SAD FOR SCOTLAND - A POINT OF VIEW

I was recently asked if I understood what is going on in Scotland at present. On looking into the matter I have formed a view. I thank Oliver Cotton for drawing my attention to something I was trying to avoid looking at or getting into. I quite like Nicola Sturgeon and feel sorry that she is having to go through this nonsense, so here is my view:

Scotland is going through a rather sad episode of public exposure. This has been brought about by the fragile ego of the ex-first minister Alex Salmond. In many ways his conceit is akin to that of Donald Trump. He has made the mistake of assuming that a favourable result in a Court has the effect of completely vindicating his behaviour.

On a close reading of Mr Salmond’s evidence in Court during his criminal trial, he had admitted to certain actions and behaviour that, on many peoples’ view, was completely inappropriate. The Jury found that he was not guilty of criminal behaviour, although that verdict was a majority verdict, so at least two of the jurors must have felt that the behaviour was in fact criminal and not just inappropriate.  In any event, the fact is that he was cleared of criminal acts, and that fact seems to have turned his head.

His past behaviour and demeanour is not dissimilar to the braggadocio comments made by Mr Trump during his recorded conversation with Mr Billy Bush, some years ago:

 “…when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything…grab them by the pussy. You can do anything”.

The disturbing current scenario, has been brought about because Mr Salmond's self-belief has been rekindled by that ‘not guilty’ verdict.   He still does not get it. His behaviour was not and is no longer excusable as locker room banter. Human relations have reached a point where certain actions by men towards women are no longer appropriate, tolerable or acceptable. He on the other hand now believes that he has been excused and that it was all perfectly acceptable to do what he did, even though what he did brought about his arrest and criminal charges.  

His outrage at being charged and investigated, brought into play his calling for assistance from those he saw as friends and supporters. His affront at being under investigation by the Scottish Government correctly initiating an investigation into sexual misconduct was all part and parcel of his arrogance.  The unfortunate fact that the Government officials in charge botched the investigation, for reasons of conflict of interest, gave grist to his mill. The investigation was not wrong, it was just badly done. The Police investigation went ahead without difficulty.

Mr Salmond sued the Government over the botched inquiry and eventually pocketed a substantial sum for costs. This was later viewed as a shameful waste of public funds.

In his storming around for assistance he called upon the new First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. She had been his ally and protégé, he was sure she would come to his rescue and intervene, save the day, and all investigations would disappear. From what I can make out, Ms Sturgeon, out of blindness or kindness, may have had meetings and agreed to intervene. She clearly later realised that it was not in her power, not in her interest and certainly not in the interest of the Scottish Government to have anything to do with anything associated with Mr Salmond’s self-engendered predicament. Things would have to take their course.

During that period of time, Ms Sturgeon may have mistakenly kept silent about matters she perhaps ought to have exposed, but she clearly did so out of some misplaced loyalty to a former colleague. She avoided questions. Her inaction was an affront to the Salmond ego. That must have festered. So we have a man acquitted, a “reputation” supposedly restored, and a lashing out with conspiracy theories about those who would do him down. Now where have we seen that sort of thing recently?

The narcissist turning on friends and supporters appears to be de rigueur these days for party leaders who have lost their seat.

So what we are left with is opposition party leaders chomping at the bit to dislodge a formidable opponent, with phony outrage and claims of breaching the code of conduct. Breaching codes of conduct is all the rage in government these days. Note Ms Priti Patel, she’s allowed all sorts of licence to bully, as are many others in the current Government. It’s all very sad for Scotland.