Without wanting to get into any legally sensitive matters, it seems there is a renewed chance (albeit probably still an outside one) that there will be another Falkirk by-election over the coming months. Yesterday the PB poster TheUnionDivvie made the intriguing suggestion that Dennis Canavan might stand in such a contest on a 'Labour for Independence' ticket. It's not hard to see the appeal of that idea, because Canavan would surely walk the election, and the symbolic power of his party description would be like gold dust for the Yes campaign.
But is it really feasible? Could Canavan combine constituency duties with his role at Yes Scotland? Should someone with such a key role in a cross-party campaign group be re-entering the party political fray? And would a proud party like the SNP be prepared to stand aside in his favour?
That's the subject of today's poll. If by any chance there is a Falkirk by-election, should the independence banner be carried by an SNP candidate, or by Dennis Canavan? You can find the voting form at the top of the sidebar.
Why does the independence banner have to be carried by just one party? Surely having support for independence cross party is preferable. Love the Labour for Indy idea though. Yes we Canavan!
ReplyDeleteI am torn as to whom I would have. For tactical reasons I would have Denis Canavan under the Yes Scotland/Labour for Independence Banner. If he won then the amount of publicity for the Yes side would be very worthwhile indeed. It would be a nightmare for Labour.
ReplyDeleteI'm a life long SNP supporter and party member. I can see the benefit of Dennis standing.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if he would.
Very interesting situation. Let's see!
I'm a life long SNP supporter and party member. I can see the benefit of Dennis standing.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if he would.
Very interesting situation. Let's see!
This isn't a good idea. It's the BEST idea anyone in the Yes movement has had to date.
ReplyDeleteFalkirk would be a tough win for the SNP, and even if they won it, what good is one more SNP MP among 650? None.
Dennis, however, is hugely popular in Falkirk and would definitely have a very good chance of victory. And if he stood as a "Labour For Independence" candidate it would be a watershed moment in reaching out to that sizeable percentage of Labour voters who are currently being denied a voice by their own party and who are absolutely crucial to our chances of victory.
Eric Joyce might yet tough it out, though it's surely going to require an Olympian feat of stubbornness not to go this time. But if he does quit, YesScotland has to do absolutely everything in its power to get Dennis on the ballot paper.
"Could Canavan combine constituency duties with his role at Yes Scotland?"
ReplyDeleteAlistair Darling seems to manage.
I reckon the unionist parties will do absolutely anything to avoid this by-election.
ReplyDeleteEric, if you're reading this, tell the authorities that if they stick with their ban on you from buying booze in Westminster you'll resign. Bet they cave in immediately.
"Alistair Darling seems to manage."
ReplyDeleteYes, I should have thought of that!
Anon I : The reason why it's preferable for the independence movement to get behind just one candidate in a Westminster by-election is simple - the voting system. Obviously in a PR parliament like Holyrood it's a completely different calculation.
It is indeed a superb idea.
ReplyDeleteSadly Joyce has every intention of trying to tough it out as the concepts of shame or taking responsiblity for your actions are hardly applicable to Joyce.
Eric was the first MP to claim more than £1 million cumulatively in expenses. Something even Darling would be envious of.
The question is whether the police and parliament will tolerate his continuing behaviour as it only highlights the boozy westminster culture as much as his grubby expenses claims highlights their grasping greed.
MPs will hardly want any probing questions on just how many of them are little different to Joyce in the myriad bars around westminster.
Unless Mr Joyce is jailed, then there won't be any by-election.
ReplyDeleteThe sentiments are well intended, but it's not going to happen, & the Uniuonists will see to that.
The incumbent MP has more neck than a giraffe.
"Unless Mr Joyce is jailed, then there won't be any by-election."
ReplyDeleteI'm inclined to agree - indeed, I wouldn't be surprised to see Joyce try to brazen it out even if he was sent to jail for less than 12 months.