Golden rule

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7.12

With one misplaced remark Liz Truss risks blowing whatever credibility the Tory party may have rebuilt in Scotland. Dismissing the First Minister as an attention-seeker who should be ignored implies that the country she governs can function without a leader; that is insulting to the people of Scotland - all of us, whatever our political views. As leader of the party in Scotland Douglas Ross needs to intervene and persuade Ms Truss to apologise. After all, is she herself not seeking attention - in her bid to become our next Prime Minister?

It must be so hard to avoid letting down one's guard and causing offence when constantly in the spotlight, as our senior politicians are. Yet, if an apology is made swiftly and sincerely, fair minded people will forgive such indiscretions. Failure to do so invites a lower tolerance threshold from those who will have the last word, through our votes - if not in a party leadership election, then at the next General Election. That is why everybody matters, nobody is irrelevant and mutual respect is both right and necessary for a compassionate and faithful society.