FATHER OF THE NATION

First Minister Jack McConnell has outlined his plans to tackle the problem of Scotland’s declining population and shortage of skilled labour by attracting 50,000 immigrants to the country over the next few years.

At a time when most other countries are tightening their border controls to stem the influx of asylum seekers and the new tidal wave of Eastern European opportunists seeking a better life, Mr McConnell, it appears, is extending an open invitation to all and sundry.

His plans, it’s fair to say, are not welcomed by all in the corridors of power.

There are those who argue that with Scottish unemployment already at unacceptably high levels , the last thing Scotland needs is an additional 50,000 job seekers.

There are those who argue that if the Scottish Executive concentrated on creating an economy which properly rewarded Scottish endeavour and on building a country that enterprising Scots didn’t want to abandon in their droves, we wouldn’t be in a situation where we have a declining population in the first place.

And there’s Renfrew MaCludge.