Common sense
Like "Tsar", the word "summit" is somewhat overused in the field of public policy.
And it is probably inappropriate with regard to today's talks concerning the aftermath of the latest Old Firm fixture.
Even when it is used in the context of meetings between heads of state and/or government, it can tend to increase expectations beyond what is reasonable.
One can presume that, like most summits, the main participants will already have drafted proposals which can form the basis of conclusions and dispel any curmudgeonly suggestions that the event is/was a waste of time.
Because such suggestions are already being made - not least by those who have participated in Old Firm encounters in the past. What, they argue, has it got to do with politicians?
There was a rather splendid radio pundit of old who used to demand of callers: "Were you at the match?"
Comparable challenges may be made to politicians today. What do you know? Back off. Keep out.
Public order
While maintaining a sense of perspective - somewhat lacking to date - it is to be hoped that our politicians respond firmly.
Ask yourselves a few questions. Is this just about football? No. It is also about policing and public order.
Very definitely within the realm of public policy. That is, politics.
Remember too that today's meeting was suggested not by the politicians but by the police.
Yes, social disorder is far more widely grounded in Scottish society.
It is not remotely the sole preserve of football, far less the Old Firm.
However, it still may be reasonable to examine, rationally and calmly, whether the Old Firm fixtures and their attendant passions contribute to disorder and whether that can be remedied.
Potential hazard
Why get at the Old Firm? Why not other clubs? Because the Glasgow pair have by far the largest support and, consequently, pose the largest potential hazard to public order.
Because, further, a section of their support is motivated, at least in part, by what the charitable would call tradition and the critical would call bigotry.
Yes, that is a wider problem in Scottish society.
Yes, Scotland must consider wider steps to eradicate said problem. Yes, it is not confined to these two clubs.
But, as above, it still may be reasonable to examine, rationally and calmly, whether, with support, more can be done beyond the current praiseworthy efforts to challenge the potential links between support for the Old Firm and sectarianism.
No more, no less. No summit, just common sense.
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