tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14422435.post1530965499313721768..comments2008-09-17T15:42:29.558+01:00septicislehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03369157723084834549noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14422435.post-21044279307222039182008-09-17T15:42:00.000+01:002008-09-17T15:42:00.000+01:00Puts up hand.<BR/><BR/>Cairns has effectively been the Scottish Labour party spokesman ffor Newsnight Scotland, putting forward the Labour case in Scotland rather more persuasively than his colleagues in Holyrood. I guess this is why the news has been treated a bit more seriously up here. Also, he has been de facto Scottish Secretary as it is assumed that Des Browne has been (rightly concentrating on defence). Cairns is a serious guy, not rash, and - for those within and outwith the Labout party, judging by conversations I had yesterday and today with colleagues from across the spectrum - seemed pretty decent and principled. ALso, according to those that I know within the civil service (Scottish Executive and Scotland Office) CAirns is respected, and not viewed as someone that rushes into things, always questioning motives and the rationale underlying policy decisions. If this is a mark of the man there must be something of substance underlying this.<BR/><BR/>Best rumour up here - propagated by blogs from all parties, and one Labour PPC I know - is that Dr John Reid - the SOntaran overlord - is ready to renew his decades long feud with Gordon and step into the breach to fight a leadership contest. What truth there is in this, I've no idea.Scott @ loveandgarbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057169237461813713noreply@blogger.com