Margo for presiding officer

William_Cleland · Margo for presiding officer

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/6628279.stm

MSPs will be required to elect one of their own as Holyrood's presiding officer, meaning a party will have to give someone up - along with a vote in parliament.

Margo MacDonald - one of the arch critics of the problems with the Scottish Parliament building project - says she is considering a bid for the position

Or a candidate may emerge from the Tory benches. Leader Annabel Goldie had been touted as a possible name, but she seems to have ruled herself out.

The fact she is willing to consider it makes an SNP minority easier to cobble together as SNP-Lib Dem-Greens would win 65-63 on confidence motions.

Jimbo

I think MMcD would make a great presiding officer. Loves the sound of her own voice, loves pushing her weight about, loves putting people down. Tailor made for the job.

SLG

The important thing for me is that no one from the SNP, Lib Dems or SGP put themselves up for the position. Beyond that, I really don't think Margo would do a good job. I think she gets too involved in the issues she would be presiding over.

William_Cleland

...and too much of a loose cannon to be reliable on key votes. Not somebody who should be given the political leverage to determine the fate of key legislation. As presiding officer she only really gets to stick her oar in if there is a vote that is tied.

Karenisabitch

Word is she is not too well so probably wouldn't be able to do it anyhow.

skip

she would certainly be entertaining as a presiding officer...

however, if i had voted for her I would be disappointed if she had to become politically neutral in the debating chamber. i know she can still take a view on matters but one of her best aspects was her ability to air grievances in the chamber or outside in the lobby to journalists.

if she feels up to doing the job then fair enough but the presiding officer looks like the have a lot of other duties and sometimes travelling.

I actually think mcletchie would be good, if he can keep a clean record of his expenses Twisted Evil

Reluctant Hero

The Tories have said that the Presiding Officer should come from either Labour or the SNP.

Can't see that happening though.