Chris Mackie: LibDems 1 Labour 1 in Rangers roundup

Proof, if proof were needed, that the pervasive influence of the Old Firm extends into every nook and cranny of Scottish life reached us this morning as politicians began to wade into the ongoing travails of Glasgow Rangers FC.

The LibDems were first, calling on Scottish Secretary (and Celtic fan) Jim Murphy to intervene in the situation that has seen a representative of HBoS placed on the board of the Ibrox club to monitor spending.

Tavish Scott (bizarrely, a Liverpool supporter) said all football fans - even those of a green and white hooped hue - would be concerned by reports that the club had been threatened with administration by a bank substantially helped by the use of taxpayers' money.

“If the Lloyds group can take down Rangers, there won’t be many professional clubs left in Scotland," exclaimed Tavish excitedly.

Improbably, he was joined by Labour's Frank McAveety, who crossed the Glasgow divide to offer his support to the Teddy Bears, noting gravely: "Anyone who cares about Scottish football should be concerned about the financial difficulties experienced by one of our biggest clubs."

Despite The Steamie's enquiries, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party have, perhaps surprisingly, declined to become embroiled in the row. And we didn't even phone the Greens.

David Maddox: Happy Birthday Andy Kerr

You would have thought that Andy Kerr (pictured right), Labour's finance spokesman in Holyrood and recently defeated leadership candidate, would have something to smile about today considering that it is his 47th birthday.

But if he dined in the parliament canteen today the passionate Rangers supporter will not have felt quite at home with the green and white balloons and flags up for St Patricks Day. That after having to endure the gloating in a box at Hampden from the "Glasgow Labour Catholic mafia" (in the words of Frank McAveety, the Labour MSP for Parkhead), as the Hoops beat the Huns two nil in the Scottish League Cup.

Maybe Mr Kerr should take a lead from fellow Rangers fan Donald Findlay (pictured left), one time deputy chairman of the club and Scotland's leading QC, who also was born on St Patrick's Day. He apparently found a prominent Catholic whose birthday was the same day as the Battle of the Boyne (July 12) and did a birthday swap.