Happy birthday, Thirst Minister.. you deserve it
closure of gyms we never went to have looked on in admiration of her energy, determination and drive. Although it would be hard not to look “energetic, determined and driven” when your closest rival is BoJo.
Of course, turning 50 is a time for reflection and, after five-and-a-half years as leader of her nation – 10 years before that as deputy to Alex Salmond – Sturgeon will have plenty on which to reflect.
She is a woman who has dedicated her entire life to politics, specifically to the cause of independence for Scotland – something that has edged closer but may not actually happen in her lifetime.
She admits she has a “shelf life” as leader of the party so she might put in all the groundwork and never see the project throuthrough to completion. Plus, sheshe’s made her home in a viciovicious, fickle political world that’s dominated by egegos and where othothers are primed and reaready to capitalise on her success.
EEven though polls sugsuggest Sturgeon wilwill lead the Nats to victvictory again in next year’year’s Holyrood electioelection, a rival, splinter party – thet Alliance for IndependeIndependence – has been launched by formerfo SNP MSP Dave Thompson and endorsede by sitting Nats MP Kenny MacAskill.
So much for the common good, eh? So much for easing into her 50s.
Once her political reign is over, will she come to regret the challenges and responsibilities she took on from an early age, the personal sacrifices she made along the way?
Probably. We’ve all got our regrets. The trick is to enjoy what you can, when you can. Then make a fortune from a tell-all autobiography later.
So let’s hope she spends her 50th on the karaoke, belting out some of her favourite songs by Wham! or Duran Duran before reciting the Declaration of Arbroath while balancing a tumbler of 12-year-old malt on her head (or whatever these SNP types do for fun).
Happy birthday, First Minister. Take a day or two off. We won’t mind. Make time for a swifty… you’re 50.