If there's one thing the Scottish like more than swearing it's drinking, so trying to pass a law to set a minimum price for alcohol when the PM's a Scotsman is going to be about as popular as a pork chop at a synagogue.

Personally I'm vociferously opposed to such plans. I can understand the reasoning (flawed as it may be), but I can't agree with it. Yes there's a drinking problem, but ramping up the prices isn't the answer. It's like papering over the hull breach in the Titanic with paper towels and spit. When you look at mainland Europe, which has lower age limits for alcohol, as well as lower prices, yet they don't have the massive fuss that we do over here. Drink isn't treated as a stigma and people are taught how to drink in moderation from a young age. This is the way forward, not trying to hide away or price out of reach that which the majority enjoy sensibly.

Northern Ireland.

With another shooting in Northern Ireland, this time resulting in the death of a policeman, is Northern Ireland seeing a resurgence of the sectarian violence that used to dominate the country, or is this a bad patch in an otherwise improving country?

With Sinn Fein not exactly helping following the less than emphatic condemning of the barracks shooting last week, I can't see how true peace in the country can be achieved without fierce condemnings of the attacks by all sides, so long as they are truly interested in peace. Sinn Fein tip-toeing round the attack I just can't see helping in the long term.

Northern Ireland has come a long way since the height of the Troubles. I've the good fortune of knowing several Irish people and they say that yes, it's not brilliant there, but it's improving and becoming more multi-cultural and more tolerant. My boss from my job back home used to be in the police force and was stationed in Northern Ireland for several years and compared to what he's said about it (not being to have your back to the pub for fear of being stabbed for instance), it certainly seems to be improving.

I just hope that these attacks don't result in retaliations and an escalation in violence...

Special relationship or relationship of convenience?

Gordon Brown and President Obama met in America today, repeating the lines we've all heard before about Britain and America's "special relationship". However, I doubt if the sayings about this special relationship match the feelings of President Obama. Pres. Obama's suspected feelings towards the British have been well reported. I'm sure that Britain and America will continue to work together efficiently, but I don't think it'll be the type of relationship that there was when Bush and Blair were in office.

I hope that the relationship between us and the USA is maintained, especially in such difficult times as I truly think Pres Obama will turn things around in the US and I personally wouldn't mind being part of that, even in a distant way.

Charlie Brooker: My idol, my inspiration, my God.

His article in The Guardian today was absolutely superb. He nailed what the government has come to in this country: a bumbling, authoritarian mire that views the public as small pieces of rabbit shit on their Ikea flat pack flooring. Just an absolutely superbly written, eloquent and hilariously damning verdict on the government.


Bring on the Summer of Rage!

Right Said Fred

I don't think anyone can condone the massive pension payout Sir Fred Goodwin granted himself following his retirement from RBS, despite leaving the bank on the verge of collapse following his perceived mismanagement of the bank.

Hopefully the Government will do the right thing and dramatically reduce his yearly pension to something more reasonable following his cock-ups. I also find myself actually agreeing with Harriet Harman, so it must be something pretty outrageous.