Has he gone cuckoo?

Does the First Minister actually understand the proprieties of his position? Scotland on Sunday has unearthed more evidence that Mr McConnell has been playing footsie with Mr Trump in breach of the ministerial code:

"Last month, Scotland on Sunday revealed concerns that McConnell had breached the ministerial code of conduct in his dealings with Trump.
McConnell dismissed the story as "ridiculous". "If anybody thinks that I would be daft enough to discuss the details of a planning application with an international investor in advance of its consideration by the appropriate authorities, they are living in cloud-cuckoo land," he said.
But the documents revealed here today prove that McConnell did meet Trump to discuss the details of his plans for the golf course. He was, according to SDI's American chief, "committed to the partnership that will deliver this project".
Trump, meanwhile, could be reassured that such a link would give him "a direct line into the government".
Back in October, the trip to Trump Towers must have seemed to be a great piece of public relations. Now, however, McConnell faces the prospect of a full investigation, while the future of a multi-million pound development hangs in the balance."

But, as the newspaper reveals, the investigation will be carried out by the First Minister's private office. So don't hold your breath for further startling revelations.

Potential objectors to the golf course development will nevertheless feel encouraged. Having been sensitised to the downside, the planning authorities will need to be scrupulous in their subsequent approach. And the First Minister may have to withdraw himself from any consideration of the planning issues. Nor is the prospect of judicial review out of the question.