SNP to increase number of DNA samples held (with support of Labour)

When I was doing my Sunday morning trawl of the news and newspaper websites I was somewhat shocked when I saw the headline "Call to retain more DNA samples" on the BBC website.

In Scotland, if you are given a fine or a work order (direct measures) your DNA is not taken, in other words if there is not a criminal conviction they don't take your DNA - sounds good to me.

I have to be honest though, the fiscal fines do cover an array of potential law infringements. These direct measures can be used as an alternative to prosecution for crimes such as vandalism, breach of the peace, theft and assault.

Now, as I am not a lawyer I don't know whether the theft also covers burglary? For me, burglary and assault cases should have the DNA samples taken, I know some people within my own party will disagree, but I think serial burglars need locking up, they destroy people's lives and assault can kill people.

In Scotland most DNA samples are destroyed if the individual is neither charged nor convicted, unlike in England and Wales where DNA samples are retained.

What amazes me is that the SNP and Labour are going to join together to push this through and yet are still sniping at each other with claims and counter claims on who's DNA policy is best.

Let us ensure that Tavish Scott and the team uphold the human rights where applicable and ensure the guilty criminals are dealt with swiftly and effectively.

I am now convinced that between the SNP and the Labour Party the objective is to get everyone's DNA on a register - let us hope this never, ever happens.

Unite and the mysterious car manufacturing plant

So, Unites boss Tony Woodley (in a nice comfortable job) thinks it is professional and helpful to warn the public that 6,000 jobs are at immediate risk and a major car manufacturing plant is about to shut down in the next four days?

How the hell does he think that is useful?

This weekend every single person who currently works in the car industry will now be fretting about whether they will have a job next week. Worrying whether they are going to be unemployed next weekend, thrown out their house etc etc

Does Tony Woodley not think life is difficult enough for most of these folk anyway?

Banks, who already don't need much excuse to tighten their belts and be hypocritical will look at their records and probably reassess every loan that is connected to anyone working in the car industry.

The BBC news website is reporting this story as well as the BBC News channel in detail.

I am sure Tony Woodley and Unite thinks the Government should do a financial rescue package for the car industry, but his comments surely could push the whole industry into a major meltdown now?

Many car manufacturers are already on 'breaks', shorter working weeks and the rest, including Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Bentley, Mini, Jaguar Land Rover plus others so has his ill thought out comments pulled the rug from under the industry's feet or helped it along?

So my question to Tony Woodley is what is your next bit of advice? And how much money and which industry should the Government save next?

Mike Russell loses forestry campaign...

So, the SNP have done their first reshuffle.

Not entirely sure why they have bothered apart from the demotion of Mike Russell from his Environment post, which is excellent news given his disgraceful proposal to privatise 25% of Scotland's forests by the back door.

The Scottish Lib Dems have worked hard on this campaign and it is great to see a result.

The BBC news website headline is great "Ministers sacked in SNP reshuffle".

The sad part of all this is the fact there is obviously no talent on the backbenches to enable Alex Salmond to sack some of the Cabinet to bring in new blood to replace the tired people and ideas.

Our own Business Manager in Holyrood, Mike Rumbles said: "I'm delighted that Alex Neil's ultra loyalty has finally been rewarded. The lesson of this reshuffle is that slavish adoration of the first minister pays dividends.

Well done Mike - an excellent comment!

Tavish Scott will accept the Holyrood Probe findings

Of course he will, he accepts Parliament's authority.

Yet again the story of Alex Salmond misleading Parliament on the funding of the Scottish Inter-Faith Council rears it's head on the BBC News website.

Let us wait and see.