Londonwell

You would think that considering his career, long or even short term could be in doubt, he would look to maximise his earning potential if he possibly could. So if he’s been offered more money elsewhere I wouldn’t begrudge him that at all. A real shame how it’s worked out for him.

It would be a big risk for Exeter offering him decent terms, so fair play to the lad if he’s managed to get that. Was someone not on here a while back saying he extended on the dl at the start of the year? Guessing that was shite then.

Missed this, where’s the story?

They've got to make the most of it, they'll need a visa soon.

I can't imagine the agony of losing one child, let alone four. I am an atheist myself but when my father was dying it gave me a certain amount of comfort to know that he at least believed that this wasn't the complete end of his life. I notice Denis Canavan seeks similar solace, although he ties this into his own belief in a god as well. One of the few benefits of the invention of organised religion in my opinion.

We are into what was left of the Easter recess. Might give us all a wee break from the endless omnishambles.

Unless I’m mistaken he didn’t do this with Mctominay though, did he? I distinctly remember him praising the boys performances when he brought him into the team.

My favourite part of Kate Hoey on Newsnight last night was her claim that actually the UK parliament shouldn't be playing any part in the Brexit process So much for the mother of all parliaments taking back control.

The Express

Without being an expert on such things, it wouldn't be my go to economic policy either. I suppose luckily enough for us there isn't very much (perhaps any) wider support for it in the SNP. That is if Blackford still believes such- there's been a hell of a lot of water under the bridge since i remember him ever mentioning such a thing.

You would need to point out to me at which point that I said it would?

The last time I can remember Blackford calling for that was before IndyRef 1, i'm not sure he has since being an elected rep but perhaps you can correct me? Anyway, Blackford believes or certainly believed that making Scotland a magnet for business interests with such measures would be of benefit to the country post independence. Now you can debate the rights and wrongs of that, but that is where he was politically. I'm not sure why he should drop those beliefs, it is his right to have them.

He doesn't have a clue and is looking for a reaction to fill up time in his day. Best to ignore H_B.

I know you are making a general point, which i generally agree with the principle of, but in this particular case i don't think such a charge can be levelled at Blackford. His members interest register has him working just over 30 hours a year for GC, which for me in no way inhibits his ability to be a full time MP. Any other conflict that is being alleged is completely politically motivated by the mail, and I hope as clearly a bright lad you would be able to see that.

When Sunday funday turns into Monday meltdown.

Every political party has some absolute wrong-uns in it so this isn't just a dig at Labour, but, seriously how fucking thick do you have to be as an elected rep to put stuff like that on a public forum? And while we are at it how do the brain dead like him get through vetting?

Ross Thomson tweeted that he (Blackford) was an arms dealer and then swiftly deleted it. It may turn into quite an expensive tweet for young Ross.

Fane and Gallagher, shirley?

That is perhaps the point that defeats my argument because I agree with that. But remember politicians have teams behind them and i'm not aware of any politicians with other jobs that allow that to effect their parliamentary work. For instance the Blackford example given above; the two directorships roles equates to one day of work a month and i'm pretty sure that's a weekend day. If they do allow it to effect their parliamentary work,then yes absolutely that is unacceptable. I have seen well meaning individuals get sucked up into the 'politics' of it all and I still think it's beneficial to have experiences outside that. The one's who go from school to study politics at uni, impress everyone at their local branch with their intellect and eventually get elected to parliament, tend to have very little life experience. For me, it's good if politicians have experience of what they preside over.

Haha you're such a fanny.

MP's are working hard and are stressed. Other people work hard and are stressed. The end.

Thanks for popping by H_B.

I understand that train of thought. But i personally take the view that anything that gets them out of the Westminster bubble and into different sectors is positive. I also fully accept that not all other work activity will take them out said bubble.

I think qualified medical professionals are better placed to assess someone for stress and anxiety related health issues m9.

There's not a set amount. This week most days have been 8:30am until 11/12 at night. I should have said it's not just the hours though, the political climate is particularly fervent at the moment and there's abuse and death threats being sent on a daily basis. Some people can handle that stuff, for others, it understandably causes a great deal of anxiety for them.