As stated in the previous post, there's a complete contradiction between today's new Scottish Parliament polls, with one showing the pro-indy camp surging to a huge majority and the SNP also winning a single-party majority, and with the other showing the SNP falling short of a majority and the pro-indy majority looking a bit too tight for comfort. I have no idea which of the two is more accurate, but in this sort of situation it's always wise to assume the worst and act accordingly. That means no mucking around on the constituency ballot. Voting for Green constituency candidates, or for Bonnie Prince Bob in Edinburgh Central, or even abstaining as a protest against GRA reform or the Hate Crime Bill, is a luxury we simply cannot afford at the moment. If the wheels truly come off and we lose the pro-indy majority, it'll be on the constituency ballot that the real damage is done. We must ensure that doesn't happen, and that means voting for SNP constituency candidates across the board.
There are quite a few independence supporters on social media who seem to actively want Angus Robertson to lose in Edinburgh Central, even though that probably means losing to the Tories. I was half-tempted to run a Twitter poll asking people whether they would prefer to have Robertson losing or an independent Scotland. That would have lacked subtlety but it may turn out to be the nature of the choice.
As for the special case of Glasgow Kelvin where the Greens start from second place: even there, it's not impossible to imagine the pro-indy vote splitting in a way that allows a unionist candidate (ie. Labour) to come through the middle and win. It's just not worth the risk. Even in Glasgow Kelvin, the SNP are the safe option.
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You can catch-up with Episode 6 of the Scot Goes Popcast, in which I speak to Alba Party leader Alex Salmond, HERE (with video) or HERE (audio only). And if you find Scot Goes Pop's coverage of polls helpful and would like it to continue, I'm currently running a fundraiser HERE.
It's essential to keep the British out of power in Holyrood.
ReplyDeleteEven if you don't like the direction of the current leadership of the SNP is taking the party it is worthwhile remembering that they won't always be there. They are merely custodians. They are passing through. The party and the Cause will, however, remain.
If you want Independence it must be SNP on the constituency and ALBA on the list.
I am totally disillusioned by the SNP under the current leadership but will vote SNP 1 Alba 2. Following the election I hope pressure from the membership and wider public will bring about changes in contentious laws and current plans for independence. Scotland aye.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, those advocating voting for Sawar or whoever in Edinburgh are being self indulgent and willing to sacrifice all we have fought for over the last decade to prove some petty point on tedious side issues.
ReplyDeleteI'm not totally convinced all such advocates have ever voted SNP in the first place and are simply seeking to create division where there need be none.
Vote SNP in the constituency whatever else you do.
Go for that Twitter poll you suggested... and get it into The National
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ReplyDeleteI am concerned about a low turnout as happened in 2017 when too many SNP voters stated at home assuming job done. I don't see the necessary popular hubbub and interest around me at this election, nor is it featuring highly in the stories covered by the Unionist press. However, much of that constituency that stayed at home in 2017 is the same one that was fired up by the likes of Wings Over Scotland. Despite the weird turn towards sexual-identity politics by Stuart Campbell, if he persuades those people to get out and vote for the Alba Party, then I expect (hope?) that they will also vote SNP on the constituency ballot, thus bumping back up the turnout. There are those who want to vote for Alba but are now so hostile to the SNP that they might vote for someone else, but hopefully they are in the minority. Let's pray they listen to Alex Salmond and cast their constituency vote as he advises.
ReplyDeleteI am concerned about a low turnout as happened in 2017 when too many SNP voters stated at home assuming job done. I don't see the necessary popular hubbub and interest around me at this election, nor is it featuring highly in the stories covered by the Unionist press. However, much of that constituency that stayed at home in 2017 is the same one that was fired up by the likes of Wings Over Scotland. Despite the weird turn towards sexual-identity politics by Stuart Campbell, if he persuades those people to get out and vote for the Alba Party, then I expect (hope?) that they will also vote SNP on the constituency ballot, thus bumping back up the turnout. There are those who want to vote for Alba but are now so hostile to the SNP that they might vote for someone else, but hopefully they are in the minority. Let's pray they listen to Alex Salmond and cast their constituency vote as he advises.
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