Process needs to play out fully
This has been a tough couple of weeks for our parliamentary institutions and our democracy.
The fall-out of the Alex Salmond trial and the ongoing inquiry into the failed parliamentary complaints process has been all over the news and the public interest in the whole process has been irked.
Where some of it is almost indecipherable, remaining as it does behind an almost impenetrable legal fog, it basically comes down to a series of complaints about the former first minister and how these complaints were pursued and dealt with.
Where there has also been some wild conspiracy theories accompanying all of this, it mainly comes down to different accounts about what was said in various meetings.
This is something that now needs to be properly played out. All the evidence must be heard, and tough as it may be, a conclusion about the failure to meet the concerns of the original complainants must be reached.
As I write this the FM is appearing in front of the inquiry and as this is so fast moving, we may be several steps ahead as you read this.
But what is not acceptable are the ridiculous demands for resignations and‘votes of confidence’from the Conservatives in advance of the committee reporting.
The politicisation of this process is simply appalling, and the accompanying attacks on our democratic institutions an insult to all of us who live in this country and respect the institutions that determine our public life.
To have these attacks made by politicians from a Tory government steeped in an almost cavalier approach to their own ministerial code, and who have been found to have acted unlawfully over the award of COVID contracts, will not be lost on the people of Perthshire.
Our first minister is by far the most popular politician in the UK and you can understand why the Tories would want to do everything possible to undermine her popularity.
The Scottish people will see through all of this, though, and will continue to see a first minister that has led us through the COVID crisis and leads our nation with such distinction.
On a much lighter note, it was fantastic to see St Johnstone win the 2021 Scottish League Cup.
The Saintees performed magnificently and Callum Davidson and the entire team should be proud at what they have achieved. The win makes The Saints Scotland’s second most successful club over the last decade.
I know that the match was not the same in the current circumstances. Not being able to attend in person or heading out to watch the game with mates was tough for us all, but such are things right now.
I truly hope that, given the general direction of things, we may be able to get together sometime soon to celebrate this fantastic win.
Perth will party and we will do that safely.