David Maddox: Are some people more equal than others?

Remember these words when Alex Salmond prior to taking the oath to become an MSP in 1999 and again in 2007 (pictured top right)?

"As an SNP group our primary loyalty is with the people of Scotland in line with the Scottish constitutional tradition of the sovereignty of the people."

The statement of course was worked out to assert the importance of the people over the monarch in line with the underlying sentiment of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This treasured document supported Robert the Bruce's claim to the throne but made it clear it was on the basis of support from the populus rather than any divine right and could at a future time be removed.

Which makes you wonder why Mr Salmond missed the National Conversation event with the people of Dundee this morning so, according to his spokesman yesterday, he could be present at the Queen's garden party this afternoon.

In fairness people of Scotland were present at the garden party too, just in posh hats.