IF you believe some MSPs, there aren't enough hours in the day for them to cope with their workload. And, of course, it's vital they break away from their constituency duties so the nation benefits from their collective wisdom as they debate the pressing issues of the moment.

The controversial plan to introduce identity cards is certainly important and it was debated again this week - the question is why?

Just because the decision will be made at Westminster and Holyrood has no influence on the outcome doesn't mean to say the Scottish Parliament should not make its views known.

But this is the third time the subject has been debated and the second time they have dedicated time to it in less than a year.

And surprise, surprise, ID cards are still unpopular.

The debate was a farce with fewer than 30 MSPs in the chamber when it started, though that in itself is not unusual.

However, that meant the 100 or so others obviously didn't think it was that important.

Presumably they were catching up with their other chores, though the number of them hanging around the Garden Lobby suggests otherwise - unless it was their turn to go for the coffee.

Fergus Ewing, who enjoys the Orwellian title of Minister for Community Safety, did make one good point when he questioned whether the UK Government would be able to keep the information secure.

Given the amount of data it has lost already this year, predicting the answer should not be difficult.

When people voted for a Scottish Parliament, did they know they were also voting for a pampered lifestyle for its employees?

In the last three years, the taxpayer has forked out £146,000 on diets, fitness classes and sports activities for staff.

Of that, £37,000 went on massages for the poor, overworked wee things.

According to a Holyrood spokesman, the perks help keep the staff "well-motivated and productive".

But isn't that what they get paid for?

If they aren't well-motivated and productive what are they doing to earn their wages?

It seems politicians aren't the only ones who recognise a gravy train when they see one.

The figures emerged because of a Freedom of Information request and Parliamentary Business Minister Bruce Crawford wants to extend the scope of the Act.

Mr Crawford, a highly-effective operator, is seeking views on extending it to cover registered social landlords, local authority trusts and contractors providing services for a public authority.

It will be interesting to see how Glasgow Housing Association and Glasgow City Council, which has numerous of these offshoots, respond.

The First Minister has a sore throat and had to cancel his engagements for a couple of days so he missed the Scotland against Argentina friendly on Wednesday.

It meant the legendary Hand of God' was not shaken but, according to Mr Salmond's supporters, there's still time for Maradona to achieve that ambition.