Lesley Riddoch

Mock Nordics if you like, but they are survivors

Little countries have come under suspicion since Iceland’s banks went belly up. Prime Minister, Geir Haarde, enraged Britain by suggesting foreign investments would not be protected. And though the war of words has abated with Haarde’s assurance that, "we will honour our obligations," the damage to Iceland’s reputation has been done.

Riddoch Questions, Friday 10th October, BBC Radio Scotland, 1.15-2pm

Pennie Taylor’s sitting in for Lesley this week, and joining her on Riddoch Questions are Scottish Daily Mail columnist Katie Grant, Scotsman columnist George Kerevan and sociology expert Stuart Waiton.

The stories making the headlines so far this week include –

BANKING BAIL-OUT – a 500 billion pound plan’s been announced to revive Britain’s biggest banks – but will it work? Is it too little, too late? And will a shock interest rate cut bring relief to hard-pressed homeowners? As the financial crisis continues, has the definition of capitalism really been rewritten – or is it on its last legs?

US ELECTION – with just four weeks to go until America goes to the polls, can Obama capitalise on his reported lead following this week’s second presidential debate? Is the race turning nasty, after Obama accused McCain of using ‘smear tactics’ to distract voters? And did John McCain really forget his rival’s name when he called Obama ‘that one’?

STRIKES – this week saw a rail strike which virtually ground Scotland’s trains to a halt for 24 hours. The GMB union’s rejected the latest pay deal offered for council workers, following two days of walkouts in recent weeks. Should our sympathies lie with the signalmen, binmen and dinner ladies who choose to down tools in protest, or is their action unnecessary and unhelpful in the current economic climate?

Email your questions on these stories now to riddoch@bbc.co.uk. Add your phone number if you want to put the question in person. On Friday text your views to 80295 and call 0500 92 95 00.

A noble and welcome pledge - shame they haven't delivered

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Alex Salmond might well look smug.

The UK conference season has drawn to a close with Labour and the Tories borrowing SNP policy like there’s no tomorrow.

Riddoch Questions 3rd October - BBC Radio Scotland 1.15-2pm

Joining Lesley on Riddoch Questions this week are Shadow Scottish Secretary and Conservative MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, David Mundell; Scottish Labour’s economy and skills shadow minister, Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP John Park; and the SNP’s finance spokesperson in the Commons, MP for Dundee East, Stewart Hosie.

The stories making the headlines so far this week include –

• DAVID CAMERON – he claims he wants to be the leader of the UK, not just England - is he throwing down the gauntlet to the SNP? Did his party conference speech counter the Brown bounce? And would he really be a success as Prime Minister?

• RAILWAYS – the Conservatives plan to spend millions on high-speed railways – which stop in the north of England. What about Scotland? •

TAX FREEZE – is Tory Shadow Chancellor George Osborne’s announcement of a council tax freeze a direct copy of SNP policy? Or are the London parties, as it’s claimed, “struggling to catch up with us”?

• WALL STREET BAILOUT – what’s next for the world’s financial markets? And how will it impact on British banks – including Scotland’s HBOS?

• UNDER 21 DRINKING LAW – opposition from students and the Tories is sinking the SNP’s plans to raise the age limit for buying alcohol from 18 to 21 – so where does that leave the government’s proposed Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill? And how can we effectively tackle the youth booze culture?

• FREE SCHOOL MEALS – the government’s announced all pupils up to primary three will receive free dinners. Will it help improve the diets of young Scots? And with no new funding, will local authorities be able to deliver the government’s promise?

Email your questions on these stories now to riddoch@bbc.co.uk. Add your phone number if you want to put the question in person. On Friday text your views to 80295 and call 0500 92 95 00.