nupateer blog

With the Ministerial Code being much misunderstood, the following provides a brief explanation. Once in a lifetime, Scotland has a Very Special First Minister, and when this is the case the Ministerial Code for ordinary Ministers and First Ministers is adapted. The space between the lines of the Code are used to insert the special provisions required.    To keep things simple, the two versions of the Code still look the same, as the extra provisions are added using invisible ink that only a Very Special First Minister can read.    These special clauses mean it does not matter if our current First Minister cannot recall the exact timing or purpose of a given meeting, and did not get round to recording it properly, because the special version of the Code makes clear that a Very Special First Minister does not need to trouble themselves with such niceties.    Equally, when speaking to the Scottish Parliament, a Very Special First Minister can say whatever soun...

                                              As Nicola Sturgeon dismisses all the charges against her, is this based more on SNP spin than on an honest assessment of the facts? Our First Minister presents herself as the acceptable face of nationalism, with the SNP and herself always on the moral high ground.     Indeed, few can compare with Nicola Sturgeon when it comes to deflecting criticism and employing mock outrage at any suggestion of impropriety.     The First Minister’s confidence comes in part from core supporters whose loyalty to her is based on a faith in their common cause of ‘independence’. It seems some are prepared to sacrifice the checks and balances of good government as collateral damage in keeping their dream alive.   Citing the interest of complainants, and leading Scotland’s response to the global pandemic, has somehow enabled ...