Parliament: Nicola Sturgeon says sorry for letter
Sorry is meant to be the hardest word to say.
Today Nicola Sturgeon not only said it, but she genuinely seemed to mean it too.
Her statement was both humble and sincere.
The Deputy First Minister accepted she was wrong on two fronts.
Firstly, in branding Abdul Rauf's crimes "mistakes".
Secondly, in trying to influence the sentence imposed upon him by the judge.
She said such an approach was more appropriate to her previous role as a solicitor than as an MSP.
It was as professional and comprehensive a climbdown as you're likely to see and was clearly well thought out.
Ms Sturgeon's statement was a far cry from Alex Salmond's attempt two weeks to defend his deputy's actions.
The First Minister insisted all MSPs have a duty to represent their constituents whether they want to or not.
That approach led to ridicule from all sides of the Holyrood chamber.
A fortnight on - and after I suspect significant tactical discussions - Ms Sturgeon stepped away from that approach.
She admitted MSPs have to exercise their own judgement about the letters they write - something the opposition seized on.
All three main parties tried to shift the focus onto Mr Salmond with Annabel Goldie landing the strongest blows.
Expect more of the same during tomorrow's First Minister's Questions.
But for tonight the job of Scotland's second most senior minister is safe.
Read Nicola Sturgeon's apology to Parliament
