Thanks to everyone who contributed questions for the Forum last night. It was an open, frank and productive meeting. Draft minutes will be distributed to attendees to be checked for accuracy before being formalised, after which the meeting’s outcomes will be made public through various outlets.
One thing which is evident, and goes largely unacknowledged, is the significant contribution made by Auldheid in building the channels needed for constructive dialogue between the club and supporters. Well done, Pat.
I see Neil Lennon in the news being “flattered” after Norwich City chief exec, and former Celtic commercial director, David McNally, told the media he believed it only prudent he keeps an eye open for a new manager, should Chris Hughton ‘leave’. Neil answered well, refused to comment on a job which is already filled, while setting a standard answer, suitable whether he was interested or not. There is no point firmly denying interest in a job as a subsequent refusal to do so for a different position would leave too much information on the table.
McNally is right, it is only prudent you keep an eye on these things, but can you imagine how Hughton feels when reading this stuff, or what the resulting speculation will do to the club’s relegation chances? There is now far too much information on the table now for Hughton to be effective.
A football manager needs authority and respect, Houghton has been denied both. Norwich should do the decent thing and pay the man his contract before they sleepwalk into the lower leagues.
It’s funny how different people read the same thing in different ways. An announcement that a club is in discussions with a couple of existing shareholders to borrow money to provide working capital is self-explanatory in most respects.
The announcement by Newco Rangers this morning establishes that the club needs a fresh injection of money to pay its bills. We all knew this, but the sharp-eyed will also have noted that this loan will create the club’s two major creditors. No bank will lend to Newco, their creditors will be limited to trade suppliers, HMRC and other football clubs, all pretty low values. This £1.5m loan is likely to give the lenders sufficient control to vote through anything they desire, should administration occur. The controlling directors and creditors will be one and the same.
Newco Rangers has been rag-dolled since its inception by various pressure groups within the broader family who seem determined to stamp on whatever green shoots of recovery exist. What it really needs is the kind of strong leadership this directors-creditors group can provide, leaders who will do the right thing, take the necessary medicine and stand firm against the quislings. While others tried to get the club for free, they paid their money, continue to do so, and deserve the chance to run their club as they see fit. For what it’s worth I think the club and its current controllers are a perfect fit. I hope they use their largest creditor status to protect their interests.
Congratulations to STV’s Peter Smith (aged 12 ½), who scooped the Royal Television Society’s Young Talent of the Year award, achieved partly because he was prepared and able to ask hard questions, when many of his elder peers would rather eat their own toe nails. He’s still not uncovered that Dallas Cowboys email, so more work still to be done.
If you would like to read the new CQN Magazine, GO HERE to read properly, and for FREE, the graphic below is just a taster.
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Tame Jock Danny Alexander lies
when he states, ‘ Independence will add £5k to your mortgage.
Almost the entire British Unionist campaign against Scottish independence is built on lies and scare stories.
So extreme are the lies now being trotted out by Unionist politicians and newspapers, it is becoming difficult to tell them apart from jokes. Last week a web site suggested Scots would not be allowed to use any British oxygen that might drift across the border from England. Yes, it was a pro-independence website and it was a joke at the expense of the Better Together campaign, but it wasn’t that different from some of the ridiculous stories and lies that the anti-independence campaign has actually produced.
Yesterday (February 19), ‘Tame Jock’ Danny Alexander, Lib Dem UK Treasury Minister, claimed Scottish mortgages would rise by £5,200 a year if Alex Salmond “reneged” on Scotland taking its share of UK debt after independence. British Unionist newspapers and broadcasters gleefully reported the story, despite there being not a shred of truth in the claim.
Firstly, the SNP position is that Scotland should enter a currency union with the rest of the United Kingdom following independence and should accept a proportional share of the UK’s accrued debt. No-one in the SNP, far less the party’s leader Alex Salmond, has suggested otherwise.
The only mention of Scotland not accepting part of the UK’s debt arose after the three main British Unionist parties – Tory, Labour, Liberal Democrat – united to say they would not allow an independent Scotland to share the pound in a currency union and would deny Scots access to the Bank of England. Rightly, the SNP pointed out that the pound (sterling) and the Bank of England are assets of the United Kingdom, including Scotland. If the UK Government, in negotiations after Scots vote for independence, were to deny Scotland its rightful and proportional share of UK assets, then Scotland would be well within its rights to correspondingly reduce any liabilities, such as accrued UK debt. The whole issue only arose because of the threats issued by British Unionist political parties: the SNP, meanwhile, stuck to its position that an independent Scotland would be willing to accept its fair share of UK debt.
Secondly, Alexander’s claim that Scottish mortgages would rise was based on an independent Scotland ‘defaulting’ on its share of UK debt, which, he asserted, would result in Scotland having to pay more to borrow on the international money markets.
Danny Alexander is a UK Treasury Minister, so he must know that the UK continues to borrow, hand over fist, from the markets, and that UK mortgages have not risen despite Britain losing its AAA credit rating, which means it has to pay more for the money it borrows. His entire story was based on a lie.
Thirdly, according to the first analysis paper on Scottish independence published by the UK Government, if Scots vote for independence in September, the Scotland created by that decision will be a new state. The UK position is unequivocal: an independent Scotland would not be a continuing state, it would be an entirely new state. The analysis paper goes further: it argues that an independent Scotland created as a result of this year’s referendum would not even be the re-establishment of the Scotland that existed prior to the Act of Union with England in 1707 – it would be a new state.
If we accept the UK Government’s position, then, as a completely new state, an independent Scotland would have no debt. A new state cannot be forced to accept debts or liabilities stemming from earlier membership of another state. The UK accepts this, which is why the UK Treasury has already stated that all existing UK debt is its responsibility. Clearly, therefore, an independent Scotland could not ‘renege’ or ‘default’ on debt belonging to another state, the UK.
Despite the UK Government’s own stated position, the SNP still says an independent Scotland would be prepared to accept a proportional share of UK debt, even though, legally, that is something it does not have to do.
That is the truth, but the lying British Unionist liars continue to lie, which is why we continue to see headlines like the one in the above statement
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………FC not PLC 11:34 on 21 February, 2014
He’s not talking to anyone these days.
Now that his adoring crowd have disappeared ole Moonbeams feels like a little boy lost … and he’s looking like sh1t into the bargain.
#Shame
My friend in Celtic,
Talking of former players
A number of years ago my daughter was the mascot at Parkhead. A great occasion and the Celtic ladies were exceptional in their warmth ( As was John Reid )
All the Ladies were absolutely full of praise for Paul Hartley and Stephen Presley for their off field activities. Both for their time and promotion of Celtic with groups of disadvantaged children etc.
I was slightly surprised at the two names but have never forgotten it.
HH, More than a club
fanadpatriot
I think in the main it is up to the members to decide. You then try your best to get them. A player or former player who lives locally is obviously easier to get. I went to Mick Galloway’s house when he was at Celtic and spoke to him direct. I was about 14. He lived next door to my school teacher who was not chuffed. Her fault for telling a Celtic fanatic where a player lived. he came along to our dance and as much as he was a nice guy was not too inspiring and got smashed and didn’t really conduct himself all that well. I wouldn;t hold it against him. He was going through a rough time in his marriage I believe but as a teenager it smashed my image of how a Celtic player should behave. Probably niavety on my part.
Andy Walker and McAvennie were heroes of mine. I prefer to remember what they did on the pitch for us. As a 10 year old watching the centenary season they produced the goods.
If the members asked me to get them I would try my best. You have to appeal to your members. It’s crucial in running a CSC. It’s not about me or any individual. It’s about the majority of members and their choice.
I doubt Walker would be popular these days but I’m sure the Frankie Bhoy would be.
LB
Billy Bhoy 05
11:45 on 21 February, 2014
Why does Campbell Martin have a second name for a first name?
And a first name for a second name?
Is it a Scottish thing?
FANADPATRIOT
This Dubia Hoops do.
I presume Bush was otherwise occupied,but surely you could have got Forrest to turn up?
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………FC not PLC
I hold Morten in the highest regard as a man.
A total gentleman and a fine player.
You are spot on about some of the unfortunate injuries and illnesses some players have had.
Davie Provan was the first I can remember and we have had quite a few since. The night Jackson scored at Pittodrie was special. He was never a firm favourite but he went mental that night. He was back and I was delighted for him.
LB
Morten Weighorst – potential future Celtic manager??
Could do worse.
BMCUW
Spot the deliberate mistake.HH
sean thornton @ 07:04
Livibhoy or embramike.
Trying to get in touch wi an old mate fi the roseburn area, his name is gordon cooke
######
Will ask at the weekend in The Roseburn – some of them have been drinking there since Prohibition !
Think I will have to be in at the crack of dawn on Saturday to get pole position in Trap 2 wearing something suitably CQN so I don’t get trampled by thirsty Tims !!
bamboo
Not convinced on that to be honest. He seems to be highly rated though.
LB
Moonbeams…
Cracking post Mate thanks for putting that up…
Keepin’ it real!
Absolutely bored with the independence debate. Politicians on all sides should take a long hard look at themselves. Neither side care about how they win just that they win.
BMCUW
How you doing bud?
Just home fae a week in Lancaster. What a wet and windy country you live in! Calm and sunny Clydebank :)
Neg Anon@ 9.28
I genuinely did not want to get too drawn into this because, though I think the alarm is unwarranted, I can see why people are alarmed by what has been a presentational cock-up.
You asked 2 specific questions.
1) What is the point of the Named Person?
2) If I complain to a school and it is run by my child’s Named Person, isn’t there a conflict of interest?
My answers would be:-
1) They define it as giving all children an official guardian to consider their welfare. In practice that will just mean codifying what is already best practice.
Your Health Visitor and your school, as both are Universal Services, will already keep records about how your child is progressing physically, socially, emotionally and educationally. These universal service providers are being recognised and acknowledged as your first point of contact for ensuring that coordinated information is being kept up to date and that it is accurate and has been collected with due regard to confidentiality and a need to know.
That is, they should be recording relevant and necessary information. For Health Visitors that will mean weight, height, sleeping and feeding characteristics and an evaluation of how the child is progressing developmentally during the first few years of life. For a school, information will be kept on a child’s age,address, next of kin, pick up arrangements from school, educational progress, absence rate, and there will be a Welfare Section which will contain any information gained which reflects on a child’s well being ( e.g. records of bullying incidents as a victim or perpetrator, any accidents or injuries sustained or noted on school premises, and any notes received or words spoken which caused teachers concern, e.g. hinting at sexual or racial abuse/attitudes or concerns over parental activity, e.g. turning up at parent’s nights drunk or under the influence).
These records are already in existence. You have a right to access most of them, though there are protections applied largely to information held by Police. They exist so that authorities, which are charged with these duties, can discharge their duty of care towards children and young people and attempt to prevent them from being harmed by their families and carers.
Under the new Act nobody has been granted additional powers and, despite the Christian Institute’s objections, the Act is fully compliant with The EU Convention on Human Rights.
If I was being positive and enthusiastic, I would see the Named Person as an attempt to help parents have a one-stop point of information coordination to help them gather and disseminate needed information when their child has a problem that needs to be addressed. If I was cynical, I would see it as an attempt to make the front-line worker, the HV or the HT, the Named Scapegoat when things go wrong. As a sceptic, I see it as a pious aspiration to do better without providing much in the way of resources or training to make it so.
q.2) If you complain about a school, the complaint should be investigated as per set procedures and this will not be changed by this legislation. Head Teachers and Teachers have been placed on gardening leave, sidelined, demoted and sacked as a result of justified complaints. However, most complaints are spurious and are dismissed, following an investigation.
If the HT, in your scenario was foolish enough to make a counter complaint, especially a spurious one because you had complained about them, there would be a dual investigation and, hell mend the professional who acted in such a petty way. As Named Person, they could only win such a dispute if there were proven grounds for them to complain about you. Even then, the question would have to be asked as to why they waited to raise the matter until you complained about them.
I cannot see how the legislation gives them any more power in that battle. Can you see any new rights for a HT or HV in the legislation package?
In summary:-
This Act reflects Social Work Orthodox thinking and has been processed, with cross party support, and passed by the Scottish Government. I am well up for a spot of SNP bashing but this one does not lie at their door.
The loudest protest comes from the right wing Christian Institute, a body which usually proclaims literal Bible interpretations and condemns homosexuality. They are not reliable defenders of personal liberty.
The scheme has operated for years already in parts of Scotland and reflects other aspects of thinking and practice that have operated since the 80s and 90s.
No additional intrusive powers have been granted.
The State struggles to cope with workload in dealing with existing vulnerable children and families, as evidenced by the failure of many Child Protection investigations. They are not geared up to be any more intrusive or successful in intruding into families who have few major problems.
I sympathise with the sense of alarm raised by the “Big Brother” language and I can understand that people were alarmed by the way some of this was covered in a press desperate to work up some heat rather than add light. However, I think we are barking up the wrong tree here.
I am wholly with you in wanting to defend our hard won civil liberties. This particular Act does not disturb me very much at all.
ernie lynch @ 11:48 on 21 February, 2014
Billy Bhoy 05 @ 11:45 on 21 February, 2014
Why does Campbell Martin have a second name for a first name?
And a first name for a second name?
Is it a Scottish thing?
My old da, God rest him, well warned me about that. “Never trust a guy with two surnames” was his philosophy!
DELANEYS DUNKY
Smashing,mate. You getting yer selections sorted for Cheltenham?
Three Sundays poring over the form,then throw it out the windae and stick the pins in.
Why Lancaster?
Whenever the realities of life are pointed out to the Yes campaign and I observe this from a point of view that Independance should be the full bhuna and not this indy light, keep the queen, pound, NATO and all the trimmings, Salmond and his acolytes atart screaming about bullying, bluster and bluff.
What is so hard to understand about, the UK parties deciding that it is not in anyone’s interest to have a currency union.
1) Osbourne or his successors could never sell it to their own electorate
2) Currency union without poilitical/fiscal union is always a disaster
3) It would be a source of resentment in perpetuity on both sides of the border
The idea of refusing to take our part of the national debt is once again fantasy economics. Imagine how tough it would be to borrow money if you are perceived as a serial debt defaulter. Sorry, I can’t quite come up with an example of an organisation that welched on thier debt and subsequently it’s ‘successors’ can’t borrow money on the open market.
Oh wait. Just thought of one!
I am no fan of the better together campaign, but the fingers in the ears denial of Salmond, Sturgeon and their pals is breathtaking.
I know, when the no vote prevails I am going to be angry with Mr Salmond for not delivering an truely independant Scotland, free of dubious foreign wars, M25 centred vanity projects and our awful chip on the shoulder.
HH
According to new research ( By another University academic ), by the age of 25 all your best memories have been established and imprinted and that is what we will remember as we get older.
Arggggggh, I still hate school diners, but did something happen in Seville.?
BacktothefutureCSC.
EmeraldBee @ 12.10
Hmm … so you wouldn’t trust Gordon Strachan or Scott Brown?
Greenpinata
I agree with you up to a point but I still argue that the English charge of £9K a year is really prohibitive and would likely lead to debts, include living and travel x’s for a four year degree, of somewhere in the region of £ 60k. There is I would guess a large percentage of visitors to this site whom enjoyed free further education, and maybe grants also, because the cost was met by all / taxpayers. I feel that should still be the case.
Neil Canamalar
Thank you for your comments which are very welcome
Supporters Club Dinners:
An amusing true story (as told to me by Liz McNeil) – she and Billy (+IIRC Tommy Craig and his wife) were guests of honour at a dinner way up North.
Bad weather/ long travel delayed their arrival. Dinner was served at a set time and when they got there the meal was almost finished. Rather than disturb the other diners and rearrange the tables – the 4 of them sat down and had their meal in the hotel kitchen before joining the festivities.
Real people who could interface with the support.
Greenpinata
I agree with you up to a point but I still argue that the English charge of £9K a year is really prohibitive and would likely lead to debts, include living and travel x’s for a four year degree, of somewhere in the region of £ 60k. There is I would guess a large percentage of visitors to this site whom enjoyed free further education, and maybe grants also, because the cost was met by all / taxpayers. I feel that should still be the case.
Neil Canamalar
Thank you for your comments which are very welcome: and fair
EmeraldBee\o/ proud to be an internet bampot
12:10 on 21 February, 2014
But this guy’s got the appropriate number of first names and second names, it’s just that they’re in the wrong order.
How like a nat to get things muddled up.
Oh, and he was an enthusiastic supporter of the The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill.
He reckons the English are to blame for sectarianism.
Basturts.
BMCUW
Good stuff. Trying to build up a warchest for Cheltenham, won’t be using wonga like Sally will tho. Lancaster for work, and Tim missionary work. Converted a couple of Preston fans :))
I remember a Club trip in the MON era, the game was against the Sheepies, we won 1 nil via an Alan Thompson penalty. Attended a fund raiser in the Kerrydale where Morten was special guest. It was only at that night I realised the full extent of the incredible generosity of the Celtic Family. We did the Stadium tour and got chatting to a Lady working in Celtic Park. She told us that John Hartson was the most polite, obliging lad that ever came through Parkhead’s gates. Almost by magic BBJ walked around the corner, she called him, over he came chatted, signed Autographs , posed for photos, We told him the Hotel we were staying and he turned up there later in the night and had a drink with us. Said if we wanted him to come over for a Club function, if we paid the air-fare and Hotel, he would come over whenever we wanted. Hail Hail Big Bad John Celtic Legend.
Ernie
Regarding your question on Campbell
I’m delighted on your confession of being ignorant in matters Scottish
Billy Bhoy 05,
So the yes campaign’s position is that everything is the fault of the big bad bullies who refuse to accept that Alex Salmond’s assertions should be treated as tablets of stone and adhered to in every way?
Interesting also to note the argument that an independent Scotland would be a brand new country. No history or past titles then … And presumably no liabilities would mean no assets, so would the newco(untry) need to buy all of the assets of the oldco?
praecepta
Billy is a legend.
Another CSC in Livingston had a dance and I can’t remember the POTY but a phone call said he would be late. This would be mid to late 80’s. The meal was put back. The player then called to say he would be later. The meal was sent back to be re-heated. The player then phoned to say he would not be coming. By this point the revellers were blootered and the meal was ruined. Not sure if another player appeared but the night was a disaster.
LB
The Battered Bunnet
Named Persons Act
Really appreciate your input on the above as I now know a lot more about it
LiviBhoy
Often wonder (back then) how many set-menu dinners the players went through?
Steak Pie or Roast Chicken – I fancy would be favourites! :-)
praecepta
Tommy Burns must have hardly had to buy a meal at the weekends. He must have attended more POTY dances than ayone else.
A pleasure to see him in action on a Celtic night. He is sadly missed.
LB
The English use more surnames as first names than the Scots.
Ashley, Wayne, Rodney, Lawrence, Stanley, Barry, Russell, Clive, etc. etc.
Mandela had a surname as his first name.
I blame the SNP.
Dan Ó NéillAncient Clan of O’Neills Ulster – Ireland
A Poem on Scottish Independence
Dear Mr Cameron,we hear what you say
You’re happy to take,if we’re willing to pay
But we have our ideas,they’re much better than yours
So tread your own path,for we’re off down oors
Now soon we’ll be going,and leaving behind …
A life that’s been hard,not joyous,nor kind
As you strut round the world, stirring everyones pot
You’re happy for the haves,to forget the have nots
Well that’s not our mindset, we want fairness for all
We may trip on our journey, we might falter, or fall
But the baton will be picked up, by those coming behind
Our life will improve, be more just and more kind
A wee country like ours doesn’t need nor want strife
We don’t want our young killed, or trained to take life
We’ve no need for your wars, being fought in our name
No more do we want our heads bowed in shame
We’ve got folk, who are willing to care for our old
We’ve got water for all, and we don’t want it sold
With the wind and the tide, you’ll see our lights shine
No more will it be, what’s yours is now mine
Our main riches are people,young, vibrant and strong
Who will look back and wonder. what took us so long
The naysayers and doom mongers, have had their last chance
The wallflowers will be left,while we sing and we dance
So with fire in our bellies and a light in our een
We’ll march forward to victory in 2014
written by mato21
Dia daoibh uilig
Saw this on FB
HH
billybhoy 05
As I noted at the top, it’s a repost of SFTB’s view from last night. He’s gone one better this morning.
Seems CQn and Follow Follow are more in line with thinking than I ever thought would be possible.
KEEP BRITIAN BRITISH.
MWD cry’s NO SURRENDER (or is that taking it too far? No!)
Generally a bit of a giveaway that you’ve lost the argument and indeed, your judgement, when an opponent gets dissed for the choice of name given to him by his parents.
BIGbones8867 supports wee Oscar
12:29 on 21 February, 2014
Not mawkish or sentimental in the least.