Eurovision Song Contest 2009 - Let's go Moscow

Well, what do you say about the 2009 Eurovision?

Firstly, well done to Graham Norton - you've done well so far, given who's shoes you're filling.

Great opening

Azerbajan are the best so far, with Iceland 2nd and Germany 3rd, Romania 4th.

Worst is France and Bosnia and Herzegovnia.

Lots of dodgy outfits, especially Armenia.

Not really keen on the Albanian Green Cross Code man in the all in one......

And how is Norway the favourite?????

Okay, Jade did good but a few bum notes there I am afraid, who was that pianist?

Scottish Lib Dems launch their European election campaign

I know I am late with this, but as the Deputy Director of Campaigns and the Agent I am somewhat busy.......

Anyhow, it was a great launch on Tuesday at Longannet Power Station. We had a great briefing and tour round the main control room.

George Lyon, our number one candidate for the European elections on 4th June, has called for Longannet Power Station to be made a test centre for Carbon capture and storage technology.

George was joined by Tavish Scott, Alistair Carmichael MP and retiring MEP Elspeth Attwooll to launch his campaign for the European elections. The Party is wanting Scotland to become a world leader in carbon capture in conjunction with the continued pursuit of renewable energy.

George Lyon said: "Scotland has the potential to lead the world in carbon capture technology and the facilities at Longannet are ideal for it to become a centre of excellence.

"Scotland undoubtedly has a leading role to play in the development of clean renewable energy, but this must be coupled with the use new carbon capture technology. Developing nations like India and China are fueling the growth of their economies with coal. I want to ensure that Scotland is ready to take advantage of this emerging market.

"We cannot tackle climate change alone. We must work with our European neighbours and not in isolation. That is why it is vital that Scotland has a strong Liberal voice in Europe."

Tavish Scott MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, added:"The European elections offer a clear choice. A strong Scottish voice working with Europe to tackle economic turmoil, climate change and cross border crime together or no change with other parties.

"A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a positive vote for change. Labour's recession, rising unemployment under the SNP and Tory isolationism means now, more than ever, we must work with Europe to make Scotland strong and safe."

MPs expenses and London

How stupid is the Daily Telegraph?

I've no issue whatsoever in MPs being attacked for wasting expenses, silly extravagance or for flipping but I do get annoyed when someone like Alan Reid MP gets attacked for claiming for his summer tour expenses.

A Summer Tour for those who don't know is where the MP has a large constituency and they spend around a month visiting every community in the constituency offering an advice surgery in their local area.

So I challenge Michael Beckford to come to Argyll and Bute and visit each of the far flung corners of Alans constituency and to get back home every night to Dunoon.

I will warn you now Michael, it can't be done, not when you also then have to move onto the next far flung corner early the next morning.

Have a go at the MPs wasting money and flipping - I've no issue with that whatsoever but don't attack those that are caring about their constituencies and where you don't understand the geography or travel limits!

High tides and ferry timetables are an important part of your travel documents up here!
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Chelsea the mighty blues

A fantastic game yesterday where the Gunners got stuffed 4-1 (sorry Oz).

Although I'm sick of Drogba's diving - give it a rest you lightweight!

So, Chelsea are guaranteed a top a 3 finish, realistically 3rd which will please the Good Lord and Sarah Morris.

We could have done better I think but given the chopping and changing of managers we've done okay.

I don't really want Man Utd to win but they probably will, so here's looking forward to next season.

Come on the Blues!
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Conservative Party to prioritise gay rights

What a load of pish, come on Cameron, you were involved in manifesto and policy production when your Conservative Party gave us Section 28, I don't recall you fighting for the Gays then.

Oh, that's right you weren't trying to get into power were you, you knew you were out of touch still and were not going to win.

Stonewall has always been a home for Labour, which is why I have cancelled my Membership (twice), they make all the promises that they are inclusive of all political parties but it is a load of rubbish and so is Cameron's rhetoric today.

I will never forget the hatred that Section 28 created and the hype that the Conservatives took part in and still do today, Conservative controlled Kent County Council wanted to introduce their own version of Section 28.

So, no the Conservatives aren't prioritising gay rights and never will, but they will (like their Scottish bedfellows the SNP) say anything just to get elected.

ID cards

I see from the news that Gordon Brown and his out of touch government are pressing ahead with their expensive and unnecessary ID cards scheme starting with airport staff (compulsory) and the good people of Manchester (optional at £60) despite public opinion being against them and the fact they don't actually stop terrorists.

Jacqui Smith, Gordon Brown and the Labour Party are always polling public opinion or on occasions even seeking the view of Parliament and then say, sod it, let's just do it anyway!

This is one of those said occasions.

And as we saw with the awful Madrid train bombings, ID cards do not stop terrorists as the bombers all had them!

So my question to Gordon and Jacqui is this; if you believe in the ID card so much why don't you make MPs have them first?

My message to you both, as I'm convinced one of your chronies will monitor the blogging airwaves is stop wasting our tax monies on things we don't need nor want and invest the money in more police on the beat, they are needed and would make a huge difference!
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