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The Go Radio Politics Show is hosted by veteran political journalist Bernard Ponsonby, this is the show for the people - cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters in Scottish politics. Bernard leads the way with sharp analysis, spirited debate, and unfiltered commentary. Whether you’re deeply political or just politically curious, this is your space to listen, learn, and join the conversation.
Episodes
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Go Radio Politics Show: March 29th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard Ponsonby hosts a fiery three‑way debate between Douglas Lumsden (Scottish Conservatives), Kieron Higgins (Scottish Labour) and Alex Kerr (SNP). With Holyrood dissolved ahead of the 7 May vote, the panel wrestles with the big question: does it really matter who wins?
The conversation ranges from Scotland’s £5bn projected budget shortfall to the future of the NHS, child poverty, ferries, education, and the defining constitutional question — independence. Sparks fly as the guests clash over mandates, public service failures, and whether voters are simply fed up with all parties.
“Does it actually matter who wins?” — The opening challenge
Bernard frames the stakes: a £5bn black hole, voter cynicism, and long‑standing failures in poverty and housing.
Alex Kerr argues Scotland is the only part of the UK where child poverty is falling due to the Scottish Child Payment.
“The only place in the UK where child poverty is falling is Scotland.”
Conservatives: ‘Record bad’
Douglas Lumsden attacks the SNP on ferries, NHS waiting lists and education.
Labour: ‘Fix the mess, get the basics right’
Kieron Higgins highlights potholes, NHS access, school violence and a decade of decline.
The mandate meltdown
A chaotic exchange as Bernard repeatedly asks: What constitutes a mandate for independence? Neither Labour nor the Conservatives give a straight answer — a standout moment of the episode.
Why would anyone go into politics?
All three guests open up about abuse, burnout and the emotional toll on families.
Misogyny in Scottish politics
A rare moment of cross‑party agreement as all three acknowledge the scale of misogynistic abuse.
The Malcolm Offord controversy
The panel debates whether an eight‑year‑old joke makes Offord unfit for office — and whether outrage is amplified by election season.
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