holidays and potholes and broken promise

This weekend I go to the South of Spain for a week and I am yearning for the break. It has been a tough few months...and stressful. This will be my only break over a long summer. Due to workmates' childcare commitments neither Mike nor I are able to take time off during July and August. I love the Costa del Sol yet paradoxically hate the sun. My skin and UV light are not compatible so for the 7 days I am away I will live in shadow, all body parts covered. I will read and eat and drink and swim and walk in the evening and and of course, I will buy a handbag. For some women it is shoes: for me, jewellry and handbags.

The business of rooms and appointments rumble on. I am indifferent though some will take it hard - I suspect there will be more difficult accomodations to face than where our desk is and what committees we sit on. I prefer to concentrate my energies on reaching out across this massive ward I now represent. Already in a single week I have had 24 constituent enquiries. If this keeps up I will drown in potholes, broken windows, bus-stops, fences that need mended, showers that need repaired - every complaint of the utmost importance, everyone requiring attention. This must take priority. But I am also to be Labour's Economic Development spokesperson. This, I think, will be an enjoyable but demanding responsibility. I am looking forward to it. The signs are this will be a contentious area for the city and Jenny's comments on Caltongate already suggest there will be a clear difference of emphasis.
To be fair, Trevor did, at least in the public eye, become too closely associated with the development and his much publicised one finger salute did him/us/the development no favours. I am sure he was contrite but it consolidated a view that we had stopped listening to people - particularly those in the city centre. It is impossible to imagine that labour no longer holds a single council seat in the city centre - the Old Town was labour's re- invention...our triumph and now it is our wasteland. But the signs were there for all to see. Dumbiedykes, after all, recorded the highest NO vote in the ill fated housing ballot.

Though we need to learn from past mistakes, recriminations are useless. We must put our best foot forward, pull together and rebuild.

relegated to the sidelines - or worse - a cupboard

A reader asked if it was true that Ewan enquired as to whether the Lord Provost had ever met Moses - most definitely not. Isn't it weird how urban myths take hold?

Today, I am to be photographed with both Malcolm and Mark. Another leaflet to be printed and delivered: I can feel my enthusiasm ...not. Yet it must be done. We have been relegated to the sidelines and Labour is in the fight of its life. News that the SNP control more than half of Scotland's local authorities shows how far we have declined in the popular consciousness and the scale of the mountain to be climbed. It is clear we must do more as a Party to reach back to the communities from whence we sprang - and though opposition allows for easy populism, it means we are always in the position of waiting for another's mistake. I do not share the common view that the SNP bubble will, as it has done so frequently in the past, burst quickly. That underestimates the sense of betrayal among so many of our previous supporters. We are in for the long haul. And the systems, in both the Scottish parliament and local government, are now stacked against us. It may be a very , very long time before Labour ever again commands majorities in either. Ironically, today I received Gordon Brown's leadership letter. Our immediate future lies on his shoulders: he is an extraordinary, able, clever man but he is only one. We need more and it is difficult to see where they will come from. Jack McConnell's future as leader is in doubt. So it should be. Yet where is the alternative? None inspire yet we live in a time where the personality and brio of the leader matter. Cast your eye down the list of hopefuls and you will scratch your head for an answer. That is Labour's dilemma. The very necessary whip system means we have become so accustomed to hiding behind the collective (too often abused by leaders to put compliant numpties into positions to buy support) we have forgotten how to be individuals.

Word is the new Administration intends to claim our rooms: it has caused panic among some Labour members. Such is the real stuff of politics. Territory is all...the size of the room the first potent symbol of power. I expect I'll be relegated to a cupboard...ah well...c'est la vie.

A war of attrition

I was wrong about Marilyne - more's the pity. She would have made an impact as Lord Provost. Instead, we have George Grubb who is a true gentleman but is yet to project the kind of personality that will catch the attention of the media for our city in what is a crowded field.

The Council meeting was a more lively affair than normal: Labour signalled our intent to be an effective Opposition and we drew blood on several occasions. But to stay ahead we will need to remain on our toes and sharp. Standing Orders is a device which can be used only sparingly but today it proved effective. I have not enjoyed a council meeting as well for a while. Ultimately, though, it will be a war of attrition. The Tories did not look comfortable and I believe Ian Whyte will have his work cut out.

Last night we were invited as guests of Tom and Anne Farmer to the Festival Theatre for the opening performance of 'Sunshine on Leith'. It was fun and though I do not really care for the music of the Proclaimers and there was definitely a bit too much green and white on the stage for my taste, the show was a great success. A look at the dilemmas and choices of modern Scotland...I enjoyed it.

Constituents' surgery tonight and it was very busy. Many complaints, some out the ordinary but what had otherwise been a good day completely spoiled. A chap playing 5-a-side football collapsed and though an ambulance was called it did not look good... a brush with calamity puts everything into perspective.

Weakness, exclusion and the last laugh

It is decided: a Lib/SNP administration to be run on the Lord Provost's casting vote: a risky strategy indeed and a sign of weak leadership by Jenny Dawe. On her own admission she and her experienced colleagues prefer the stability of a majority lib/lab pact but she cannot persuade her new colleagues to her point of view. She is forced to a compromise which she must privately acknowledge is less good. The liberals have made their first fudge: it may ultimately prove very costly for them. Costly for Jenny too. Her new group has tested her mettle and she has buckled - how long I wonder, before her situation is untenable? But also very costly for Labour. I do not think the penny has yet dropped for many exactly how bad the outcome of the election has been for our party. Excluded from government in the Scottish Parliament and excluded from the Capital our influence will wane quickly. Marginilised we will soon not know what we are missing ...what we are excluded from, until we read about it in the newspapers.

At a local level there will also be many changes and though eventually a new pattern will emerge it may take some time. The long period of labour hegemony has made community groups and organisations lazy. They have grown accustomed to easy redress through their labour elected members: now they face a new future. Some will fall naturally into campaign mode, others will retreat into the long complaint. I spent 12 years in local government in opposition to a Tory government: I know the mischief to be made and the headlines to be grabbed. I also know the difference between having power and being without. I know which I prefer.

Yesterday I sat with Ian Whyte at Tynecastle. He is a hibernian supporter so he did not leave a happy man. I like Ian. He has grown over the years and delivers a fine speech. He has played his group's limited hand well. In one move he has isolated his enemy, provided temporary stability to the city and has been rewarded with the law & order portfolio, perfect territory for a conservative. Perhaps he was not so unhappy after all.

And finally, Marilyne is to be Lord Provost. I am pleased for her: she has had her share of vicissitude and she was too frequently abused by my South Edinburgh colleagues in the last administration (presumably because she was good at her job). She is living testament to the truism that if you stick around long enough you always have the last laugh. Marilyne is Edinburgh's premier citizen for the next 4 years and where is Donald Anderson now?

Dancing, working and signing on

The twists and turns of political machinations are fascinating: it is a bit like dancing a quadrille - advance, retreat, pause, turn, look to the left and to the right - no-one very sure of the rules but each determined to be at the dance. I am enjoying the process but uncertain of the outcome. With utmost certainty I know (given the final seats' tally) a Liberal led administration supported by Labour is the best conclusion for the city in terms of stability and experience...the question is, do they know it? We will wait and see. Personally I feel under no pressure - it is a good place to be. I understand Stevie's negotiations are being poxed by the puppet masters at Holyrood. Indeed a paradox. He loses his independence by joining the independents...it makes me laugh. Stevie would never be controlled as a member of the Labour Group and now it seems he is merely a McCaskill poodle.

PEP was hectic this morning. I try to start at 7.30 in order to put in as full a shift as possible each day. Otherwise, the hours eat into my holidays and like most busy people I value holidays. I have spent the morning catching up with last week's work but the phones never stopped and the many service users visiting the office (perhaps as many 30 today) all wanted a slice of time to congratulate me and to discuss the election outcome. If nothing else the result has got people talking about politics again. I confess, I didn't get much done.

I spoke to Billy F tonight. He is suffering and I feel for him. He told me he goes to sign on tomorrow, the first time in decades...I do not envy him. Like him, my pride would revolt at the idea. As usual though, he covers his uncertainty with bravado - 'I'll just be like a thousand other Pilton punters,' he jokes. There is courage there.

A kennel, a garden and a fish left stranded on the bank

I have been up since dawn vacuuming, mopping, dusting, doing the laundry - it is 9.45 am and I am already tired but the house smells clean and not like the kennel it had become since mid April. Both my sons, who live independently, have dogs and insist on bringing them whenever they visit. It is not uncommon to have seven adults, four children and three dogs all at one time and the mess created is unbelievable.

Since the election began this is the first time I have felt able to draw breath. I am looking out at my garden (which needs attention too), appreciating the colours and growth. In particular the choisya is a spectacular golden burst offset by the deep pinks and maroons of several Japanese acers. When planting it is difficult to predict the final result but this particular combination is successful. Perhaps there is a subtle political message in that!

I leave soon for a Labour group meeting to report back on yesterday's meeting with the Liberals. I remain to be convinced they are serious about doing a deal but we will see. Developments at the Scottish parliament rather suggest that they will baulk at being seen to prop up Labour which is a pity since there is little between us in policy and in truth, only 2 seats separate us. I am pretty certain that if they do not deal with us then whatever mesalliance they concoct will not survive the four or even five years of this administration. It will be a political dream for Labour if they go into coalition with the Tories. Oppostion has a certain level of appeal too.

Meanwhile, Alex Salmond thrashes about like the eponymous fish left stranded on the bank. So close to being free yet so far, far away.

Tomorrow, I go back to work. I have several tasks to do which, though unpleasant, must be tackled. PEP has suffered reputational damage as a result of spiteful malice from two individuals. I am required, for the sake of staff and the organisation, to address this - and I will.

Looking forward and back to earth

The Labour group met yesterday to re-appoint Ewan as leader and all the other office bearers as the negotiating team. There are several formulations that would keep Labour out of power altogether: I imagine that would be tempting to the other parties: all, though, rely on a 3 way coalition - much harder to manage, much less certain to deliver stability and progress for the city and all involving large numbers of untried politicans. It will be interesting to see how things play out.

The Labour group seemed in good heart - perhaps a combination of relief that 15 survived given the electoral mauling Labour took across Scotland and anticipation at what lies ahead. For myself, I am pleased to be a part of it all. Politics is a virus and once infected it is hard to recover.

I have been studying the results across the city: it is clear the 'alphabet factor' has had a real impact. In truth, it seems I am the only candidate whose name fell below a party running mate (in any of the contests where a party fielded two candidates) to come out on top. I have bucked a universal trend...and I am relieved.

Eric and I met up briefly with Tom P yesterday. He is putting on a brave face but he is hurting. He's off to Florida to nurse his wounds. I am sure, on his return, he will be full of it - dreaming up new schemes, planning the next campaign. Tom won't stay down for long but he tells me there will be no more political ambition.

Now, I have to attend to all the thank you letters and all the post election paraphernalia - necessary and proper. I must find time to clean my house too. It is a tip.

The dust settles

I've been slogging instead of blogging - elections gobble up time. The people have spoken. Fairly conclusively against Labour but not very convincingly for anybody else. Now we begin the process of negotiation to form a coalition. In Edinburgh there are a number of options: SNP + Greens + Libs: SNP + Greens + Lab: Lab + Lib - I fear the dealbreaker will be Cardownie's or Hinds' ambitions for the Provost's chain - plus ca change mais la meme chose. The last administration was constructed on the same axis of personal ambition...and not very satisfactory that turned out to be. Time, I think, to cast personal ambition aside and think about what is best for all the city. For me, the most critical factor is the Scottish Executive's attitude to Edinburgh's capital city status and its transport infrastructure. The SNP must be persuaded to abandon oppositon to EARL and the tram - that should be the dealbreaker.

Yesterday was a difficult day. I won through but my good comrade Billy fell in the field. I feel keenly for him. We have known each other for 25 years and worked together well. Mostly, he left me just to get on with things but knew when to stamp his foot. He is an amiable man without a bone of spite in his body - a rare trait in politics, as is his capacity to enjoy life. He will not be broken but he is hurting. We spoke late last night and though his humour resurfaced it will be tough for him. Other friends have fallen too: Lawrence, Shami, Tom P and Trevor - politics is a brutal business. Win or lose with nothing in between. I am glad, though, to have survived. No point pretending otherwise.

I spoke to Margo McDonald yesterday. She is game. Clearly delighted at her victory as I am for her too. Politics needs personalities like her. I wish her well. Malcolm was also pleased with his result. Kim, his agent, has run a good campaign and though she gives little away I think there were moments when she was anxious about his prospects. There are others who did not succeed - Norman's was the big upset of the night and though he seemed sanguine it is difficult to believe his equanimity. Malcolm predicted the SNP success in week 2 of the short campaign and my daughter who works in the Stag at Musselburgh alerted me sometime ago that Kenny McC held regular campaign meetings there. She said that ebullience was their prevailing mood. Snippets of gossip that feed political views and reaction. ..my East Edinburgh colleagues mustn't have heard them since they seemed taken by surprise.

The dust is settling now and as the smoke clears from the battlefield...the troops prepare for the next salvo...politics resume