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Alasdair Clark

Alasdair Clark

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ALASDAIR CLARK: John Swinney’s approach to Donald Trump shows he’s a different first minister to Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond

A split appeared in the SNP as John Swinney took a more diplomatic approach to the party's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.

06.03.2025 3

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: Dundee University crisis proves UK Government must recognise Scotland’s immigration needs

Badly briefed or just unwilling to offer a clear explanation, the legal migration minister had a less than convincing answer to First Minister John...

09.02.2025 10

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: John Swinney risks being defined by NHS crisis

The first minister will have to get a grip on the worsening crisis and show real improvements

23.01.2025 7

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: A new year – but how will 2025 change Scottish politics?

Since the general election in July, Holyrood has increasingly felt more like a campaigning parliament than one with two years left to legislate for...

02.01.2025 3

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: John Swinney has reshaped struggling SNP into party eyeing unprecedented future

As John Swinney became first minister earlier this year, many of his detractors confidently predicted he was installed only to manage the SNP’s...

19.12.2024 6

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: Scots will regret SNP cut to cash tackling alcohol and drugs harm

A week after Dundee’s Shona Robison unveiled the SNP government’s draft Scottish budget, the detail has been understood. Last week, I said Ms...

12.12.2024 4

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: SNP budget sets sights on Tayside and Fife crises – but devil is in the detail

SNP finance chief Shona Robison had an unenviable task as she set out the Scottish Government’s spending plans for the next year. The Dundee MSP...

04.12.2024 3

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

COURIER OPINION: Budget 2024 was a balance of winners, losers and necessity

Every budget is one with winners and losers, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves faced an extra challenge as she delivered the first Labour budget in 14...

02.11.2024 5

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: Storm Babet response shows Scotland not serious about climate change consequences

Flood water seeps into every corner of a property, bringing with it filth that clings to every surface long after the deluge subsides. The smell is...

24.10.2024 4

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: School strikes in John Swinney’s Perthshire backyard will prove tricky for First Minister

Strike action targeting schools in John Swinney’s Perthshire North constituency will prove difficult for the First Minister to handle. Few will...

17.10.2024 4

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: Dundee election blow shows Labour can’t waste another 100 days

Sir Keir Starmer is unlikely to look back at his first 100 days as Prime Minister with any great fondness. The new Labour government had a shaky...

10.10.2024 10

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: SNP’s return of eye-watering peak rail fares reveals how party has lost its way

The SNP’s decision to allow the return of peak rail fares hit those relying on the nations railway hard this week. After the trial to end so-called...

03.10.2024 3

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: Why I changed my mind on downgrade of Dundee and Fife neonatal units

Centralisation in the NHS is always a talker. People naturally want to be cared for in their worst moments as close to home as possible. This is...

19.09.2024 2

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: Labour happy in victory, but will voters deliver tough early verdict at Holyrood?

In a Number 10 state room as the Scottish political press awaited Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it was Anas Sarwar who wore the biggest smile. So...

12.09.2024 1

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: Battle-weary SNP limps on in hope it can only get better

With a lukewarm sense of optimism, John Swinney managed to leave the SNP’s 90th conference apparently unscathed. Those close to the first minister...

02.09.2024 2

The Courier

Alasdair Clark

ALASDAIR CLARK: Alex Salmond would have championed Andy Murray legacy – here’s what he told me

Many Scottish politics watchers often wonder why Alex Salmond is still a headline grabber. One the face of it, their confusion seems...

29.08.2024 2

The Courier

Alasdair Clark