Latest news with #Findlay
STV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Russell Findlay wants SNP out of power for ‘collective good of society'
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay has said he wants to see the SNP out of power at next year's Holyrood elections for the 'collective good of society'. The Conservative refused to rule out working with other parties to achieve that as he accused John Swinney's party of being responsible for 'gargantuan' waste of public cash while in office. Having only been elected to Holyrood in 2021, Findlay will be fighting his first election campaign as Scottish Tory leader next year. Speaking to Holyrood magazine, the former journalist insisted he would 'never, ever work with the SNP' – but said it would be 'silly to say no' to potential deals with either Labour or the Liberal Democrats. With the Scottish Parliament elections not taking place until May 2026, the Tory said it would 'complete folly for me at this point to start speculating on what that might look like'. But he also made clear his main aim for next year is to 'get the SNP out of power'. His comments come as polls suggest the SNP, which has been in power at Holyrood since 2007, is on course to remain the largest party. However, with polls also indicating Nigel Farage's Reform UK could win a number of seats at the Scottish Parliament, it seems unlikely the SNP will have an overall majority after May's election. That surge in support for Reform could see the Tories lose seats at Holyrood, with Findlay's party – which is currently the main opposition – possibly falling to third or fourth place in the election. Findlay said he was a 'realist' as he accepted he is unlikely to be Scotland's next first minister. However, he spoke out about his ambition to oust Swinney from Bute House. PA Media The Tory leader wants to remove John Swinney's SNP from power 'for the collective good of society' (Jane Barlow/PA). The Tory said: 'Despite John Swinney having a spring in his step and this sudden belief that he's going to hang about for a decade, we need to get them out for the collective good of society, we need to get the SNP out of power.' On the prospect of a deal with either Scottish Labour or the Liberal Democrats, Findlay said: 'If the Lib Dem leader or Anas Sarwar, or whoever it might be, wants to speak to me, it would be silly to say no.' While he stressed this was 'all very speculative', the Scottish Conservative leader admitted he did 'worry' about the country's prospects if the SNP remain in power. He said: 'I've had to live under the SNP for a lot of my adult life, I see the damage they're doing to the city I live in, Glasgow, and across the entire country.' He criticised the SNP's handling of government finances, accusing the party of 'gargantuan' waste. He stated: 'The mis-spending in Scotland is utterly ridiculous and I think any serious political party, any credible government, will be able to identify that and do something about it. 'If you gave me 10 minutes in St Andrew's House, in the filing cabinets, I'd find tens of millions of pounds worth of savings.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Science
- Sydney Morning Herald
Rare aurora bewitches NSW sky gazers, and could stage encore tonight
The horizon blazed with shades of fuchsia and shell-pink light on Sunday as a geomagnetic storm lashed Earth and lit up the first night of winter with the aurora australis. The phenomenon is rarely visible far from the poles, but the dancing light bewitched sky gazers as far north as Byron Bay as photographers snapped the pink glow off Sydney's beaches and across NSW from Cooma to Tamworth. 'We were cheering, everybody was 'Oh my god-ing',' said aurora enthusiast David Findlay, who's chased auroras across Tasmania and Antarctica. He watched the sky last night with about 300 spectators from Gerroa in the Illawarra. Auroras are normally faint in NSW and show up better in photos, but on Sunday the geomagnetic storm was severe enough to spark vivid flashes visible to the naked eye that burned brightly for about 15 minutes, Findlay said. 'Interspersed with these brilliant magenta colours were these very, very bright beams of orange,' he said. 'This is actually the first time I've seen intense orange ... it was the orange aurora!' There's another chance to catch the spectral spectacular on Monday night as the solar storm rages on. 'The activity may continue into tonight, so aurora watchers should be prepared,' said a co-director of Swinburne University of Technology's Space Technology and Industry Institute, Dr Rebecca Allen. 'Auroras are caused when our sun ejects energetic particles as 'storms'. These particles collide with our magnetic field and smash into the atmosphere near the poles,' Allen said, which is why the phenomenon is normally seen close to the Arctic and Antarctic.
The Age
3 days ago
- Science
- The Age
Rare aurora bewitches NSW sky gazers, and could stage encore tonight
The horizon blazed with shades of fuchsia and shell-pink light on Sunday as a geomagnetic storm lashed Earth and lit up the first night of winter with the aurora australis. The phenomenon is rarely visible far from the poles, but the dancing light bewitched sky gazers as far north as Byron Bay as photographers snapped the pink glow off Sydney's beaches and across NSW from Cooma to Tamworth. 'We were cheering, everybody was 'Oh my god-ing',' said aurora enthusiast David Findlay, who's chased auroras across Tasmania and Antarctica. He watched the sky last night with about 300 spectators from Gerroa in the Illawarra. Auroras are normally faint in NSW and show up better in photos, but on Sunday the geomagnetic storm was severe enough to spark vivid flashes visible to the naked eye that burned brightly for about 15 minutes, Findlay said. 'Interspersed with these brilliant magenta colours were these very, very bright beams of orange,' he said. 'This is actually the first time I've seen intense orange ... it was the orange aurora!' There's another chance to catch the spectral spectacular on Monday night as the solar storm rages on. 'The activity may continue into tonight, so aurora watchers should be prepared,' said a co-director of Swinburne University of Technology's Space Technology and Industry Institute, Dr Rebecca Allen. 'Auroras are caused when our sun ejects energetic particles as 'storms'. These particles collide with our magnetic field and smash into the atmosphere near the poles,' Allen said, which is why the phenomenon is normally seen close to the Arctic and Antarctic.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
The Return Of The Alliance 2025 – A Surprise Contender In Local Body Elections
The Alliance Party is back in the fight, ready to shake up the political establishment, and put working people first in local communities across Aotearoa. After years of a lack of a genuine left-wing voice, the Alliance is re-emerging to endorse candidates in the upcoming local body elections. 'For too long, ordinary New Zealanders have been ignored and their needs sidelined,' says Alliance Party spokesperson Quentin Findlay. 'We've watched as political decisions made by a select few fail our communities. That's why we're aiming to elect dedicated, community-focused candidates to local councils.' The Alliance, a strong presence in national politics through the 1990s and early 2000s, last contested national elections in 2014. Mr Findlay says an influx of younger members has led to the resurgence of the party, whose past achievements include paid parental leave and the establishment of Kiwibank. "The failure of our current political direction and a rising energy from a new generation demanding real change have spurred us back into action," he says. 'New Zealanders are crying out for a different kind of politics – one that isn't afraid to stand up for them.' The Coalition Government was pursuing a far right agenda, and was dominated by its minor partners such as ACT, says Mr Findlay. He says the Labour Party opposition had lost its way and was failing to connect with its traditional support base. 'The Alliance is bringing an unapologetic social democratic agenda back to the table – a tradition with deep roots in Aotearoa New Zealand.' Mr Findlay says 'It's time we had councils, and a country, that work for working people. The Alliance is here to help make that happen.'
Campaign ME
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Yas Island Abu Dhabi cranks up the volume with ‘Bastanis' campaign
Building on the success of previous summer campaigns, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is turning up the volume for the summer of 2025, presenting a vibrant, refreshed rendition of the beloved hit song 'Bastanis' as part of a campaign brought to life in collaboration with the renowned Kuwaiti group, Miami Band, as well as media agency Initiative and production house Dejavu UAE. This collaboration captures the essence of summer through upbeat melodies and lyrics that evoke joy, excitement and the carefree delight of living in the moment, a sentiment echoed throughout the campaign, which invites families across the region to escape the heat and embrace a season filled with joy, energy and unforgettable memories at the region's leading entertainment destination. Catered to GCC audiences, the campaign highlights Yas Island as the perfect nearby getaway with luxurious accommodations and a host of thrilling attractions: From award-winning indoor theme parks to family-friendly leisure experiences. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, said, 'Our ongoing collaboration with Miami Band has evolved into a cherished summer tradition that resonates with families across the region. With 'Bastanis,' we aim to celebrate the summer spirit — embracing time with loved ones, breaking away from daily routines, and immersing ourselves in moments of pure joy.' Findlay added, 'Miami Band's enduring appeal, paired with the dynamic energy of Yas Island, continues to create a powerful connection with our audiences. This campaign is more than a nostalgic musical revival; it's a call to experience summer to the fullest and create unforgettable memories with loved ones.' The campaign highlights Yas Island's position as the ultimate summer destination, featuring three award-winning indoor theme parks — Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi — along with the refreshing water adventures of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. To complement these attractions, Yas Island offers a range of family-friendly hotels with exclusive summer deals, including the popular Kids Go Free promotion allowing families to enjoy tons of benefits, including free stay, play and dine for kids. 1/8 Yas Island Abu Dhabi x Miami Band Beyond its world-class theme parks, the campaign also highlights how Yas Island's layout makes it easy for families to explore its diverse offerings, including how: Yas Marina offers a lively mix of waterfront dining, nightlife, and leisure experiences. Yas Bay Waterfront delivers a vibrant social scene just steps from Etihad Arena, home to world-class concerts and global events. Shopping enthusiasts can indulge at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi's largest retail destination, featuring a wide array of international brands and entertainment options. Yas Island boasts 10 world-class hotels, offering a range of luxury and family-friendly accommodations to suit every traveler. A complimentary luxury shuttle service Yas Express, which includes free Wi-Fi, families can take people from heart-pounding roller coasters to cooling off at a water park, then unwind with a meal overlooking the marina all in a single day. As the summer heats up, Yas Island Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miami Band, continues to lead the region's seasonal celebrations. CREDITS: Client: Miral Destinations / Yas Island Abu Dhabi Experiential: Miami Band Media agency: Initiative Production house: Dejavu UAE PR: Weber Shandwick MENAT
