[0762]

I listened to this debate intently through most of yesterday and I think one of the the most defining parts of all the conversations was when the FM responded to a question re her poor, nervy performance on the likes of The Andrew Marr Show and commented that at that time she seriously didn't want to talk about the issue at all and was very uncomfortable with it, such was the disappointment and disbelief of discovering a long-standing friend had definitely "let the side down". Later on she re-affirmed the fact that she and lotsa her colleagues who were cooperating with law officers in their investigations were doing this under a cloud of real disappointment re someone who they regarded very highly as a revered political colleague and NOT AN OPPONENT OR TARGET OF THE SCOT GOVT. At that point one could detect an element of emotion for someone, a friend, who she'd been associated with for over 30 years. That display of genuine emotion does no harm in this kinda debate!! Also she highlighted the political minefield for her personally in saying anything relative to this controversial and unprecedented issue and being careful with what she says in the months ahead - remember our previous views on this Sb board re that awareness of enemies from various quarters who will conspire to bring her down if they get the chance and that is because she is very popular at home and abroad - political opponents like the Tories and associated Unionists don't like what they are seeing and desperation set in a long time ago!! I believe her 100% and understand fully why she opted for no significant involvement in the investigation process and no intervention thereby allowing the judicial process to be progressed and developed by the Permanent Secretary and other civil servants plus it ensured an element of protectionism during such a controversial period of judicial process and review. May I also add I think the Scot govt most certainly would take some precautions to protect themselves from such a controversy that had never happened at this level of govt before and hopefully will never happen again. But that doesn't mean they conspired to bring down Alex Salmond and there was nothing in yesterday's FM dialogue to confirm such skulduggery. As usual, conspiracy theories and "smoke and mirrors" will prevail from people who were not privy to the actions within the Scot govt in assessing the legal case against Ecky and progressing the judicial process to its end conclusion - such is current life when viewing these kinda scandals!!