Commentator on politics and public policy. Writer. Consultant. Events chair. Hitter of nails on the head. Hibs season ticket holder.
Joined May 2011
- Tweets 36,194
- Following 5,302
- Followers 10,087
- Likes 4,374
1,921 Photos and videos
Pinned Tweet
May 21
New. SNP leaders would be foolish to disregard Sinn Fein’s past. Why talk of a united pan-nationalist front to threaten the existence of the UK fails to take into account the very different histories of the SNP, Sinn Fein and Plaid Cymru. Me for the Times
thetimes.com/article/8094c35…
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Jun 11
Not exactly a classic in terms of the game but the ref’s head camera is delivering some great on field pictures. #México #worldcup26 #fifa
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@petermacmahon retweeted
NEW: John Healey resigns as Defence Secretary
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Jun 10
Let’s stick to facts shall we. Scotland is lucky to have great academics but I don’t know anyone who has spent more time studying nationalism and the SNP specifically - often with cooperation of the party - than @ProfJMitchell.
Jun 10
Another one...
Don't know this guy and obv doesn't know me, unaware the SNP invited me three times to deliver guest lecture at annual conference. Also gave me access to membership for survey twice and I've interviewed every leader since Robt McIntyre countless others.
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With thanks to @Beathhigh here is that Scotland on Sunday article about systematic synthetic phonics (SSP), which is being adopted in Glasgow and has already achieved what look like incredible results in terms of reading. Story by @CatrionaStewart
scotsman.com/education/insid…
Jun 7
Also a piece in today’s Scotland on Sunday about how SSP is helping literacy in Glasgow schools.
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There is plenty to worry about in Scotland's education system (e.g decline in international standing) but we should also celebrate success. @HelenPuttick reports on a huge improvement in @JohnSwinney's old school Forrester High.
thetimes.com/uk/scotland/art…
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If Forrester - next door to my old School St Augustine's as it happens - can improve by so much and so rapidly, then surely other similar schools with large numbers of pupils from what are classified as deprived backgrounds can do the same?
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Though of course how they make improvements may differ. What works for one school may not work for another though that perhaps is a debate for another time.
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@petermacmahon retweeted
Jun 6
It's not just the exploitation of a tragedy.
JD Vance's picture of Britain - where migrants have led to a crime surge - is the opposite of the truth.
comment.press/vance1234
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@petermacmahon retweeted
Lots of concern in recent years about the lack of proper scrutiny in Holyrood. This surely will not help that.
Jun 4
🧵You couldn't make it up.
Amid the Peter Murrell and Indyref2 funding scandals, the SNP is proposing to take control of the Holyrood committees dealing with finance, criminal justice and public service reform by having its MSPs as both the convener and deputy convener..
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Jun 4
I linked to this 16 months ago. It's still as described. RIP Sir Alex Younger.
21 Feb 2025
This is the best summary of the current geopolitical situation I have seen. Sir Alex Younger was head of MI6 between 2014 and 2020. Really worth watching.
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May 28
Council criticised for hiding the 'true scale' of school absences for island pupils
heraldscotland.com/news/2614…
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May 27
Can't remember a more powerful first Holyrood speech. @duncdunlopwas ex-CEO of @whocaresscot on @NicolaSturgeon's failure (as he sees it) over 'The Promise' to children in care and the care-experienced. Passion, frustration, a call for action.
youtube.com/watch?v=sgi-f862…
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May 27
Worth noting that @NicolaSturgeon herself accepted that not enough progress had been made on 'The Promise", which she spent a lot of time on as First Minister and said as much when she made speeches as a back bencher.
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May 26
Brilliant. Proper stardom. To say I am envious is the understatement of the century. I will listen. Everyone should.
It was LOADS of fun appearing on @mattforde Political Party podcast. And weird being on something I subscribe to. He’s a legend - listen here 👇
open.spotify.com/episode/4Xo…
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@petermacmahon retweeted
Thoroughly well deserved for an incredible team led by one of the best journalists I’ve had the pleasure of being pals with in @davieclegg
Our final award goes to @thecourieruk being crowned Scottish Newsbrand of the Year 2026 . It’s been a triumphant evening for The Courier with the title and its journalists taking home a number of awards. #ScottishPressAwards2026 #ScottishNewsbrandOfTheYear2026
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@petermacmahon retweeted
May 21
Hibsd it!! 🏆
A born winner, ten years apart.
Congratulations, @jmcginn7! 💚🏆
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May 21
Thanks Bob. Very good point about the existence of different strands of Unionism though I think I am right in saying this aspect of the debate has not been studied by academics or journalists as much as nationalism? Do put me right on that if I have that wrong
May 21
There is much wisdom in this & all should read it. It is also important to recognise that ‘Unionism’ across these islands has diverse & irreconcilable strands, which may exhibit parallel tensions as resurgent constitutional questions once again challenge them
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@petermacmahon retweeted
May 21
Good piece. Can see advantages for Sinn Fein, association with constitutional nationalism to detoxify, eg naive 'move on' comment. SNP/Plaid always had intermittent and shallow links though occasionally played up for presentational purposes.
thetimes.com/article/8094c35…
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@petermacmahon retweeted
Really interesting and considered insight into the different types of nationalism across Scotland, Ireland and Wales. This is well worth a read whether or not you agree with Peter’s conclusion.
May 21
New. SNP leaders would be foolish to disregard Sinn Fein’s past. Why talk of a united pan-nationalist front to threaten the existence of the UK fails to take into account the very different histories of the SNP, Sinn Fein and Plaid Cymru. Me for the Times
thetimes.com/article/8094c35…
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