Latest news with #Fergus
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
PM may be weak, but rebels have shown our democracy remains strong
An alternative and, at a time of deep disillusionment and cynicism with politics, more optimistic, reading of the situation is possible, especially in relation to the issue of disability benefits. Here is a case of a government with a large majority being compelled to reconsider a central aspect of its policy. It is a case of the Executive being closely scrutinised, even overruled, by the Legislature. If the theory of British government that Parliament is sovereign is sound, this "rebellion" can only be regarded as positive. The role and place of MPs has long been a matter of constitutional debate, especially with regard to where their ultimate loyalty should lie: to their party; their constituents; their own consciences? This seems to be a welcome, if rare, example of the last two trumping the first. Fear of Whips and concerns over future prospects of promotion seem on this occasion to have been set aside. Keir Starmer and his Government may well be weak and lacking in direction but there are aspects of last week's actions by many Labour MPs which have political and constitutional significance. Brian Harvey, Hamilton. Don't write off Fergus Ewing I read with interest Mark McGeoghegan's column ('Why I think the odds are against Fergus Ewing', The Herald, June 27). Mr McGeoghegan seems to think that people vote for the party rather than the candidate. That is not always the case, as my own experience proved. I had the privilege of representing my constituents in the House of Commons for over a quarter of a century. During that time, I observed a massive increase in control freakery whereby the party Whips instructed members how to vote on virtually every issue and the vast majority of MPs did what they were telt, even if they were voting against the interests of their constituents. That trend has continued both at Westminster and Holyrood, although the recent rebellion by 129 Labour MPs on the issue of welfare cuts is a welcome sign that some may be discovering they have a spine. Read more letters In the first elections to the Scottish Parliament, the Labour Party barred me from being a Labour candidate despite the fact that I had the support of 97% of party members in my constituency. When I stood as an Independent, a major part of my campaign was getting across the message that a Parliamentarian should be first and foremost a representative of the people rather than a party puppet. My constituents elected me with the biggest majority in Scotland in 1999 and again in 2003. I served in the Scottish Parliament for eight years along with Fergus Ewing. I did not always agree with Fergus but he is no puppet and he has a track record of fighting for his constituents. Only a fool would write him off. Dennis Canavan, Bannockburn. Roddick does not deserve support In Kathleen Nutt's interview with Emma Roddick ("On gender and fox hunting, I am opposite of Fergus, says Roddick", The Herald, June 30), she argues that Inverness and Nairn voters should vote for her, not for Fergus Ewing, if they want independence and 'even greater powers for the Highlands'. She clearly has a sense of humour, albeit a warped one. The track record of her party in government since 2007 has been one of centralisation. The Highlands and Islands have lost their regional police and fire services. Local government – which is particularly important in rural and island areas – has seen its share of Scotland's financial cake steadily cut, so reducing council's power to act. The SNP has packed the boards of quangos serving the Highlands and Islands, such as CMAL and HIAL, with people with little real understanding of the needs of the Highlands and Islands. The SNP is now a party of the Central Belt. It has such an appalling record of ignoring the needs of the rest of Scotland that Mr Ewing, a long-term loyal party member, is driven to oppose it. It is sad that the party desperate for power to be transferred from London to Edinburgh puts the principles of devolution into reverse when it sucks power into the centre from Scotland's peripheral regions. But the message has to be that, if you want greater powers for the Highlands (or the Islands or the Borders), the SNP does not deserve your vote. Alistair Easton, Edinburgh. How to fix voting system Guy Stenhouse correctly identifies the voting system for MSPs as the underlying problem in the operation of the Scottish Parliament ("Can anyone truly say that the Scottish Parliament has been a success?", The Herald, June 28). The MSPs, both constituency and regional members, are too beholden to their parties and not sufficiently accountable to their electorates. But the solution is not to tinker with the regional list component of the Additional Member System. Instead, the whole voting system should be changed to elect all MSPs by STV-PR. Then all MSPs would be elected on the same basis and all MSPs would be accountable primarily to the voters who voted for them. Then the parliament would function as originally intended, with MSPs and committees holding ministers and the Government effectively to account. James Gilmour, Edinburgh. Fergus Ewing is standing as an Independent at the next Scottish election (Image: PA) SNP folly on defence If there is one issue that exposes the silliness of SNP policy, it is defence. The party is a longstanding opponent of nuclear weapons, and many of its members believe that it is wrong to spend substantial sums on defence when there is poverty and deprivation at home. These people do not realise that the first duty of government is defence of the realm. You cannot secure health, education and other domestic benefits if you are not able to defend your shores. Now the party that has affected a largely pacifist posture, while expecting to shelter under Nato, is beginning to recognise reality with voices within it justifying more spending on defence in the context of wars in Europe and the Middle East ("Former Westminster leader calls on SNP to support UK defence industry", The Herald, June 30). Above all, the ban on providing public funds for the manufacture of weapons needs to be abandoned. Doing so can be justified on grounds of providing well-paid jobs. Yet the SNP will feel the pull of the irrational forces in our polity yet again if in 2026 it falls short of a majority and requires to seek coalition allies like the pacifist Greens. The way to make Scotland, as part of the UK, safe, is to vote for parties other than the SNP and the Greens. Jill Stephenson, Edinburgh. Swinney should be replaced First Minister John Swinney, in protecting the status quo, with his quiet courtesy, is not what is needed right now. With the forthcoming Holyrood election in mind, the SNP must work with the Yes campaign, Believe in Scotland and others in putting independence first along with the good governance of the country. Scotland needs a strong and forceful leader, with the confidence and competence of an Alex Salmond to lead and unite the country. Sadly this SNP-led Scottish Government with many prominent members retiring, is short on such leadership contenders. However there is the articulate honesty of Kate Forbes, whose early ministerial years have been tempered by diplomacy. The tenacity and eloquence of Stephen Flynn must feature along with the brilliant Stephen Gethins. One person who should be listened to is Alba leader Kenny MacAskill, whose vast experience should be called upon to galvanise a listless and dispirited Scotland. What is surely self-evident is that the status quo is not an option and will not excite or persuade people that independence is the only way to a prosperous and fairer Scotland. In fact English nationalism is also contributing to the breakup of the British state – the English have always been confused about being British. Grant Frazer, Newtonmore.
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
It's just like home
No time to waste: Fergus Tierney training with his new club Sabah. — Sabah FC PETALING JAYA: Football striker Fergus Tierney may be in a new city, but he feels right at home. The 22-year-old Tierney, who recently joined Sabah from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), says life in Kota Kinabalu reminded him a lot of Penang. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but was raised since young at the Pearl of the Orient. 'Kota Kinabalu is great so far, kind of reminds me of home in Penang,' said Fergus, whose father Martin Tierney was a former professional footballer with Penang and Police in the past. 'The people are friendly, the food's familiar, and there's this laid-back coastal vibe that makes it easy to settle in.' Standing at 1.86m, Fergus brings a versatile attacking profile to Martin Stano's side. Primarily a striker or second striker, he is also capable of operating from the flanks, a flexibility Sabah will surely welcome as they seek to build on a promising squad for the coming Super League season. Fergus had been part of the JDT set-up since 2022 but was sent out for valuable first-team experience in Thailand, featuring for Chonburi last year before a short stint at Nakhon Pathom United earlier this season. 'I had a great experience in Thailand playing good football in a good league, but now I'm excited for the project at Sabah and looking forward to the upcoming season,' he said. 'Sabah are building a promising team this year, and I feel like I can contribute positively on the pitch and hopefully have a great season.' Having earned six caps and scored a goal for Malaysia, the young forward is still hungry to improve. And in Sabah, competition upfront would be feisty as they have hired some top-quality attackers such as Darren Lok, Azhad Harraz Arman and Bosnian Ajden Mujagic. 'Competition here is healthy, and I want to learn from the more senior players and coaches to become a better player,' he added. As Sabah aim to climb the table with renewed attacking firepower, Tierney's energy and enthusiasm, both on and off the pitch, could be the spark they need.
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Former Edinburgh Airport base commander retires after high-flying career
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Scottish pilot who safely delivered countless air passengers to sun-kissed destinations has hung up his captain's hat. On Thursday, June 26, 60-year-old Duncan Munro retired from the captain's chair after decades of dedicated service to budget-friendly airline, Ryanair, reports The Daily Record. Duncan, who has served as both a pilot and base captain at Edinburgh Airport over the years, has flown for more than 20 years. Often in and out of Prestwick Airport, his most regular route was the run to Malaga and back. But on Thursday, he took charge of his final Boeing 737 flight back from Spain, as he prepares to settle into a more 'grounded' lifestyle. And Duncan got the perfect welcome back as he touched down on the Prestwick tarmac - a water cannon salute from his ground colleagues. Proud dad Harry said: 'Duncan's last day at work was Thursday, June 26 and he landed from Malaga early afternoon. 'On June 20, 2001, the Ayrshire Post actually published an article about my son, who had just been engaged as a pilot for Ryanair, operating from Prestwick Airport. 'He is now about to retire and his last flight was 26 June, landing at Prestwick. 'Duncan rose through the ranks of Ryanair to captain, training captain and base commander at both Glasgow and Edinburgh. He also had a spell with Norwegian Air flying transatlantic. 'He was also a simulator instructor at Gatwick. In addition, he maintains his RAF connection in Glasgow.' Former Belmont Academy pupil Duncan took his first steps on his fascinating career journey when he studied General Science at Strathclyde University in 1982. Duncan then joined the RAF, rising to officer in the RAF Regiment and taking his Masters Degree at Glasgow University. A career in computing then followed, which led him to London and Singapore - before he gained his commercial pilot's licence. Duncan eventually progressed to captain one of the Ryanair fleet - and he's been loving his job ever since. And in a pleasant surprise to Duncan, wife Jane and son Fergus, flew out to Malaga on Wednesday - so they could enjoy his last flight home from Spain the following day. Fergus said: 'It all went really well. I gave him a call before we got on the flight home and asked him if he'd welcome us on as VIP's! 'It was definitely an emotional day and I think it only hit him when we landed and he was carrying out his final shutdown. Then he realised it was all over.' Duncan's life in aviation isn't quite over however; he's going to be the Deputy Chief Flying Instructor at Acron, based at Gatwick, where he'll put the next generation of airline pilots through their paces in their state-of-the-art flight simulators.
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Rescue operation carried out after casualty fell from cliff in Donegal
A major multi-agency rescue operation was launched after a person fell from a cliff in a seaside town in Co Donegal. The alarm was raised shortly after 7am on Saturday morning when a member of the public at the West End in Bundoran after heard calls for help and contacted the emergency services. Malin Head Coast Guard coordinated the response, tasking Bundoran RNLI, Donegal Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service, and the Sligo-based Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118. Bundoran RNLI volunteers were paged at 7.25am and were on scene at 7.36am. The casualty was located at the base of the cliff, having landed on rocks. The RNLI crew on scene worked to recover the casualty to the beach, where the helicopter had landed to assist. The casualty was then stabilised and airlifted by Rescue 118 before being transferred to Sligo General hospital for further treatment. Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Daimon Fergus, said the crew are grateful to the member of the public who raised the alarm. "This was a challenging situation, and thanks to the swift response and teamwork between all agencies, the casualty was reached quickly and is now receiving the medical care they need. "We wish them a full recovery,' said Mr Fergus. The RNLI reminds anyone visiting the coast to stay well back from cliff edges, take extreme care near the water, and in an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Daily Record
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Fergus Ewing would have won SNP Inverness and Nairn selection contest 'by a landslide' claim party insiders
EXCLUSIVE: Party insiders said the veteran Nationalist would have beaten Emma Roddick in the internal vote. Fergus Ewing would have won the SNP candidate selection contest for Inverness and Nairn if he had stood, party figures have said. The veteran Nationalist announced on Friday that he would stand as an independent at next year's Holyrood election. Ewing will go up against current Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick - who won the SNP contest. He has been the MSP for Inverness and Nairn since the Scottish Parliament returned in 1999 and was a minister for 14 years under Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. A Holyrood SNP source said: "If Fergus stood for the SNP in Inverness and Nairn he'd have won the selection contest by a landslide." A second insider said: "It's well known Emma put all her focus into her plans to challenge Fergus, while Fergus used his platform to give a voice to his constituents so fair play to him for giving folk in Inverness a proper option. "There was a lot of talk about whether Fergus should pass SNP vetting and perhaps there should have been more of a focus on the suitability of the current SNP candidate for Inverness.' A third source also said that Ewing would have won the selection contest. Ewing has been a vocal critic of the Scottish Government and was particularly damning about the coalition agreement with the Greens. He spoke out against the deposit return scheme, gender reform, marine protected areas and what he said was a lack of support for the oil and gas industry. He defied the party whip to back a vote of no confidence in then-Green minister Lorna Slater in 2023. This resulted in him being temporarily suspended from the SNP Holyrood group. Ewing had confirmed in March that he would not stand for the SNP - blaming the Scottish Government's failure to dual the A9 and A96 roads. On Friday he said he would stand against the SNP next year: "This has not been an easy decision. I have taken it because I love the people of Inverness and Nairn and the people of Scotland more than my party, which I have been in for more than half a century." He said the Nationalists had "deserted many of the people whose causes we used to champion". He added: "I believe the SNP has lost its way and that devolution itself – presently - is letting Scotland's people down. It doesn't need to be this way. " Holyrood is more fractious and tribal than ever before. "Too much power rests unchecked in the hands of party leaders, free to choose candidates who will slavishly support them, rather than stand up for the people who sent them to Holyrood. Choosing the pliant over the talented." Fergus Ewing is the son of SNP legend Winnie Ewing, whose win in the 1967 Hamilton by-election was a historic breakthrough for the party. His sister Annabelle Ewing is the SNP MSP for Cowdenbeath. Labour candidate for Inverness and Nairn Shaun Fraser said: " Fergus has rightfully earned respect for calling out the failures of SNP government and the policies and priorities which have done so much damage to the Highlands and Islands. "The breakdown in his relationship with his party highlights again that the SNP has no concern for the Highlands." Roddick said: "Local members backed me overwhelmingly in the selection contest for Inverness and Nairn. "I have always stood up for the Highlands and spoken out on issues that affect all of us who live here; I've never been shy about doing so. "I am SNP because I share our principles and belief in Scotland - that, as an independent country, we can best serve the people I represent and work hard for every day. "That's why I have the backing of the local party, and I look forward to putting our positive vision across during the campaign." The SNP was approached for comment.
