[Masaka]

I still think the decision not to go to Glasgow was a political one, his genuine exhaustion not withstanding. Can you imagine the field day certain sections of the gutter press would have had. It would have been all about the fact that he didn't attend the London one, but managed the Scottish one. The fact that he was occupied with an engagement of rather greater importance would have been ignored. The tabloid press never let the truth get in the way of an opportunity to stir it. I suspect that he wanted to go, but was advised not to for that reason. I also think he is too much his own man to get dragged into the independence debate, and let Alex Salmond hijack his US Open victory for Salmond's political agenda. Mr M has worked damn hard to rehabilitate his image with the British Public (not that there ever should have been a problem in the first place with it - again we can blame the press for that one as well), I can't imagine he would want to risk stirring things up again.
Dunblane is different, he is going home to see family and friends and the focus will be on that, as well as what he has done to change what people immediately think of when the name Dunblane is mentioned. Now Dunblane is firstly the home town of Britians first tennis Grand Slam winner, and Gold Medal winner, with the massacre now second. The people of Dunblane deserve that, as does Mr M.

Mod Notice

Topic created from discussion originally from a Murray news thread.

[blueberryhill]

@Masaka.
Will be on the news, I imagine. I can get Scottish TV  on the red button so will be watching that.

[Aileen]

I still think the decision not to go to Glasgow was a political one, his genuine exhaustion not withstanding. Can you imagine the field day certain sections of the gutter press would have had. It would have been all about the fact that he didn't attend the London one, but managed the Scottish one. The fact that he was occupied with an engagement of rather greater importance would have been ignored. The tabloid press never let the truth get in the way of an opportunity to stir it. I suspect that he wanted to go, but was advised not to for that reason. I also think he is too much his own man to get dragged into the independence debate, and let Alex Salmond hijack his US Open victory for Salmond's political agenda. Mr M has worked damn hard to rehabilitate his image with the British Public (not that there ever should have been a problem in the first place with it - again we can blame the press for that one as well), I can't imagine he would want to risk stirring things up again.
Dunblane is different, he is going home to see family and friends and the focus will be on that, as well as what he has done to change what people immediately think of when the name Dunblane is mentioned. Now Dunblane is firstly the home town of Britians first tennis Grand Slam winner, and Gold Medal winner, with the massacre now second. The people of Dunblane deserve that, as does Mr M.

I tend to agree that the decision to give Glasgow a miss was probably a diplomatic one, although the fact that Andy was reportedly "ordered" by his advisers to rest does have a good element of truth.  Thankfully he seems to have recovered sufficiently to be able to travel to Dunblane, and if Glasgow feels snubbed as well, too bad, although I understand some other medalists didn't attend the parade either.  From what I saw on the news I don't think they missed much.

Unfortunately Salmond will seize on any excuse to promote his vision of independence and Andy has presented him with a great opportunity.  Luckily the majority of Scots aren't fooled by him.  Obviously we don't know Andy's views but I think he's too astute to get dragged into this issue, at least not publicly.

[Iluvandy]

Unfortunately Salmond will seize on any excuse to promote his vision of independence and Andy has presented him with a great opportunity.  Luckily the majority of Scots aren't fooled by him.  Obviously we don't know Andy's views but I think he's too astute to get dragged into this issue, at least not publicly.


Completely agree with you about Salmond. Whilst I am not a Scot, I have spent a considerable amount of time there over the years, and so perhaps can have a say. My feelings are that Salmond's push for independence is more about his own ego, than what is actually best for Scotland. It all seems so silly. I don't have any conflict in being proud to be British and being a Scotophile at the same time. I was delighted when Mr M draped himself in the Union Jack, and made an attempt at God Save The Queen, not out of any twisted points scoring, (although I confess that the knowledge it would have really p***ed of Salmond brightened my day), but simply because it seemed to reflect Mr M's delight at getting the Gold for his team I.e. Team GB. It was part of the joy of the Olympics.

I think it would have more to do with getting £1000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital although I agree Andy will play wholeheartedly for his team.   I am amused to find that the
only hijacker seems to be Alex Salmond - the entire Olympics were political.   Both Tory and Labour politicians attempted to hijack Andy's win - scratch almost any politician and you'll find the same person.

[Masaka]

  I am amused to find that the
only hijacker seems to be Alex Salmond - the entire Olympics were political.   Both Tory and Labour politicians attempted to hijack Andy's win - scratch almost any politician and you'll find the same person.

Completely agree with you about politicians - most of them are as bad as each other. The only real difference is whether I can manage just muting them, (Cameron, Milliband and Salmond), or have to switch them off, (Clegg and Blair). I don't trust any of them.

[Allan]

Apparently Salmond was booed twice by the crowds in George Square yesterday.

[backhandslice]

Are we done talking about politics yet, ?           This is about one man only.  One man who finally won a GS,  who proved all his doubters wrong.  Have a great day in Dunblane Andy.  Have a great time for all who is going.  It will be a very emotional  day.  

[ChrisMac]

Well said Murray Magic, if we had more politicians like Alex Salmond, Britain would be a better place. He is a very clever bloke, and a strong character, wish other parties had someone with such a strong character.