TOM HARRIS: Flynn was like a dying guppy gasping for air… he’s not across his brief – and (God help us) he wants to be First Minister!
Scottish Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn was heavily criticised after appearing unaware, during a Holyrood transport committee session, of a dangerous gas leak on the Glen Sannox ferry – despite the incident having been reported on BBC news that same morning. The episode, likened by columnist Tom Harris to watching a "dying guppy gasping for air", raises questions about Flynn's grip on his brief given his stated ambition to eventually lead the SNP and become First Minister.
Committee chairman Willie Rennie repeatedly pressed Flynn on whether he had been briefed about the incident, in which around 700kg of flammable methane gas was accidentally released aboard the ferry last year while carrying 82 passengers from Arran to the mainland. Flynn, who entered Holyrood in May's elections after nine years as an MP at Westminster, gave halting, evasive answers and admitted he had not been watching or listening to the BBC that morning, prompting the columnist to question his readiness for higher office.
In short
- Flynn appeared unaware of a ferry gas leak reported on BBC news that morning
- Incident involved 700kg of methane released on the Glen Sannox ferry
- Columnist questions Flynn's competence given his First Minister ambitions
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A transport secretary should be well briefed on serious safety incidents involving public services, especially when they are already in the news. Flynn’s hesitant answers and apparent lack of awareness could reasonably raise concerns about his command of the brief and whether he is ready for the greater responsibilities he seeks.
The case against
One difficult committee appearance does not by itself establish that Flynn lacks competence or is unfit for future leadership; he may not have been briefed on the incident before the session, and not following a particular broadcast is not proof of wider ignorance. A fair assessment would consider his overall handling of the portfolio and the facts of what he knew, rather than treating a halting exchange as conclusive.
Explained simply
The Glen Sannox is a ferry serving the route between the Isle of Arran and mainland Scotland. A serious methane leak aboard the vessel last year released about 700kg of flammable gas while 82 passengers were on board.
Stephen Flynn is Scotland’s transport secretary and an SNP politician. Holyrood’s transport committee examines transport issues and can question ministers about their responsibilities; Willie Rennie chairs the committee.
The exchange has drawn attention to how ministers are briefed about safety incidents and how they answer questions in Parliament. It also matters because Flynn has spoken of his ambition to lead the SNP and become Scotland’s First Minister.