@petermacmahon

Commentator on politics and public policy. Writer. Consultant. Events chair. Hitter of nails on the head. Hibs season ticket holder.

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

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

https://t.co/Pmk3jC7Njy

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

Council criticised for hiding the 'true scale' of school absences for island pupils
https://t.co/LQuuhQxgtI

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

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.

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

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.

https://t.co/r3RpQEa093

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

@benrileysmith Brilliant news Ben. Congratulations.

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

Brilliant. Proper stardom. To say I am envious is the understatement of the century. I will listen. Everyone should.

[Kieran Andrews @KieranPAndrews]

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 👇

https://t.co/XV2QUbsUCp

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

@Scotpol1314 He was a towering figure and an example to all politicians of grace and reconciliation. But also tough. I understand his answer in the context of the ANC’s fight against apartheid and where they found support.

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

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

https://t.co/Pmk3jC7Njy

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

@Scotpol1314 I’m not convinced this is a parallel to nationalist movements in the UK and Ireland and their relationships.
Just in passing to say I had the enormous privilege of meeting Nelson Mandela with a group of senior journalists (most more senior than me) and shake his hand.

[Kieran Andrews @KieranPAndrews]

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

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

@Rokewood Thanks. Do let me know what you find

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

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

[Prof Bob Davis @Rokewood]

@petermacmahon 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

[John McGinn @jmcginn7]

Hibsd it!! 🏆

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

@nickeardleybbc It is true that @jmcginn7 is without doubt ‘super’. @HibernianFC fans loved him when he played for us and very few begrudged his move on. Also seems like an absolutely top bloke.

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

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.

https://t.co/r3qQov2JB4

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

@KennyFarq 😆

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

@Grouse_Beater I’m well aware of that, including the role of James Connolly. The Irish republicanism he was part of creating - celebrated by modern Irish nationalists - was very different from the movements in Scotland for self-government and independence, demonstrated by the SNP’s history.

[Kieran Andrews @KieranPAndrews]

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.

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

Meanwhile this is life in the southern Hebrides. To say people are angry is a massive understatement.

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

80-year-old steamer rescues stranded CalMac ferry passengers
https://t.co/uEIwuXCKT8

[@petermacmahon @petermacmahon]

https://t.co/2sYu5G5zfN