Scottish Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn has drawn criticism after appearing before a parliamentary committee and admitting he was unaware of a potentially dangerous gas leak incident aboard the Glen Sannox ferry last year. The incident, which involved the release of 700kg of methane gas, had been reported on the morning of the committee meeting.
During the transport committee hearing, chaired by Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie, Flynn stated he was not aware of the specifics of the incident, which occurred on a ferry carrying 82 passengers from Arran to the mainland. When pressed by Rennie about briefings, Flynn indicated that while information about ferry issues was shared with him, an incident predating his tenure might not have been specifically recalled or he had not seen the morning's news.
"The specific news story to... to which... to which you're referring is one that I would have to go and familiarise myself with," Flynn told the committee. "I wasn't... I wasn't listening or watching the BBC this morning."
Former Scottish Labour MP and Transport Minister Tom Harris, writing in the Daily Mail, described Flynn's performance as akin to "a dying guppy gasping for air." Harris suggested that civil servants, whose job it is to alert ministers to relevant news, would likely have informed Flynn of such a significant story, especially given his scheduled appearance before the transport committee.
Flynn, who previously served as the SNP's Westminster leader, has been open about his ambitions to lead the party and become First Minister. His appointment to the challenging role of Transport Secretary by First Minister John Swinney has been interpreted by some as a strategic move to test his capabilities. The Scottish transport sector is notoriously complex, with previous ministers facing significant challenges.
This incident marks a difficult start for Flynn in his ministerial role, raising questions about his preparedness and grasp of his brief. The article notes that Flynn's ascent within the SNP has been marked by decisive actions, including securing his Westminster seat and, reportedly, informing a predecessor of his intention to contest her Holyrood seat.