Disproportionate response...

Sadly, Saturday's good gardening intentions went awry because of the rain and Sunday was full of grandchildren so neither house nor garden received any attention. Grrr...it means trying to catch up with the cleaning before I go out to work and the gardening when I get back...it ain't necessarily fun...

Unsurprised by Wendy's decision to go...the SNP hyenas had sunk their teeth and drawn blood and were never likely to let go soon. In truth, I didn't think leadership was her forte. Super nova clever, she certainly is, gleaming personal integrity also, but her political judgement seems a bit random to me...however, her departure leaves Labour and the Scottish Parliament in the soup.

Labour, because we are leaderless again without a ravishingly obvious candidate to replace her...

...The Scottish Parliament, because it demonstrates once again it is not 'big' or grown up enough to deal with minor infractions. Grown up parliaments know how, in the greater interest of the institution's well being and reputation, to admonish and move on. In the Scottish Parliament it is one punishment for every crime - a completely disproportionate response: partisanship can go too far and when it does it looks just like the situation Wendy has found herself in - vicious, nasty and immature.

Tired and jaded

Last words on Thursday's Council meeting:
Jenny Dawe's remarks concerning Ewan's leadership were a poor show: ungracious and I daresay extremely grudging. She has been leader of the Council for a longer period than Ewan ever held the post: magnaminity is a leadership quality which seems to have escaped her.

Secondly, it was amazing to watch the body language of the Administration's front bench. First, Marilyne was being given a very wide berth by everyone. Even Phil Wheeler, a perfect gentleman who sits immediately to her right, was straining as far away as possible. For the rest, not one rose to defend her and they each sat hunched, chins down: it is amazing how quickly they have begun to look tired and jaded. The only one with any spring in his step, Paul Edie, was left crestfallen when the Lord Provost, not noted for firm leadership, refused a clumsy bid to foreclose the debate on the Single Outcome Agreement....I bet there were some hard words said about that later!

Enough of that, though.

Today, the sun is shining and the garden beckons: hedges and grass have to be cut thankfully not by me. Mr Maginnis will require regular cups of tea and sweet encouragement...I have my work cut out!

The wicked witch of the west

Council went well today: along with the Tories and Greens we forced 5 issues to the casting vote of the Provost: a record!

Funniest moment has to be when Marilyne Maclaren was speaking and the windows of the Chamber (huge plate glass affairs) blew open and nearly swept her away...we didn't know if it was hot air or the wicked witch of the west coming for her: either way, it was a moment of hilarity...poor Marilyne: another bad day for her and to make matters worse the SNP (Coalition partners remember) were overheard in the corridors, sniggering at her expense - I think I feel sorry for her.

Best speech of the day definitely goes to Eric who blew the administration away castigating their position on the Single Outcome Agreement. When Cardownie gets twitchy and tries to rule 'time out' you can be sure he isn't liking what he is hearing.

I think Andrew will be well pleased with his first Council meeting as leader.

No time for navel gazing

Andrew's selection as leader went smoothly last night - he spoke well at the Group and has our full endorsement - critically, the easy transition means we do not falter in our opposition or become focussed on internal navel gazing.

The administration has flopped in education and with a £5million overspend in health & social care (for which they are entirely responsible) and proposals to embark on a radical revamp of home care services in order to save £6 million then we have much to do as the Official Opposition.

Fairer Scotland Fund

A simply hellish day which began with news that the Forth ward's Fairer Scotland Fund has taken a total doing...dropping from £1.7m to £1.06m meaning Christ knows what for voluntary projects across North Edinburgh including PEP...

Employability is one of the key targets but they need to think again about this set of proposals. It is bound to lead to job losses in the area... for example, last year PEP employed 17 people of whom 15 lived locally. At the beginning of the financial year we made 2 people redundant because grants did not keep up with inflation and rising costs...this latest news can only mean one thing...more job losses across the voluntary sector...

So much for a left wing SNP government or a caring Liberal council - and all these so called 'activists' who have pilloried Labour for years need to take a long hard look at themselves...is this really what they want for local communities who are already on the ropes? I think not.

Nanny state gone mad...

I read the front of the Scotland on Sunday with a vague sense of horror: the three main headlines were as follows
'Smoking's hidden death toll revealed'
'Scots told to work on their weight'
'Drinking 'like child porn'

More State inspired guilt trips about the way we individually live our lives - I don't know about you, but I'm fed up to the back teeth with a nanny state gone mad...

Three cheers for the emergency services

People over for food and drinks last night and though they left at a very reasonable hour, by the time we had cleared up, walked the dog and, of course, had a 'nightcap' it was late to bed. This morning's headache is undoubtedly due to too little sleep...

Today, I have set myself the mission of cleaning my car. It is 6 months since it went through a car wash ( a Christmas present from my husband - the car wash, that is) and a year since it was valeted...I know...manky...but cleaning the car is way, way down on any right thinking person's priority list...

Someone has just phoned with an intriguing, but disturbing little story...her elderly parents (constituents of mine) phoned her last Monday at 5am - their house was flooding with mains water (apparently an internal pipe had loosened, though this wasn't immediately apparent) and they were unable to stop the flow: on their behalf she phoned Scottish Water...'if it's inside, it's not our problem. Phone the Council,'....

...phoned the Council's emergency number....,'it's not a council house, get an emergency plumber,'....

....phoned umpteen emergency plumbers....nobody answered:

by this time the house is 3 inches deep in water and the elderly couple (both in their 80's) are becoming very distressed. In desperation she phoned the Fire Service who, making an exception because of the couple's age, sent a fire engine [diverted from South Queensferry because Telford's vehicles were all in attendance at Seafield's emergency] to turn the water off.

Three cheers for the emergency services but what a disgrace from Scottish Water and the Council: I will be raising this with them both.

I wish Andrew luck

Last night's Film Festival premiere was a glamorous affair and I liked the film too. Sienna Miller and Kiera Knightley are both tremendously talented actresses and I was much impressed too by Cillian Murphy's performance as Captain Killick - he was a stick-out star. I recommend the film.

And: barring a terrible accident, Andrew is to be our new leader. He will do well, I'm sure. He is thorough and consensual and extremely intelligent. I wish him luck and success.

Forth Neighbourhood Partnership

Forth Neighbourhood Partnership last night...now that was a waste of public money, that was...

9 members of the public, 12 people at the top table of whom 5 were council officers and 3 others to take the names...I ask you...

An icon

A meeting yesterday with National Grid confirms they are to seek approval to demolish the Granton gas tower. They claim it will cost £5.2 million to repair and a further £2.2m to clean the contaminated land (though they will have to pay this anyway). In its place they are willing to erect a circular iconic building (for either public use or as private housing) and to use the steel lattice work in some other appropriate way on site. I understand their difficulties but I am deeply unhappy.

There are 3 landmark buildings on the Granton waterfront: Caroline Park House, the Lighthouse and the Gas Tower. All 3 need to be retained since they are all critical icons of the area's past. I think National Grid should be campaigning for public monies to keep the tower (where else is there such a vivid visual reminder of Edinburgh's industrial heritage?) and to think of imaginative ways to keep it...£10 million is not too much to secure such an important piece of Granton's history.

Granton Primary

A positive meeting yesterday with the Director of Education and the parents from Granton School. Whether it will translate into into extra resources will become clearer later. The parents had prepared their case well and spoke with conviction, making a strong case for recognition of the high levels of behavioural problems in the school and the need for more help. The problem is, of course, not helped by the absence of a permanent headteacher (the temporary secondment leaves at the beginning of the holidays) - I was shocked to learn that P3 pupils haven't received a report card this year...this isn't acceptable and I certainly hope that this will be rectified before the end of term. The Department has promised to respond to parents before then...

You are the weakest link

Lots of interest from constituents in who will succeed Ewan as leader. Inevitably, much centres on my intentions.
Circumstances have changed since I stood in the race for leader in 2006, not least with my family and at PEP. Both now require a great deal more of my attention and time so I am ruling myself out of this competition. I say, though, that whoever gets the post will be very privileged...

Today, I shepherded a group of local folk round the City Chambers. For most, this was their first visit and I think they enjoyed it. By coincidence we bumped into George Grubb, the Lord Provost , who gave them a few moments and impressed them mightily. Sometimes, it is easy to be blase, especially when you have been in public life as long as I, but their reaction puts it all into perspective. People are impressed by our Chambers and the regalia of office. It is important to acknowledge the citizen's pride in their Capital city.

I am intrigued by Marilyne's latest decision to expel the parent rep from her school closure forum. I expect her 'irrefutable evidence' was the same as her total conviction the problem at Portobello was vandalism when it really wasn't. Every single call is the wrong one. How long before the Coalition says: Marilyne: you are the weakest link.

A lucky woman

It's one of those weeks where feet don't touch ground: many, many constituency demands in the last few days, all requiring attention and as ever, PEP is extremely demanding.

Pleased to say Gillian Tee has responded quickly to my request for a meeting about Granton PS. Six parents wish to attend so my wee office will be crammed on Friday. I will report on any progress...or not, as the case may be.

A disturbing wee complaint today from a disabled constituent who requires a walking frame for independence. His frame got stuck in a hole in the pavement meaning he fell into a single lane of traffic - fortunately, he wasn't seriously hurt but the ramifications could have been much worse. I have drawn the case to the attention of the relevant officers.

Last night, I attended the Board of Granton Youth Centre which was interesting. Many moons ago I was instrumental in securing the funding to establish the Centre. After a rocky start it now has a really effective manager and is going places. What was really impressive was a report from one of the Centre's young volunteers (he tells me he will be 18 later this month - oh man...that made me feel old...) who has trained as a peer educator...he is a really good role model and that's what young people need.

Today, a very enjoyable session with Helen May who organises Common Purpose. I think she is a star. Extremely intelligent, inquisitive, empathetic...anyhow she has invited me to be a contributor as one of a range of leaders to the next generation of leaders to discuss 'Leading beyond authority'. It will be interesting too...

As I write this, I reflect on what a lucky woman I am...at least life is seldom boring!

It wisnae me

Ewan's announcement to stand down as Leader has caught us all on the hop. No doubt we all wish him well in his new position and thank him, too, for his work over the last 2 years for Edinburgh Labour. There will be a competition to replace him. I hope it will be conducted with goodwill and camaraderie. Labour has found its stride as Opposition...we must not falter now.

I read the weekend press with some disbelief. Cardownie has a brass neck: for a man who doesn't send his own child to a local authority school it takes a bit of believing that he even cares what the kids get to eat, let alone whether it is served hot or cold. Then to say he was duped by the Liberals about its nutritional quality!!! I ask you...if I was called Jenny Dawe I'd be pretty peeved at the constant SNP whine of 'it wisnae me' ... The real culprit here is the Boy David...or maybe we should be calling him the Scarlet Pimpernel...we seek him here, we seek him there...obviously he doesn't understand what his officials tell him, nods a cut through and then when it blows up in his face he dives for cover, blaming everybody but himself. This laddie Beckett takes responsibility money precisely to do that...to take responsibility...and if he could fit it in, occasionally he could try turning up for meetings too.

Tonight's Granton School Parents Council was a prime example of how far education has fallen as a priority for the Administration...I will be brief: 9 classes (two of them to be taught by probationer teachers i.e. apprentices), class sizes of 24 up to 30 in one of the highest area of deprivation in the city ( no SNP 18 here), 20 new children identified as having behavioural problems requiring extra support - all denied by the Department, 18 formal exclusions - 1 of them permanent, 4 children receiving 'working together' support and 5 more on a waiting list...and no extra support at all.

What makes it tragic is that postcode EH51 has among the worst educational attainment in Scotland and on current evidence there will not be a scintilla of change for the better.

This is a failure of crisis proportions and it is time McLaren and her cronies recognised how far they have let things fall. I will be seeking an immediate meeting with the Director. The parents need some answers and so do I.

Stop gap is no strategy

Such a lot has happened since the last post I hardly know where to start: immensely disappointed Hillary didn't do it...if she is feeling half as gutted as I am for her then she won't be feeling good. Obviously I want Obama to win the Presidential election but he is up against a tough opponent. McCain plainly has many high moral qualities but his age is against him. However, I am not yet convinced the USA is ready for a mixed race president. I sincerely hope so, but it would be foolish to discount both the race and experience issues. If I was a floating US voter there would be a lot of thinking to do now.

Yesterday I had a good session with local officials on the issues affecting Granton Road. Many constituents have raised their concerns about road safety here and with a local primary school, a rugby club, a community centre, recycle bins, shops and many, many houses where parking is a problem, there is the recipe for problems. I am hoping to have a public meeting soon with the other ward councillors and local residents to thrash out some of the problems. It is clear we must find some solutions.

Tuesday's C+F committee was a laid back affair with the only real meat being the a poorly thought out proposal to address the SNP minority government's demand for class sizes of 18.
The real problem is, of course, there is no new money on the table to fund the manifesto pledge.

Basically, the Lib Dem Edinburgh solution is to use 30 probationer teachers we get for nothing to free up experienced classroom teachers who will then be put in to team teach classes of 30 in P1-P3.

This is a one year stop gap: not a strategy: it makes no pretence to be for every child and it will fall down around Lib Dem ears . Parents will smell the duplicity in this cheating charade and it will surely lead to more composite classes and lots more confusion for children and parents...

The convenor earnestly assured us that the funding for year 2 would be the subject of debate at budget time...but I wouldn't hold my breath...the Lib Dems have nailed their political priorities to the mast of older & vulnerable people [no complaints about that], roads and pavements and fiscal prudence aka building up bank balances at the expense of services.

Schools and children's education are lower on the political priority list than they have been for 20 years due in part to a weak convenor and to a right wing perspective.

Three cheers

Tonight's blog is all about success...PEP's success.

Recently, PEP underwent a review by the Children & Families Quality Review team which looked at the impact PEP has on participants, on the local community, how we go about planning our work and how we evaluate it too.

The top rating, seldom awarded, is 'excellent' which means outstanding practice: PEP got an excellent for impact on participants and and excellent for progression in learning: 'very good' means major strengths and PEP was rated 'very good' in every other aspect of our work: for our work with the elderly in day care, for our literacy, art, for our work with people who have mental health issues, for our volunteering service...for leadership, governance, team working, recording and measuring our work...for everything, really.

Today we went to the Standards sub committee to be congratulated on our efforts and it felt a bit strange to be on the other side of the table.

Three cheers to the team... to the volunteers and to the Board. You're a great crew!