Wendy Alexander's donations

[Mary G]

You are absolutely right TYM, about how big a turn-off it is when the 'political debate' descends into cheap point-scoring, and bickering. There is - in my view - a big prize to be won by the politicians who realise this, and adapt accordingly - while retaining appropriate and incisive wit.

Last year's Labour deputy leadership contest was a very good exercise in scrutinising potential candidates, and allowed people at large to assess all of them (Harman, Johnson, Benn, Blears, Hain and Cruddads). I hope we get a similarly open competition, that is equally well-mannered, to select a Scottish Leader. In fact, a series of 'primaries' and 'caucuses' would be no bad thing!