Here we go again
From the outset, Wendy Alexander has had a fairly persistent kicking in this blog. With reason.
It is right, therefore, to record that she performed well today at the weekly session of questions to the first minister.
Did she utterly discomfit the FM? Did she leave him a pitiful wreck, pleading for mercy? Scarcely. He was as bold and confident as ever.
However, she stuck to a single topic - cutting class sizes - and pursued it with restrained vigour.
Mr Salmond's government wants to see a maximum of 18 pupils in early years classes. What will that cost? When will it happen?
Labour MSPs jeered loudly at answers which they felt were somewhat opaque. Nationalists applauded the FM's sundry statements of general principles.
Old trick
As an aside, did I detect the deployment of an old debating trick by Ms Alexander?
Invited to speak, she rose slowly and portentously. Having spoken, she resumed her seat with seeming reluctance, glaring at her opponent all the while.
A wheeze designed, as I recall, to attract attention and give the impression that one's remarks carry particular weight by contrast with those flibbertigibbets who jump to their feet, desperate to be heard.
Anyway, she was on better form today - and drew companionable noises from her back benches as a consequence.
As to the others, Nicol Stephen pursued Mr Salmond with dexterity over the topic of how to pay for the planned new Forth crossing.
Annabel Goldie sounded consensual over action against drugs (see earlier blog) - and received consensual words in response.
'National outrage'
Towards the end of FMQs, Mr Salmond .
He took the chance to denounce what he saw as the "national outrage" that oil-producing Scotland is hit by the cost of fuel - without reaping the benefits of enhanced revenues.
I think I heard a Labour voice mutter: "Here we go again!" Indeed. I suspect Mr Salmond will take every opportunity to raise this point.
I suspect further that Scotland might be inclined to give him, at the very least, a hearing.
I'm 
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