Fantasy Football
Having read, watched and listened to much of the Scottish election coverage over the past five weeks - we are now approaching the moment of truth.
So I thought I'd reach back into my youth for some inspiration - about what to do and how to decide.
When I was younger - much younger - football teams down in the local park were formed by two opposing captains choosing their 'picks' from the available pool of talent - until no one was left.
The job was done without fear or favour - because the most important thing was winning the game - so sentiment and friendship were set aside for the serious task in hand.
Now I don't have an encyclopedic knowledge about all official government positions and portfolios.
But if I were making a choice on the basis of merit only - not party politics - then here's what I would decide:
First Minister
Alex Salmond or Iain Gray - no contest, Alex Salmond for sure because he has a positive vision for Scotland and a track record of achievement as First Minister. Gray has fluffed his chance.
Finance Secretary
John Swinney or Andy Kerr - Kerr has put up a fight which is more than can be said for some in his party, but again a clear first choice - John Swinney who is a very safe pair of hands.
Health Secretary
Nicola Sturgeon or Jackie Baillie - almost as straighforward as my first pick, Nicola Sturgeon is head and shoulders above her Labour rival - who makes a lot of noise but has completely failed to shine.
Justice Secretary
Kenny MacAskill or Richard Baker - another walkover, Baker has been an embarrassment over various policy issues including 'knife crime' - he is to Scottish politics what Ann Widdecombe is to ballroom dancing.
Education Secretary
Mike Russell and ???? - Mike Russell is an effective performer, not afraid of a bit of the rough stuff when required - and the choice is made easier by the fact as I don't even know who does the shadow job for Labour.
During the election campaign Labour has tried to argue - without much conviction - that the Scottish government and the SNP are a 'one man' band.
Yet looking dispassionately at the talent on offer - I'm sad to say that it's Labour's front bench that lacks depth and substance - so none of them would get into my first team.
But that's fantasy football for you.
So I thought I'd reach back into my youth for some inspiration - about what to do and how to decide.
When I was younger - much younger - football teams down in the local park were formed by two opposing captains choosing their 'picks' from the available pool of talent - until no one was left.
The job was done without fear or favour - because the most important thing was winning the game - so sentiment and friendship were set aside for the serious task in hand.
Now I don't have an encyclopedic knowledge about all official government positions and portfolios.
But if I were making a choice on the basis of merit only - not party politics - then here's what I would decide:
First Minister
Alex Salmond or Iain Gray - no contest, Alex Salmond for sure because he has a positive vision for Scotland and a track record of achievement as First Minister. Gray has fluffed his chance.
Finance Secretary
John Swinney or Andy Kerr - Kerr has put up a fight which is more than can be said for some in his party, but again a clear first choice - John Swinney who is a very safe pair of hands.
Health Secretary
Nicola Sturgeon or Jackie Baillie - almost as straighforward as my first pick, Nicola Sturgeon is head and shoulders above her Labour rival - who makes a lot of noise but has completely failed to shine.
Justice Secretary
Kenny MacAskill or Richard Baker - another walkover, Baker has been an embarrassment over various policy issues including 'knife crime' - he is to Scottish politics what Ann Widdecombe is to ballroom dancing.
Education Secretary
Mike Russell and ???? - Mike Russell is an effective performer, not afraid of a bit of the rough stuff when required - and the choice is made easier by the fact as I don't even know who does the shadow job for Labour.
During the election campaign Labour has tried to argue - without much conviction - that the Scottish government and the SNP are a 'one man' band.
Yet looking dispassionately at the talent on offer - I'm sad to say that it's Labour's front bench that lacks depth and substance - so none of them would get into my first team.
But that's fantasy football for you.
