Absolutely. Logic and reason aren’t necessarily the answer …

Comment posted Argyll and Bute Council ‘Martha’s Blog’ press release under scrutiny by newsroom.

Absolutely. Logic and reason aren’t necessarily the answer to everything but they’re the best possible lender of last resort.

We were careful to say that the council ‘switches off her dinnercam’. That wasn’t banning her blog – a matter beyond their control.

Recent comments by newsroom

  • Serenissima waits for higher tide – and she has had earlier identities
    We are, of course aware of that.
    Watching at the time, what we saw her do was make marked changes of course over a short distance, some times at 90 degrees and at one point turning through 180 degrees three times in a row.
    While some of this could have swinging to tide and current, the repetitions did seem to suggest controlled activity.
    And it was only when she settled that her AIS recorded ‘At Anchor.’
  • Update on SNP meeting
    As we have said, the potential Holyrood candidate offered support for SNP selection against Mr Mackenzie, as we reported,is not a political figure – and that includes Mr Allan, who is certainly one such.
    We will identify the person concerned when selection time comes around but not until then. Until that point, it is not the person offered the goodie bag who matters, it is the easy use of the patronage of the pork barrel to buy obligation where it might be personally useful – and the continuing failure of loyalties.
    Councillor Semple is certainly much more experienced than Councillor Taylor and has held a range of senior responsibilities.
    The ‘why not’ question is one for the party and it would be interesting to know the answer.
    Councillor Semple is apparently to be given the Economic Development brief – which would be far more personally developmental than trying to lead, with no authority whatsoever, in the current circumstances, with party control now at the level of ‘submission of intent in advance and sign-off – or not’.
  • Good news from salmon farming sector: Marine Harvest breaks ranks and seeks ASC certification
    The ‘end of the decade’ limitation is germane and explain why S&TAS rightly gave the news no more than a qualified welcome.
    It is as admission that change is necessary, though – so it’s important to push for that to be sooner rather than at the end of 2019. There is no reason why it should not be.
  • Update on SNP meeting
    The fact that Mr Allan was asked and agreed not to resign does not negate the fact that he was to resign – and should have done so.
    Councillor McCuish was persuaded not to resign and will have to make his mind up at what point he puts the interests of his constituents before those of his party.
    Sandy Taylor IS a novice councillor.
    As a former council officer and not at the most senior level, it is hard to see how he would – if he were to be voted Council Leader – successfully translate to being senior to those who have been his own line managers.
    The fact that he has not been able to protect his group of councillors from tightened control measures from party central does not suggest someone with what it takes to stand ground over those he perceives to be his seniors.
  • SNP meeting on Monday may be testing time for mega-coalition proposal
    We’re not going to do a ’20 questions’ routine but, to let local politicians off the hook, it’s not any of them.
    And we’re now taking a vow of silence.

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5 Responses to Absolutely. Logic and reason aren’t necessarily the answer …

  1. Even this analysis by Adrian Short is careless with the facts – translating the banning of the photographs as the banning of the blog, and this seems to have been quite a widespread mistake in media reports. Which just goes to show that even the experts can stumble over their words.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

    • Absolutely. Logic and reason aren’t necessarily the answer to everything but they’re the best possible lender of last resort.

      We were careful to say that the council ‘switches off her dinnercam’. That wasn’t banning her blog – a matter beyond their control.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  2. Francis Horner raises a good point in the blog. If the three press officers recently suspended, sacked (sorry, resigned) didn’t write the offending press release, then who did? The chances are it was some inexperienced junior member of staff who’s been drafted into cover & pressured into producing a rushed effort by senior management on the verge of panic. A lot has been wrtten about Roddy McCuish’s role in all this but he shouldn’t have needed to go anywhere near it. It should have been dealt with by the senior Council management & they obviously weren’t up to the task. The new Council Leader must have been absolutely livid & rightly so. If this was old-style Central Government then somebody would soon be “off to spend more time with their family”. Choice of two I reckon.

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    • I picture the scene in Sally’s office last friday morning …..

      Sally and Cleland see the proverbial s**t hitting the fan – the internet, twitter, radio, tv etc etc

      Sally says “Cleland – what will we do – this is HUGE, where are our Comms team when we need them? We are in a big big hole here”

      Cleland nonchalantly says “where’s the spade ? I’ll get us out of this hole”

      Sally says ” Be careful Cleland – don’t say anything stupid and make it worse than it is!”

      Cleland departing office, spade over shoulder “Trust me Sally, trust me”

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  3. Calling Roddy McCuish ….. could you lift the ban on Mr. CJ Raeburn of 2 Queen Street Helensburgh G84 9QQ, from communicating with the council any further about the fact that developments surrounding the above property have resulted in the destruction of the living space and Mr. Cleland Sneddon’s notice served under the housing act is yet again another BOGUS notice, the second BOGUS notice received referencing demolition of the above property?
    Mr. Raeburn have been banned as part of a Stage 2 Complaint, inspite of the fact that MSP Jackie Baillie had stated in writing that the council does have further involvement regarding the destruction via flooding and perpetual sewage leaks which have been allowed to be managed by the neighbors (The Non-Insured!) to despose effluent and storm drainage in order to do a cozy little favour for the public services namely: Scottish Water and Argyll & Bute Council …. Try lifting this ban!

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