You Get What You Vote For

A few moments ago, Alex Salmond MSP became First Minister of Scotland at the head of a minority administration.

I suspect this will be just the start of the problems that Labour (in Westminster and Scotland) will now face with the Scottish administration. Sadly, though, it will not just be the Labour party that will feel the pain. The Tories and Lib-Dems must take heed of what is going on there and not let Salmond wreak long-term, irreparable harm as he seeks short-term point scoring opportunities.

At a dinner hosted by the TRG on Monday, Lord Strathclyde (and I hope he does not mind me reporting this) referred to Salmond as the “Ken Livingstone of Scotland”. This is not a bad description. Both are populists with a disregard for many of the conventions of modern politics. Both are also prepared to play fast and loose with the serious issues of tomorrow if they think it will lead to a good headline today.

All political parties in the UK need to set aside the temptation of quick headlines to ensure the long-term preservation of the union.