easy ride

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said no MP "was given an easy ride" by Salmond but added he had left an "indelible mark".

That does not mean he expects an easy ride.

"The latest update would suggest the company's turnaround programme remains on track but it is understandable that the boss wants to manage expectations and not let anyone assume it's going to be an easy ride from now on."

It is up to branches if they want to stand in constituencies - emphasising it is a really local decision and denying it is anything to do with giving the SNP an easy ride.

I do feel that making the film has given me a greater understanding of the nature of love and its power to soften the harder edges of life, but it has not been an easy ride.