Commentator on politics and public policy. Writer. Consultant. Events chair. Hitter of nails on the head. Hibs season ticket holder.

Edinburgh
Joined May 2011
New. Why @andyburnham's current version of 'Manchesterism' and his apparent lack of understanding of devolution - incl calls for self-government in Scotland, and Wales + demands for a united Ireland - have been a fillip to nationalism. Me for @thetimes thetimes.com/uk/scotland/art…
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@petermacmahon retweeted
SNP councillors revolt over local government reform plans One of the most interesting fringe events I've attended in recent years - quite rare to see this kind of open criticism of the government: scotsman.com/news/politics/s…
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‘Them and us’ attitude is harmful to all of our schools thetimes.com/article/aa09fbd…
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Kate Forbes: SNP can no longer afford to duck the defence debate thetimes.com/article/571cc1e…
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@petermacmahon retweeted
Replying to @Ryanair
@Ryanair My flight suddenly delayed 5hours 55 mins to 23.50. Can you reroute me on the earliest available flight to Dublin, including another carrier if necessary?”
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An opinion from someone who’s looked long and hard at the issue of public service reform
Ad hoc education authorities - old discredited idea from the distant past. Runs completely contrary to need for links across public services and need for multi-purpose directly elected local authorities. Institutional silos create problems.
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An official report which calls for radical reform. Not sure new education “authorities” are answer but worth knowing more detail. Certainly many problems in Scottish school education identified Councils could lose control of schools under SNP shake-up thetimes.com/article/9b93f61…
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Scottish Labour leader open to talks with Michael Gove on education thetimes.com/article/caddb0c…
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@petermacmahon retweeted
New: Scotland drugs deaths vs English regions
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Bloody love The Clash
The Clash - I fought the law
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Wondering if another Potter, Harry of that ilk, might be interested in becoming our new head coach. Better performance today but we could do with some magic. 🪄🧙🧹
Interim Head Coach John Potter spoke to 𝗛𝗶𝗯𝘀 𝗧𝗩 after today's draw versus Aberdeen at Easter Road 🎙️
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Well, certainly an improvement on Tuesday, though it would hard to be any worse. More spirit, fight and creativity in the second half. Still defensively frail, to put it politely. Who knows what’s to come with a new coach.
It finishes level at Easter Road
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