Out of Order

I came across the following story on the BBC's web site earlier today - which struck me as rather ridiculous.

I fail to see how the Parliament's presiding officer - Tricia Marwick - can make such a big fuss over nothing. 

In the Westminster Parliament MPs appear able to swan about doing exactly as they like - up to and including jetting off abroad to appear in silly TV programmes.

Yet in Scotland a normally mild-mannered MSP  - Michael McMahon - gets suspended for letting off a bit of steam even though he apologised later.

Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill.   


"Labour's Michael McMahon handed one-day Holyrood ban"

"A Labour MSP who shouted "you're out of order" at Holyrood's presiding officer has been suspended.

It is understand (sic) that Michael McMahon was banned from the chamber for the day because Tricia Marwick did not think his immediate apology was sincere.

The presiding officer is due to make a statement to MSPs on the matter later.

Mr McMahon's comments came as MSPs discussed inaccurate figures given to the parliament by First Minister Alex Salmond.

During the debate the discussion became very heated which led to Ms Marwick calling out "order".

Mr McMahon responded by saying "you're out of order".

Following an outcry by MSPs in the chamber, Ms Marwick said to the MSP: "Mr McMahon, I would ask you to withdraw that remark now."

After the politician said "I apologise," the presiding officer requested that he come to see her at her office."