Hello and welcome to The Midge, the e-bulletin that takes a bite out of politics in Scotland and elsewhere.
Today
- Parties clash over indyref2
- Labour ahead of Tories in race for second vote
- Tory leader accused over warships
- Kerry in Geneva for Syria talks
- Council under fire for £100k Old Firm grant
06.00 BBC Today headlines
Scientists fear Zika virus more dangerous than thought … Kerry in Geneva in bid to restart Syria talks … Business minister to demand tips go to staff … Angry exchanges over indyref2 … Team of British troops arrives in Somalia on UN mission … US cruise ship sets sail for historic Cuba trip.
07.00 BBC Good Morning Scotland headlines
TV debate clash ... Accident investigators raise fishing vessel ... Kerry ... Tipping ... Troops in Somalia ... CIA marking bin Laden raid anniversary with Tweets
Front pages
In The Herald, Magnus Gardham reports from the front row of last night’s TV debate, where Nicola Sturgeon defended plans to step up the SNP’s campaign for independence against fierce opposition from Labour, Tories, and the LibDems, who called the moves “anti-democratic”.
The National splashes on the debate, and trails part three of its election guide featuring a look at the Borders and Highland and Islands contests. The Sun says Ms Sturgeon was “ambushed” by opponents.
In the Mail, former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill is accused by the stepmother of a Lockerbie victim of pursuing “blood money” as he publishes a book on the case this month.
Motorbikes will not be allowed to use bus lanes in Glasgow, reports the Evening Times, despite a pilot scheme running in Edinburgh.
The Times spotlights Westminster moves to overhaul tipping. One proposal is to ban restaurants from automatically putting service charges on bills.
The Telegraph is one of a number of papers to picture a one-year-old Princess Charlotte on her birthday today.
The Guardian reports that Unite chief Len McCluskey has accused Labour MPs of being “nothing short of treacherous” towards Jeremy Corbyn ahead of difficult elections on Thursday. In the i, Corbyn ally Diane Abbott predicts another leadership battle.
The FT looks at Bank of England contingency plans in the event of a vote for Brexit.
Camley’s Cartoon
Camley marks May Day by sounding the alarm over Labour’s fortunes.
Need to know
Last week it was George Osborne’s turn to amuse political journalists at the Westminster Correspondent’s Dinner. Nicola Sturgeon has been known to have the odd drinks party for Holyrood reporters, as do other leaders.
These are but mere bagatelles, however, compared to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner which took place in Washington on Saturday night. It’s all about the main act, and acts do not come higher on the billing than one Barack Hussein Obama II.
This was Obama’s last such occasion, meaning the jokes could be a little more daring than usual. How far did he go? And who got it in the neck?
1. The press, naturally…
"As you know, Spotlight is a film about investigative journalists with the resources, the autonomy, to chase down the truth and hold the powerful accountable. Best fantasy film since Star Wars.”
2. The absent Mr Trump…
"It is surprising. You've got a room full of reporters, celebrities, cameras, and he says no. Is this dinner too tacky for The Donald? What could he possibly be doing instead? Is he at home, eating a Trump steak, tweeting out insults to Angela Merkel?
3. And again…
”There is one area where The Donald's experience could be useful, and that is closing Guantanamo - Donald knows a thing or two about running waterfront properties into the ground.”
4. And again…
“The Republican establishment is incredulous that he is the most likely nominee. Incredulous! Shocking! They say Donald lacks the foreign policy experience to be president but, in fairness, he has spent years meeting with leaders from around the world. Miss Sweden. Miss Argentina. Miss Azerbaijan.”
5. The press again…
“I don’t want to spend too much time on The Donald. Following your lead, I want to show some restraint because I think we can all agree that, from the start, he’s gotten the appropriate amount of coverage, befitting the seriousness of his candidacy. I hope y’all are proud of yourselves. The guy wanted to give his hotel business a boost and now we’re praying that Cleveland makes it through July.”
6. Life post-White House
“Even some foreign leaders have been looking ahead, anticipating my departure. Last week Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bath robe. That was a slap in the face. A clear breach of protocol.”
7. His age (54)…
“Hillary once questioned whether I’d be ready for a 3 a.m. phone call. Now I’m awake anyway because I’ve got to go to the bathroom.”
8. Hillary's age (68) …
“You’ve got to admit it though, Hillary trying to appeal to young voters is a little bit like your relative who just signed up for Facebook. ‘Dear America, did you get my poke? Is it appearing on your wall? I’m not sure I’m using this right. Love, Aunt Hillary.’ It’s not entirely persuasive.”
9. His younger, wilder self
“In my final year, my approval ratings keep going up. The last time I was this high, I was trying to decide on my major.”
10. His finale: “Obama out” mic drop
Pres. Obama drops the mic at White House Correspondents' Dinner https://t.co/Brl2AjUpor https://t.co/cpmMPx9YNY
— ABC News (@ABC) May 1, 2016
Afore ye go
"If you're asking me, do I think it's more likely than not? Yes.”
Nicola Sturgeon sets odds on indyref2 happening if she becomes First Minister again. Sunday Herald. Rob Stothard/Getty Images
“If we vote to leave it will be a glorious day, hopefully enshrined thereafter on the 24th as Independence Day.”
Iain Duncan Smith looks forward to the EU referendum on June 23, and possibly beating the SNP to a special date in the calendar. Sunday Telegraph. Oli Scarff/Getty Images
To mark the 5th anniversary of the Usama Bin Ladin operation in Abbottabad we will tweet the raid as if it were happening today.#UBLRaid
— CIA (@CIA) May 1, 2016
Reaction has been mixed on Twitter, ranging from GIF eye rolls to one user calling the CIA’s tweets “an extremely weird thing to do”.
"I can't remember.”
Ken Livingstone is asked why he brought up Hitler. Jason Farrell, Sky News. Oli Scarff/Getty Images
TV Producer: "Come over"
— Asa Bennett (@asabenn) April 30, 2016
Ken: "Can't, I'm looking after my newts."
Producer: "You can talk about Hitler again"
Ken: pic.twitter.com/Gvz537pU8i
Asa Bennett, Daily Telegraph
“There is no plot. John and Jeremy are mates. Jeremy’s son Seb works in John’s office. That would be pretty Shakespearean even for us.”
A Labour source dismisses talk of a John McDonnell-led coup against his leader. Mail on Sunday. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Sunshine for @GlasgowMurphy at our street stall in Clarkston this morning #KeepKen4EastRen #BothVotesLabour pic.twitter.com/vcG68ECIcu
— Ken Macintosh (@Ken4EastRen) April 30, 2016
The lesser-spotted Jim Murphy turns out on the campaign trail for Ken Macintosh
Thanks to these lovely lasses for their efforts at our city centre stall today. #BothVotesSNP pic.twitter.com/4YxaTnjGcI
— Kevin Stewart SNP (@KevinStewartSNP) April 30, 2016
Kevin Stewart's cheery shot is photobombed by a less than impressed passerby
“I suppose I’m slightly more work horse than pony.”
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson on the fashion differences between herself and the FM. Patricia Kane, Mail on Sunday. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Thank you for reading. See you tomorrow.
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