Skip to main content

Rackets, Fiddles and Public Money

When the great MPs' expenses scandal eventually came to light the political establishment initially tried to argue that, notwithstanding the obvious embarrassment, everything was 'within the rules'.

But the court of public opinion wasn't having any of this nonsense and MPs were forced to change their rules - and the same should happen with a system which allows the Greens to claim public money for being in opposition and in government at the same time.

Public Money, Public Code

 

Holyrood - Rackets and Fiddles (August 20, 2021)

 Lucerne Festival - Roger Federer: Racket vs. Violin? - YouTube

Here's a reminder of other crazy 'rules' followed by the Holyrood Parliament - tens of thousands paid to MSPs in hugely generous severance payments even if:

  • the MSP's conduct/performance has been poor, questionable or unacceptable (Derek Mackay - SNP) 
  • the MSP in question is taking up a new job (Aileen Campbell - SNP) 
  • the MSP is retiring with a handsome pension (Mike Russell - SNP).  

The Westminster Parliament said it was only 'following the rules', of course, when the great MPs expenses scandal was exposed, but that didn't cut any ice in the court of public opinion - and nor should this racket at Holyrood.

   

SNP Golden Goodbyes - A Racket - Not A Fiddle (July 11, 2021)

Tom Gordon hits the nail on the head with his description of Holyrood's golden goodbye payments scheme as a 'racket'.

The current scheme was put in place by MSPs back in 2008 and the SNP has presided over the same lousy system ever since.

Westminster has changed its rules, as have Wales and Northern Ireland, but the Scottish Parliament retained its scheme which is really the equivalent of money for old rope.

The latest beneficiaries include the former SNP finance minister, Derek Mackay (£54,000), along with outgoing SNP ministers Aileen Campbell (£75,000), Mike Russell (£76,500) and Roseanna Cunningham (£76,500) - and the first £30,000 is tax free.

As Tom Gordon observes:

"Our system is bloated, out-dated, inflexible and unfair."

So while MSPs may be following the 'rules' the fact is the rules are not fit for purpose and the SNP should be ashamed of allowing the public purse to be shamelessly ripped off in this way.

What in the World is Zyex, Anyway? - Squash Magazine

Definitely a racket not a fiddle!

 

Popular posts from this blog

LGB Rights - Hijacked By Intolerant Zealots!

Image
Now that we're a month away from the month formerly known as June, we can think about what's happened. Given the new events being rolled out in London, Manchester and across the States, I think this sums up the *erm* transition of Pride. H/T @LGBNOW pic.twitter.com/HL87yIXXHg — Fred Sargeant (@FredSargeant) August 2, 2023 No doubt about it - the once proud campaign in support of lesbian and gay rights has been hijacked by intolerant trans zealots!     
Read more

SNP - Conspiracy of Silence

Image
So here's the issue - two Glasgow MSPs (Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf) have been asked a reasonable question about their use of public money to employ two SNP councillors who already have full-time, salaried jobs as senior elected members of Glasgow City Council.   But these two public servants (both long-serving ministers) refuse to answer, so what to do next? One regular reader suggests raising the matter on the floor of the Scottish Parliament which is a good idea, but requires an MSP who's prepared to put down a written question for Scottish Ministers to answer. So here's a list of activities which will help shine a light on what has been going on because as Lord Nolan once said apropos driving up standards in public life - 'daylight is the best disinfectant'. Write to the leader of Glasgow City Council Write to the Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council Write to all elected members in Glasgow City Council Write to the party leaders in Glasgow City Council W
Read more