Budget Crisis - Not so tricky after all

I'm going to stick by my initital assertion that the budget will receive unanimous backing when it is put to the Chamber on Feb 4th for the initial vote and for the second vote on Feb 11th.

I am genuinely lost as to why something that proved so difficult to pass the first time around now looks like a veritable walk in the park.

Labour have compromised on their deal on apprenticeships, reducing their 7,800/year placements for three years down to only two years. Consequently, Iain Gray et al seem to be on board.

The Lib Dems have dropped their stance on the tax cut and appear to be in favour of the budget if the SNP strengthens its voice in calling for further borrowing power for the Scottish Parliament. Personally I believe many SNP members are hoarse from calling for this very thing but it seems a couple of second class stamps is all the extra consideration that is required.

The Greens look likely to be finally brought on board with more clarity being given as to where the 33m/year will come from to fund the home insulation package they are strongly in favour of.

And that's it, 129 votes to zero. Everybody's happy, no crossed words and we can all hit the pub.

I'm (no longer) assigning blame over this fiasco but overall this will probably be a great experience for the parliament with much cross-party back slapping once it slides on through before the next financial year.

But seriously, after months of negotiating, truculence and posturing, what exactly was the problem? We're going to end up with a great budget by the looks of things. Maybe next year our politicians will get it right first time.