Why why why?

Someone thought that using silicone, non-paintable silicone, for filling gaps was a good idea. They've even used it along the top of the tiles in the kitchen... what's wrong with grout next to tiles? 

I planned to paint the kitchen this morning, but forgot about the wall and skirting behind my wash basket. I've pulled silicone out of the gap and scraped loose paint off the plaster - I'm not quite sure why the paint's loose but perhaps they didn't wait for the plaster to dry? As for the skirting, it's not rotten even if it looks a bit like it.

It looks a beautiful day outside, but onward and upward.