to gamble (his fave activity and great fun because you get to make people make absolute fools of themselves).
Nearly 8,000 signatures on the petition - a great many from our academic community in Aberdeen and throughout the UK- these people have taken the time to look into this application properly and make an informed decision.

136

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:36:56
164 You said attention to detail. I was just pointing out that several Labour cabinet ministers, a Labour firts minister, have all been booted for sleaze and dubious "attention to detail" of law and codes of conduct.

As for your "all parties" guilty - no. Labour have ADMITTED law breaking. And this is just another instalment in Labour sleaze - visas, passports, letters for Mittal, Ecclestone - sleaze sleaze sleaze. And then you try to tar Salmond with the Labour sleaze brush because they cannot compete on policy or vision.

I ask again, how has Salmond acted improperly here?
137

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:37:18
#162,
Both the Labour Party and the government co-operated with the police. Now come on, do tell, why were there no charges made? Can I suggest that the politically-motivated and groundless accusations were without foundation?
138

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:38:02
161 Grahamski,Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:29:13


Please back your bizarre allegations up with some references. Who got what shut down where is your evidence? You have none, like Duncan McNeil and his inquisition, you are lurching around here like a one legged man in a bum kicking contest, stop now or you will cause damage to your self.

Just look up some of Lord Zebedee's remarks about the SNP or Blair's or George Robertsons, or Ken Livingstone's, or Kelvin Mackenzie and many many more Brit Nat commentators if you want to see snide remarks and insults.
139

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 19:39:27
Well, Grahamski @164, all I can observe is a squeaky clean SNP and a rotten Labour Party. And that is what is reported in the media.

You can interpolate as much as you like and try to cast aspersion where you like. Just don't be surprised at the replies you receive and take them as unprovoked cant (as you like to call it).
140

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:40:34
I am getting a bit weary of the incessant self-righteous holier-than-thou platitudes being spouted by Unionist supporters. Every party is guilty here, i think it is typically short-sighted of the Unionists to try to make too much political hay out of this. When their time comes it will be excruciatingly embarrassing for them after all the cant they've spouted.
141

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:40:57
167 No. The investigating officer stated that Labour and the government (political) did NOT cooperate with the metropolitan police:

Lack of cooperation drags out inquiry to end of year | Special ...Lord Marland, a businessman, did not comment yesterday because he is in India. ... 21.09.2006: Police question Levy for second time in cash for peerages ...
politics.guardian.co.uk/funding/story/0,,1930782,00.html - 48k -
142

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:43:25
167

"Loans-for-peerages: police reveal scale of inquiry as files go to ...Police investigating the cash-for-peerages row said 48 people involved in Labour secret loans totalling pounds 13.9m, have refused to co-operate with the inquiry..."
Times

143

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 19:44:28
168 Posters like English Voice and/or Highland Mighty don't exactly hold back either.
144

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:47:07
#166
Mr Salmond's actions have cast uncertainty on the project. He chose to travel to the Trump meeting in his FM car. I know he has been 'cleared' by the civil service but has left himself open to criticism and arrogantly thinks he can talk his way out of it. His claims that he made it clear that he was acting as a MSP and couldn't comment at every turn might not be the get out of jail card that he thinks. I suspect that it might be like saying allegedly protects you from defamation action (it doesn't).Mr Swinney's golfing junket to Trumpland a few days before the project was called in wasn't exactly clever either. I know the SNP have no experience of being in responsible government and these lapses are perhaps understandable. A little humility now and again wouldn't go amiss.
145

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 19:47:51
dianne12:

Foo's yer doos?

Ae bratch shoodna clart oan aboot folks thur bidin wae - folks thit thole ae sotter fae doited gangrels fae ben awa!
146

dianne12,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 19:48:05
#163 Hen Broon

SNH do object - and it will have to go before the Scottish Land Court - who do you propose protects our environment and biodiversity? do you think that we can please ourselves and that these things don't matter?
SNH are the appointed government advisory body, why do you confuse their status with organisations such as RSPB?




147

Alex, Young Laird d' Drumchapel,

Madrid 17/01/2008 19:48:16
Tonight's spot the unionist imbecile quiz. Ok, people - which of the following can be categorised as sleaze in public life? A or B.

A. Wendy Alexander has broken the law.

B. Alex Salmond has had mud slung at him and none of it stuck.
148

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 19:49:45
Couldn't post for about half an hour on this thread - anybody else?

149

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:50:37
174 and yet Mr McConnell hire helicopters, twice, at taxpayer expense to tour Trump et al around. And Labour choose to attack the use of Mr Salmonds car, even though he has been cleared......Hypocritical? Pathetic? Muck raking?

As for Trumpland, it was Nicol Stepehn who attended an actual Trump sponsored event the year before as Deputy FM. Swinney attended a non-Trump function that was held at a Trump property? So what.

Not exactly on the scale of the PM stepping in to stop a fraud squad investigation of £1 billion in bribes to Saudi Princes for arms deals is it?

Labour are so soaked in their own sleaze they just seek to obfuscate. Tell us what Salmond is meant to have done wrong?
150

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 19:51:01
177 - Is this a trick question?

Too many choices for our unionist friends - they'll find it confusing.
151

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:52:20
177 Alex, you missed a few

Hain admitted to law breaking too. Brown admitted Labour London HQ broke the law. Wendy Alexander's constituency chairman just got sacked for corruption and is being quizzed by police. Harman admitted to breaking the law.....
152

dianne12,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 19:52:48
#175 An Beal Bacht

I'm very sorry I don't understand your post as I'm English. This is not a dialect that I'm familiar with in Aberdeenshire.
153

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 19:53:47
Now, about the NUJ. In my opinion Scottish journalists signing up to such an organisation are basically setting themselves up for UK jobs.

The NUJ has to be investigated to find out if it has made donations to the Labour party.

Either way, hacks like we have here in the Scotsman and the Herald are not going to let a wee thing like Scotland get in the way of a monoglot career, the zenith of which is London.

So much for freedom of the press.
154

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 19:53:58
179 - soaked! Good choice of words - Soaked - Soaked - SOAKED!
155

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 17/01/2008 19:55:09
#145

Having read through a number of the previous posts it occurs to me that you are apparently the nominated labourite dullard of the day.

You have been singularly unable to point to any impropriety on the part of Alex Salmond, or indeed, any member of the Scottish Government, whilst at the same time ignoring all instances of blatant law-breaking by the defeated and discredited perpetrators of the North British cringe tendency.

Your gang has been found out and is in the process of being chased.

You may chose to howl at the moon or describe Alex Salmond as a buffoon, but Scotland is not listening.

Goodbye labourtories, Scotland is growing up.
156

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 19:55:30
It's called Doric by the natives up there - I guess you don't talk to many!
157

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 19:57:02
#179
Please understand this. It is the FM's duty to do everything they can to attract investment like this. It is not Mr Salmond's use of his ministerial car for MSP's duties which is at issue here. It is a possible breach of planning legislation that will make the project vulnerable to legal objection. That is what Mr Salmond is being questioned about - it's a real cocncern for everyone committed to a prosperous Scotland.
158

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:57:21
184 But not in the Foulksian meaning of "soaked"
159

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 19:58:08
178
See my post at 155.I thought it was the moderation software (Me at 4).
160

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 19:58:51
188 And yet, the chief planner has said there is no such breach. The leader of Aberdeenshire Council (a Lib Dem) welcomed the review. Senior Labour, Tory and Lib Dem MSPs welcomed the review. The Rural Affairs committee welcomed the review.

Where is the possible breach of planning law?
161

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 19:59:18
165 dianne12,Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 19:35:15


You are behaving as if the bulldozers are chewing up the dunes and the wee bunnies are being squashed by trucks. How on earth did we ever manage to put a huge golf complex on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and keep the beardies happy. And they are building another one along side it.
Do you not think, IF this does get the go ahead that checks and balances will be put in place to protect the wee creatures and fauna and dunes and any other scientifically interesting thing that the beardies want protected.
We are in danger of drowning this country in a blanket of regulation and red tape and serial objectors where nothing can be done without years and years of expensive and negative enquiry and legislation. The wilderness fascists want nothing less.
Scotland is regarded by to many nimbys as a beautiful wilderness which must remain that way for ever, their own personal playground. SNH even wanted to take out the roads to Glenmore and the Cairngorm, to maintain the beautiful wilderness. It is still there, and it is thriving.
Because you say that your petition has signatures from the "academic" community, is that supposed to put the rest of us in our place if we are not "academic"? Does being "academic" endow you with special rights that allow you to stamp your foot and we all stop and listen in awe.
Stop all development and grow weeds. Other people have rights as well as "academics," and those rights are being squeezed to often and far to much. The beardies who want every one else to live in caves wearing sack cloth and ashes whilst they jet around the planet lecturing to us.
162

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 19:59:55
182, Dianne, you should learn the lingo of the place you inhabit.
163

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 20:00:57
188 Why did cheap, sleaze ridden Labour MSPs try to use the use of Mr Salmonds car as an issue then ?(Ms Lamont repeated this yesterday) - OK for McConnell to hire HELICOPTERS twice, but Labour MSPs seek to make capital out of Salmond's car. Cheap. Hypocritical. Gutter politics.
164

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 20:01:18
183
Interesting point Jock.
165

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 20:02:28
#183
The NUJ don't make political donations. They can't, they don't have a political fund.
166

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 20:06:24
#196
The point they are making is this:
By turning up in a ministerial car Mr Salmond MSP could have been mistaken for Mr Salmond the FM. If he was, that would have been in breach of planning regs, thus jeopardising the project.
Listen, every major party supports this, they just don't want Mr salmond's arrogance to sabotage it.
167

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 20:06:53
198
Are you a journo Graham?
168

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 20:07:52
199 Wrong. McConnell met Trump repeatedly as FM.

The FM is allowed to meet with developers, as long as he meets all sides and does not publicly oppose or favour the development - that is the ministerial code. Which McConnell breached by backing the plan publicly as FM.
169

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 20:08:13
176 dianne12,Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 19:48:05


I'm sorry you said on #148,

"If SNH object, the matter will still have to go before the Scottish Land Court - or will Alex over-ride this too?"

Now your saying that they, "do object." So has that objection just been lodged in the past twenty minutes or are you time travelling as well?
170

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 20:08:46
BBC NEWS | Scotland | North East/N Isles | McConnell defends Trump ...Mr McConnell has been criticised over his dealings with Mr Trump ... and there's nothing unusual about that, as he meets leading businessmen all the time. ...
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/4936652.stm - 34k - Cached - Similar pages


Tell us how the FM should not meet Trump?
171

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 20:11:11
199 So if there is any legal jeopardy to the devlopment by an FM meeting Trump, and backing the plan, it would be from McConnell, no?


"McConnell 'broke rules' on £300m Trump golf deal



Donald Trump and Jack McConnell


« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »

View GalleryBy EDDIE BARNES AND JEREMY WATSON
JACK McConnell has been accused of breaking the ministerial code of conduct by backing a luxury golf resort planned for Scotland by billionaire Donald Trump.
Scotland on Sunday can reveal the First Minister's close association with Trump may have broken strict rules which require ministers to remain neutral about planning applications before they are decided.
172

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 20:11:27
193 clarry,balmedie 17/01/2008 19:58:57


I have family in Balmeddie, perhaps we have met, and for the record I have never laid a hand on Meths.
173

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 20:11:56
197 &198. I don't know whether the NUJ makes party donations or not. Conan, the librarian, might be able to have a few tomes of public information at his fingertips.

Now about the rest of the post, Grahamski?

Btw, Dianne. It means don't crap on your own doorstep by bad mouthing the locals.
174

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 20:11:56
197 &198. I don't know whether the NUJ makes party donations or not. Conan, the librarian, might be able to have a few tomes of public information at his fingertips.

Now about the rest of the post, Grahamski?

Btw, Dianne. It means don't crap on your own doorstep by bad mouthing the locals.
175

 Ayrshire Scot™,

17/01/2008 20:12:15
199 Will you now post to condemn McConnell, who by variou meetings with Trump and public backing of the plan, may have introduced legal jeopardy to the plans?

Or are you just a cheap, partisan Labour hack?
176

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 20:12:25
197 &198. I don't know whether the NUJ makes party donations or not. Conan, the librarian, might be able to have a few tomes of public information at his fingertips.

Now about the rest of the post, Grahamski?

Btw, Dianne. It means don't crap on your own doorstep by bad mouthing the locals.
177

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 20:12:55
204 Ayrshire Scot™,17/01/2008 20:11:11


Nice one ;O) I am following them down but I cannot see any parachutes.
178

weh,

17/01/2008 20:13:36
Salmond, by his actions, has probably secured investment worth one thousand million pounds for NE Scotland. ANY other country would honour him for doing so! But NOT Scotland-all we can do is put him on trial!

It beggars belief but-hey-this is only one of the reasons why we Scots are regarded as numpties the world over!
179

HEN BROON 5,

ALBA GU BRATH 17/01/2008 20:17:10
I'm of to walk the dog and let her dump on some SSSIs.
Later.


ALBA GU BRATH.




GOD BLESS AND KEEP ALEC SALMOND AND QUEEN ELIZABETH THE 1st. OF SCOTLAND.




LONG TO REIGN OVER US.
180

HEN BROON 5,

17/01/2008 20:18:24
EH Before I go, you speak for yourself:
212 weh,17/01/2008 20:13:36
181

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 20:20:31
199 Grahamski, Falkirk 17/01/2008 20:06:24:

Naw Graham Ah don't buy it - Mud is what it's aboot -eh the slingin variety - in the hopes that some wull stick.

C the L - very strange behaviour on these threads - post some threads but not others and then all returns to normal? It's MI5 Ah tell ye!
182

Alex, Young Laird d' Drumchapel,

Madrid 17/01/2008 20:23:44
Guys, calm down - the Trump thing is over. No-one really cares about it anymore. A few party hacks and their pals in the media think it will deflect attention away from Wendy but it can't - it's a dead parrot:

Nat: Never mind that my lad, I wish to complain about this parrot what I purchased not half an hour ago from this very boutique.
Unionist: Oh yes, the Norwegian Blue. What's wrong with it?
Nat: I'll tell you what's wrong with it. It's dead, that's what's wrong with it.
Unionist: No, no it's resting, look!
Nat: Look my lad, I know a dead parrot when I see one and I'm looking at one right now.
Unionist: No, no sir, it's not dead. It's resting.
Nat: Resting?
Unionist: Yeah, remarkable bird the Norwegian Blue, beautiful plumage, isn't it?
Nat: The plumage don't enter into it : it's stone dead.
Unionist: No, no : it's just resting.
Nat: All right then, if it's resting I'll wake it up. (shouts into cage) Hello Polly! I've got a nice cuttlefish for you when you wake up, Polly Parrot!
Unionist: (jogging cage) There it moved.
Nat: No he didn't. That was you pushing the cage.
Unionist: I did not.
Nat: Yes, you did. (takes parrot out of cage, shouts) Hello Polly, Polly (bangs it against counter) Polly Parrot, wake up. Polly. (throws it in the air and lets it fall to the floor) Now that's what I call a dead parrot.
Unionist: No, no it's stunned.
Nat: Look my lad, I've had just about enough of this. That parrot is definitely deceased. And when I bought it not half an hour ago, you assured me that its lack of movement was due to it being tired and shagged out after a long squawk.
Shopkeeper: It's probably pining for the fjords.
Nat: Pining for the fjords, what kind of talk is that? Look, why did it fall flat on its back the moment I got it home?
Unionist: The Norwegian Blue prefers sleeping on its back. Beautiful bird, lovely plumage.
Nat: Look, I took the liberty of examining that parrot, and I discovered that the only reason that
183

dianne12,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 20:25:11
#195 Jock

We live in the UK and that the national language is English. My husband and children are Aberdonians I do understand the local dialect and I work in Aberdeenshire schools. The Doric is a very variable, e.g. farming and fishing dialects, this type of variation is much the same in many parts of England, it's not unusual from people from one region to have trouble understanding individuals from another.

#202 Hen Broon

Scottish Natural Heritage have always objected to the part of the application relating to the SSSI- read their report.
184

OscarMacApfel,

Dumfries 17/01/2008 20:25:34
The curse of rural Scotland increasingly appears to be these delightful incomers from wherever, stifling development, growth and investment for native born locals.

There are now villages in the deepest parts of the Galloway machars, which you can drive through on a winters evening and not see a single light on in any house...all holiday second homes.

185

Grahamski,

Falkirk 17/01/2008 20:25:38
#209
My goodness, that's unusual, the SNP now want to blame Mr McConnell for Mr Salmond's shortcomings. Plus ca change and all that....laters
186

Alex, Young Laird d' Drumchapel,

Madrid 17/01/2008 20:27:33
the only reason that it had been sitting on its perch in the first place was that it had been nailed there.
Shopkeeper: Well of course it was nailed there. Otherwise it would muscle up to those bars and voom!
Praline: Look matey (picks up parrot) this parrot wouldn't voom if I put four thousand volts through it. It's bleeding demised.
Shopkeeper: It's not, it's pining.
Praline: It's not pining, it's passed on. This parrot is no more. It has ceased to be. It's expired and gone to meet its maker. This is a late parrot. It's a stiff. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. If you hadn't nailed it to the perch, it would be pushing up the daisies. It's rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-parrot.
187

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 20:29:32
218
Its getting quite annoying,as it literally breaks your thread (of thought).
Go to another thread that was orignally posted on the Evening News an you have to sign on again.
188

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 20:36:31
221, Dianne, we live in the UK and your national language is English. I suspect that you expect everyone to adopt their local tongues to suit you.

I learnt to understand the Doric when I went to live in Aberdeenshire after 11 years in the army in England and Germany. But there again I was adaptable and not a language imperialist.
189

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 20:40:33
21dianne12, Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 20:25:11;

Used to be universal - that was before ethnic cleansing began in earnest.

BTW - You live in Scotland and it is only good manners to learn the language of the people there. Scots, on the other hand, are well mannered and have no problems learning the language of their host country - even English.


190

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 20:42:03
227 - makin excuses.
191

dianne12,

17/01/2008 20:42:21
#222 OscarMacApfel
Interesting comment. The housing proposed in the Trump development is not for local residents - it will sit empty for much of the year.
192

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 20:44:15
222OscarMacApfel, Dumfries 17/01/2008 20:25:34;

It's been a while since Ah wiz doon the Machers - is it really that bad noo?
193

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 20:46:41
221, Dianne, I'll put this another way. The difference between what I read and understood from the Doric and the English is the same difference between what I can understand and read with German and Dutch.

Is Dutch a language in your mind?

English is the official language of the UK, not the natural language of Scotland.
194

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 20:47:16
232dianne12, 17/01/2008 20:42:21:

When fair housing laws and land redistribution gets put on the agenda things may change. Tommy Sheridan - whaur the hell ur ye?
195

Alex, Young Laird d' Drumchapel,

Madrid 17/01/2008 20:53:38
Dianne, can I ask you a question? When Wendy Alexander said she broke the law, did you believe her?
196

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 20:54:32
229
Estuary English and mockney.Blame BBC Lahndan transmitted all over these isles.
Innit.
197

Conan the Librarian™,

17/01/2008 20:56:39
235
Getting tanned. Again.
198

overton,

Menie 17/01/2008 20:59:08
It is quite clear from the way she writes that English is Dianne12's second language, her first language is in fact MARTIAN!!!
This is the real problem - infiltration of our society by Aliens from another planet who don't really care about dunes or the economy and who in fact are intent on undermining the morale of the whole country prior to taking over and forcing brown rice and lentils down our peaceful throats!
God save us from the Martians (who are also masquerading as Lib Dems)and Belhelvie Community Council.
199

Miss H,

17/01/2008 21:00:01
Clarry - I think that is actually the most absurd aspect of the whole affair which I only realised after the committee hearing. If the Trump organisation had appealed Aberdeenshire Council would have supported the appeal! They would have supported an appeal against themselves.

How farcical can you get?
200

OscarMacApfel,

Dumfries 17/01/2008 21:01:03
#232

Hello Diane, I doubt whether many Aberdonians could afford to buy into the development, then again he's not building social housing, as lived in by those who will be employed in the construction, maintenance and servicing of the resort.

#233 Hi poor mouth. Yep once you're south of Wigtown it all goes a bit medieaval.


201

An Beal Bacht,

17/01/2008 21:02:13
238 - C the L - he's trying not to be S.A.D.? Ach yer no a real Scot unless yer peelly wally!
202

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 21:07:38
Let me see now. Salmond says he's cutting down on red tape. He does it and the oppos are furious. Using red tape to put him on webcam trial.

Wendy, pleath
203

,

17/01/2008 21:15:42
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
204

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 21:19:55
Oh, ye can't fit quicker than a fit like fitter
205

JR Ewing,

Aberdeen 17/01/2008 21:20:50
Well Diane you have managed to shoot yourself in the foot again espousing Ford's elitism.

"Nearly 8,000 signatures on the petition - a great many from our academic community in Aberdeen and throughout the UK- these people have taken the time to look into this application properly and make an informed decision."

patronising piffle as they would say in the home counties.

you didn't mention the link on the RSPB website encouraging people to vote against the development

or did you mention the 14500 signatures supporting the development incidentally full of indigenous surnames but deficient of titles and the double barreled variety that enthuse you so much

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/TrumpSupport/
206

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 21:31:08
Here's one for the RSPB, Balbedie and all who sail with the good ship Brittania,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM3glx6mGgU
207

Huntly loon,

Aberdeenshire 17/01/2008 21:59:36
Weel weel fowks
Huntly Loon's back!
Foo are ye aa deein?
So wir MSP did naethin wrang efter aa.
Weel I cud a tellt ye that.
Roll on the golf coorse!
Next time roond they winna coont Alex's votes, they'll wey them. Michty me I canna believe it'll be nearly a year in Mey since we voted in the best MSP we cud ivver hae got. Foo time flees fin yer enjoyin yersel.
208

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 22:22:51
Must say, Clarry, 258, that my experience of the 3 worst travellers in the world is that of the English, Germans and Americans. The Americans admit this at least, saying only 10% of them have passports.

With regards to the arrogance of ignoring the the indigenous culture and language of the country visted or imposed upon I would label the post 1945 English the worst.

There's one for your collection on me, AMtwa
209

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 22:56:42
Clarry, exactly my thinking. The Americans live in a continent state,. They are very friendly when you visit. The English are friendly when you visit too. So are the Germans.

It is their lack of ability to travel outwith their national boundaries that I was remarking upon.
210

Senga Jean,

17/01/2008 22:59:20
Is it true that Nicol Stephen is quitting. I smell sleaze!
211

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 17/01/2008 23:12:53
Senga Jean. Believe it or not I had great hopes for Nichol Steven and the Lib Dems in Scotland. Shame he turned his party into a poodle and made a complete erschloch of himself in a political sense.

Next.
212

,

18/01/2008 00:26:21
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
213

,

18/01/2008 00:35:34
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
214

Katty,

Bannockburn 18/01/2008 02:40:03
It is now a fact, Alex Salmonds has done everthing just like Job of Bible fame JUST SO.

Not even a kid glove laid. Now lets get this show in the NE on the road.

I see in the Herald you can post on some bits, like Tom Clarke MP for Coatbridge is annoyed with Alex Salmonds for handing over the Disabled cash to the councils to distibute.

Do not worry Tom, Alex will be watching your Labour Councils like a hawk. The cash will reach the disabled

Lets get this show on the road. Budget next.

Heard from a wee bird in the Herald. English Voice was behind the posting withdraw . It was vile some days
off with it's head many would say that had already happened
215

Royster,

18/01/2008 05:10:43
#35. Yes, let Trump take it to County Antrim. Perhaps they are even bigger fools. Cut taxes and red-tape. Pet projects only tend to produce short-term menial jobs.
216

Royster,

18/01/2008 05:11:19
#37. It's also Tory policy.
217

,

18/01/2008 11:27:37
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
218

livilion,

livingston 18/01/2008 12:50:16
272 Ayrshire Scot.™,18/01/2008
What Salmond sleaze would that be?
Just saying it doesn't make it so.

Wee Wendy on the other hand admits she broke the law, accepted illegal 'donations' from council suppliers & contractors just below the £1000 level at which the doner had to be identified.

Incidentaly, I worked for a time at The Houses of Commons where even a Christmas card has to be declared in case the recipient's objectivity is compromised.

Her defence?
Primary 2 level: I didn't mean it, bad boys made me.
219

 Ayrshire Scot™,

18/01/2008 12:55:53
277 Is a unionist fakey at 272
220

livilion,

livingston 18/01/2008 13:02:02
278 Ayrshire Scot™,
??!
Me a unionist?
aye, nice one...
221

livilion,

livingston 18/01/2008 13:04:25
no ok, I see he's changed punctuation again
222

Liberal for life,

Dunblane 18/01/2008 17:08:11
#1 - Whilst Royster is entitled to his view and makes a valid point regarding the type of long term employment he should not denigrate waitressing jobs in this way. It takes all kinds of skills to make a success of such a scheme and good practices in waitressing are often hard to find. I'm sure any Trump venture will ensure the best of training and should be welcomed along with the rest of the spin off envisaged when completed.

As for Salmond - well who needs councillors and MSP's when we have a man who prefers to act as a dictator in charge?
223

overton,

balmedie 18/01/2008 18:33:33
276 DaveSubsea;
I totally agree with you.
In fact, my pal Judge Dredd, who is also from Balmedie, said exactly the same thing to me the other day there.
224

overton,

balmedie 18/01/2008 18:42:47
I see the (soon to disappear of the political map of the Planet Earth) sad and useless Lib Dem Nicol Stephen is still mouthing off in the Evening Express tonight.
Well, you know the ancient proverb 'As a dog returneth to its vomit ......

(Hope Dianne12 doesn't returneth to this blogg tonight)
225

JR Ewing,

Aberdeen 18/01/2008 19:19:56
#284

Mouthing of but saying nothing just what you would expect from him.
He did though manage to get the wee petted lip dig in reckoning the committee " had exposed cover-up and concealment on this issue"

If that is his take on the proceedings I think Cornhill should be his next stop.
226

Liberal for life,

Dunblane 18/01/2008 23:32:10
#282 - aye aye we ken ah the failries yer spikin aboot bit yer sikin tae miss the pint - next stop ASDA in Bunff - faes the chiel te spik til thar - thon chiel fa kids fowk on he's still their MP ye gype!
227

Liberal for life,

Dunblane 18/01/2008 23:35:21
#284 - I widnae write his obituary just yet - what goes round comes round - believe me, it will turn around!
228

Katty,

Bannockburn 19/01/2008 02:02:55

288 Lib for life

Yep life can be short. I agree "What goes around comes around" not only will it turn around it will bit Stevens on his skinny bum
229

overton,

balmedie 19/01/2008 06:51:25
288 Liberal for life:

It hasn't turned around for you lot since Lloyd George - and for obvious reasons.
230

JR Ewing,

Aberdeen 19/01/2008 13:59:09
oops Mr petted lip Stephen may have been nabbed with his pants down
From the P&J
"The Liberal Democrats last night strongly denied allegations they had been persuaded to change the route of Aberdeen's Western Peripheral Route at the last minute to appease a multimillionaire donor."
Link
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=
149971&command=displayContent&sourceNode=149970&contentPK=
19600444&folderPk=85766&pNodeId=206467

Should this be the case I don't think even Cornhill will be a suitable hideout for you Nic.

Could there be something that "smells of sleaze" to coin a previously inaccurately used phrase.
231

Ike,

Glasgow 23/01/2008 19:23:22
Sleaze? Sleaze? Where? Who? Wendy took the cash donation/consideration - Alec's going for the £billion. Follow the money. Make Scotland wealthy... end poverty... qualify for the World Cup... Watch Scottish and Newcastle... keep an eye on HalifaxBOS... The Bank of Scotland is the oldest retail Bank in the World - pre Union - but does it still exist? Watch Scottish and Southern... why did the Spanish take over Scottish Power and not the other way around... more not less. Why do we hear so little from Jim Mather, the enterprise man?

 

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