Inverness and Nairn SNP MSP Fergus Ewing on friend Alex Salmond, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and United States President Donald Trump
The death of Alex Salmond, the election of Kemi Badenoch, and re-election of President Trump have for me dominated my thoughts and indeed working life over the past few weeks.
It was an honour to be asked to make one of the tributes to my dear friend Alex at his funeral service in Strichen. Thankfully the weather on that late October day was sunny with the clearest of blue skies, shining upon the beautiful countryside. Just as well, as the dignified simple Kirk service was followed by a procession to the cemetery.
Meanwhile, the election of Kemi Badenoch seemed to me not only to be the best choice for the Conservatives, but also a lady who - irrespective of party political matters - is able to speak her mind on issues on which most politicians choose to remain silent. Not least to stand up for women's rights not to have men compete against them in Olympic boxing, or have to share private spaces like changing rooms or toilets.
The political reaction from opponents seemed to me churlish in failing to recognise the significance of her party members choosing to select a black female leader. Surely that is an encouraging sign that the members of that party cannot be described as racist, not that I believed they were, but this is proof positive that they simply chose the best person for the job.
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My favourite comment on her election was from the formidable JK Rowling, who expressed mock concern for actor David Tennant, who famously told Badenoch to :”shut up”. She tweeted: “My thoughts and prayers are with David Tennant at this difficult time!” Ouch!
Most momentous of all, however, was the re-election of the Donald. His victory shows that in the USA most citizens have utterly lost faith in the government establishment and elites, particularly with working-class people and those who do not share their liberal “progressive” values. It shows a divided country, and bodes ill for the people of Ukraine, and possibly the Baltics.
But it perhaps also sends a lesson to our own elites in Scotland and the UK. If you think that it is ok for the leader of Britain to receive gifts worth £150,000, and to scrap the winter fuel payments for those on very modest incomes, do not be surprised if people turn away from you to other parties. And here in Scotland, if our own government persists with, for example, gender issues being promoted, whilst our key public services are so urgently in need to major reform, do not be surprised if the people decide enough is enough.
I have always believed in government from the centre ground, being ready to compromise and work with other parties, and avoiding extremes. That was the European way for the last half-century. Government meant compromise and reasoned working. The leaders of the West need to remember that they are after all public servants and that means serving the public.
