An Opposition Reborn

Monday the 17th of September. That could be the date that the fortunes of the SNP changed during the term of this Scottish Government for that is the date that Scottish Labour picked a front bench team that truly handpicks the best of the talent that the party has to offer.

I had always been frustrated by McConnell's lack of effort at getting the hugely talented Susan Deacon and Wendy Alexander on board and into his government so it's a welcome sign to see a full strength Labour squad limbering up to take on the SNP who have unquestionably been in top form since May 3rd.


So, in true Sky Sports fashion, let's check out some head to heads...


Iain Gray vs John Swinney - Finance

Iain Gray is largely known to be a nice guy, and a thoroughly capable one too. Perhaps he lives up to his surname a little too much and fades into the background on occasion. He will undoubtedly give sensible checks against the policies that John Swinney comes up with and I imagine will only fleetingly sully himself with party politics but given John's attention to detail and thorough approach to his role so far, I can't imagine Iain Gray landing any devastating blows, as conscientiously as he will work towards it.


Margaret Curran vs Nicola Sturgeon - Health

For me, Margaret is a strange choice for this position. Whenever she goes up against Nicola she usually ends up flustered and loses her cool. Though my impression is, hers is a cool which is often lost easily. I just don't see Margaret as the caring, warm, empathetic person that should really be in charge of the health brief. She'll huff and puff as much as usual but, much like the boy who cried wolf, I can't imagine her rants will carry much weight as time passes.


Pauline McNeill vs Kenny MacAskill - Justice

I have to admit, all I really know about Pauline McNeill is that she gave an embarrassingly belligerent victory speech on May 3rd. The one thing that really puts me off Labour was encapsulated in that one manic monologue. For those who are interested, Doctor Vee has some chat and a link to YouTube for it. So my impression is, Pauline won't make much of a dent in Kenny's great start to this position, not unless Pauline can channel some of her energy in a more positive manner.

Kezia Dugdale is much closer to Ms McNeil and paints her in a much fairer light. Arguably.


Rhona Brankin vs Fiona Hyslop - Education

With years of front bench experience, Rhona Brankin is a real threat to Fiona Hyslop's Education brief. Already the warning shots have been fired regarding smaller class sizes for P1 to P3 and I can't imagine the salvo is going to let up any time soon. Education has been branded a key area for both parties and I can't help but think the SNP are a little bit vulnerable in this area, perhaps promising more than can be afforded. Rhona seems a good choice to exploit such vulnerabilities.


This is of course just a sample of the various new briefs that Labour MSPs have been awarded.

If the SNP's election victory was a whole new lease of life for Holyrood, then Wendy's cabinet is at the very least a shot in the arm. For one thing, the SNP are finally up against a team who are willing and ready to play ball.