Kate Forbes has clearly decided not to run, which is hopefully a decision made from a position of strength due to a deal with John Swinney. The SNP have missed a golden opportunity to get back on track, but I'm not as despondent as I was a year ago when Humza Yousaf narrowly won. That outcome was an unmitigated disaster because it lumbered the independence movement with three problems simultaneously - a) it put independence on the backburner for the foreseeable future, b) it installed an unsuitable leader who the public actively disliked and thought wasn't up to the job, and c) it led to outright factional rule, when the public are known to reward united parties and punish divided parties.
Those three problems have now been reduced to one-and-a-half. Independence is unlikely to be seriously pursued under Swinney's watch, but he's 60, and whatever he said today, it may well be that he'll see the SNP through the general election, after which the party can properly decide its future with a full-blown leadership election. And although he's not a suitable leader in the sense that he's not going to inspire anyone, the polls are clear that he is better regarded than Yousaf and is certainly regarded as far more competent. I suspect Redfield & Wilton's monthly polls will show a healthy lead for Swinney on the head-to-heads with Anas Sarwar for "who would make the best First Minister" - and if Swinney does hang around until 2026, that may well be enough to keep the SNP as the largest single party at Holyrood, and possibly enough to keep them in government, although whether it would rescue the outright pro-indy majority is much more doubtful.
And most importantly, it sounds like factional rule will be ending and that there'll be a unity cabinet. The Greens will not be bringing down the government but neither will they be in the government, which is arguably the best of both worlds. So the SNP can probably look to the general election with slightly more optimism than seemed likely before Yousaf helpfully imploded. But I repeat, this is a waste of a golden opportunity, and if the SNP do lose the general election, this will be one of the key moments they'll trace the defeat back to.
Not quite defeat snatched from the jaws of victory - but possibly a score draw.
ReplyDeleteIt all hinges on whether Swinney is actually serious about uniting the party and bridging the divides again.
Another factional leadership will kill the party. Unity would at least help begin the process of repair that’s so desperately required after Yousaf and Sturgeon.
There are probably few people around with as deeply grounded a knowledge of Scottish politics as myself. I see this as an important moment and my advice is, Slowly Slowly Wakey Doney.
DeleteI have aimilar feelings to James on this. Last year’s leadership election was a dismal disappointment. This, well, it’s John Swinney so it’s still a bit of a disappointment, but a more pleasant one, and perhaps a more sensible one to judge the man’s own words. Besides, he’s not going to last long, is he?
ReplyDeleteHumza’s first act was to give Kate the sack. Let’s hope Swinney does the exact opposite. It’ll be a good way to start.
I agree with the thrust of this. I hope we can all start getting behind this unity cabinet, bring a sense of positivity and (heaven help us)...so me good humour.
ReplyDeleteThe days of incessantly sniping about trans or "furries" or whatever else has taken the movement to the sewer online which has spilled into factionalism in real life. It does feel like a chance to move beyond that with a double ticket of competency and youth.
Clean slate please and an olive branch to all.
The public at least respect Swinney, you feel.
That's my take anyway.
Abhainn
Agreed. Can we also get back to the days before the mindless American political terminology flooded our discourse?
DeleteEvery time I hear the interminable diatribes about “terfs” or “the woke”, I despair.
The best thing for everyone in Scottish politics would be to switch if their machines and step away from them for a while.
Perspective has been sorely lacking in politics for the best part of a decade now. Let’s get it back and return to what normal voters actually care about.
Yip, agree. We can't even say "social justice" or "progressive" now without it being construed in a Fox News type way. This used to be a cornerstone of simply trying to be a modern nation and now people want us to be centrist etc. Being a social democratic party has chimed with Scotland since Salmond.
DeleteYet people have this discourse that Nicola tagged us to a "loony left".
Can we just get back to concentrating on helping ordinary Scots, helping the planet and helping Scottish business, and pushing we are wealthy enough for independence. I appreciate SNP prob do try do to those things but the message has got lost in a cacophony of nasty american-like argument.
I want everyone to get back under the big tent and start working together. I think it can be done with humility across the movement. All sides.
Abhainn
I agree, too. Broadly. But…
DeleteI was as pissed off as I remember James was when Wings ran a Vote Unionist post on Holyrood 2021 election day because of his pure obsession with trans. For a long time I thought Stu was in the wrong, and I even found Kavanagh and the Dug House tolerable.
I did vote Alba in that election, though. I trusted Alex Salmond’s appeal to use our second votes wisely. The dismal result of zero MSPs elected quite depressed me.
Then came the self-sabotaged “supreme” court case and Nicola’s rapid adoption of the plebiscite election strategy followed by her resignation. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. Was the SNP truly so cynical about using independence as the carrot that keeps on giving after all? Were the nutters right about something?
I’ve been thoroughly scunnered with Humza’s SNP. Stu Campbell’s coverage of the party’s financial trouble has won me over to thinking he’s not all bad, again. I’ve certainly given up on my favourite party from 1999~2020 the Greens. The way they acted the last few weeks speaks volumes. Must say that Ash’s vote to bring down the Scotgov did astonish me, though.
Oh, so, wheesht for unity. Aye, I’ll believe it when I see it. If Swinney does dump the “progressive” bollocks, I’ll be well pleased. Hating on it all is not my passion, I just want the cancerous madness gone from our politics.
Govern Scotland well and push relentlessly for independence. Work with the movement, listen to all, and prove yourself to be the elder statesman of honesty and fairness, John. Back your words with action, and there’ll be no stopping you.
Stu Campbell is a unionist and is not a friend of Scottish independence.”He’s not all bad ..” really?
DeleteYes really,
Deletehe was the first to warn us about ALL of this "progressive stuff and its possible damage to the snp and indie, which in turn caused the ire of those in the party, and beyond, that wanted all that stuff to go ahead, and they did manage to monster Wings and cause the party to lose 30,000 members when the damage to womens rights etc became known, so please dont blame "Wings Over Scotland"/Stuart Cambell for his political intellect.
FatherTedCrilly
Ross' VONC may actually have given the SNP a chance to reset and quite possibly a wee boost in the polls. Neither Ross or Sawar look very pleased with a Swinney/Forbes ticket. Turn the mindless rhetoric down on the telly and the faces tell a story.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I experienced much in the way of factionalism in the party but it can't get much more mainstream, hands across the water, to all sides.
What's are furries?
ReplyDeleteExactly what average voters would ask.
DeleteAn irrelevance, in other words.
“Did you say Ferries?”
DeleteLol, you won’t get Nats wanting to talk about ferries.
DeleteI mostly agree with Mr Kelly but also add a point, Forbes simply might have considered that Swinney would have won the members vote
ReplyDeleteAfter the next Scottish Parliament election we can expect some of the current MPs to be MSPs e.g. Flynn and Black, and hence Forbes would not necessarily be presumed to win next time.
ReplyDeleteAlso 60 is really not that old in this sort of work and we can expect that Swinney could go on up to 10 years if successful.
LOL. Nice try. And Black won't be beating Forbes, SNP members may have some blind spots but they're not idiots.
DeleteYou've got to love Campbell. His "trusted source" who predicted that Neil Gray would be the next leader turns out to be completely wrong, and yet Campbell chalks it up as another correct prediction, just as he did last year when he wrongly said "I'm calling it, Yousaf has lost". And his deluded fans are like: "Way to go, Stu! The flawless record continues!"
ReplyDeleteNow that he's an irrelevance, it's all quite entertaining.
What way is Stu going? I can't see any hint in the post.
DeleteRegan didn't do herself or Alba any favours bu voting against the government. It makes the ( only slim anyway) chance of some sort of pact at UK GE for 3 the former SNP MPs now very unlikely .
ReplyDeleteI suppose a Swinney wi Forbes is better than a Useless gov wioot her.
Tha mo cheann gort! Enouch tae mak yer heid sair!
Soar Alba
Tagadh uabhasach.
DeleteThere was no chance of a deal with the two Alba MPs, though, as defectors from the party. McNeill though, a slim maybe, I’d say, and something I do hope Swinney does.
More valuable time will be wasted. SNP politicians will be more than happy to kick the can down the road again. The only hope independence supporters have is that plenty of SNP devolutionist MPs will be unseated by pro independence voters abstaining in disgust later this year and the SNP leadership will be forced into more definite action on independence to save their skins in the 2026 Holyrood election.
ReplyDeleteI think with Swinney as FM and Forbes as Finance Secretary AND DFM, the SNP support will recover, perhaps 3% overnight, and continuing. I'd also expect to see the list vote SNP rise a bit faster.
ReplyDeleteNow all they need to do is genuinely put Indy front and centre rather than the Yousaf waffle "give democratic effect to".
I agree, but I think we will see huge poll gains by the snp now. Anything between 45-55%
DeleteFolk should be careful when implying that whatever we vote should and will aye mak nae difference - that there's nae legitimate way to independence. In other countries that has lead to violent confrontations. Is Scotland that much different to late 19th , early 20th century Ireland?
DeleteDemocracy must prevail!
Soar Alba!
Are you saying that if we keep voting snp and winning elections but aren't granted independence then our only solution is an armed struggle against our oppressors?
DeleteGreen Green isn't necessarily saying that Declan. I find it refreshing to read him/her pointing out that votes alone wont win indy bevause the UK does not even take the trouble to pretend to be democratic on the issue.
DeleteWe are eventually going to have to realise that Ireland a century ago has much to teach us on British imperial politics on it's own doorstep.
We will need a majority vote for legitimacy among our own people but it will have to be followed by sustained, non violent, action which makes hanging on to Scotland more expensive for the British state than it's now, self broken, condition can afford.
We are not in a 'cricket match' against 'jolly good chaps' !
Careful Jerry, your peacemaker is under too much strain.
ReplyDeleteIf Forbes was as close to the relic/rightwing lunatic Alba voters preferred, then the right decision has been made.
ReplyDeleteIsn’t that proof that lies told about devolution, 4 nations are equal is false. Point proved.
ReplyDeleteTime will tell. I think that I can say with some authority, however, that unlike Alba we will never side with the unionists.
ReplyDeleteJerry
ReplyDeleteReally all we have left is aiming for an overwhelming majority of our people voting for it. That's always been the plan anyway. If an undeniable majority want something, it's incumbent on political leaders to do something about it. Even Tory Lords and the Tory Scottish Secretary have said as much.
The issue at the moment is the country is clearly unsure of the best path. The union and independence fluctuate in slight preference. Neither is favoured by an overwhelming majority. Until that changes, it won't change. But it is upto Scots to vote for parties demonstrating their preference. The last election was practically 50% pro independence parties and 50% pro Union. I think it was maybe 50.1% pro independence. That's not going to break the wall. But a nation voting in high numbers for something may. I do think most other european nations do realise Scotland is a nation, it's not like Yorkshire or something. If say 75% of Scots wanted independence, something would have to give.
Abhainn
Absolutely this.
DeleteWe need a clear and settled will. 50%+1 is not that. I don’t think we should put a figure on it, as an obvious “once in a generation” style hostage to fortune. But we should push for an overwhelming majority of the total population.
To get Indy, people must want it. Once they do, there’s no stopping us.
Of course we need a clear majority in favour of independence.
DeleteThis idea that 50%+1 is enough is bonkers, and would result in a country forever divided.
It would have been fine in 2014 but losers acceptance is important. Times change.
DeleteAbhainn - I note my original posts have been removed by the usual cancel culture Tzar.
DeleteAt least an honest answer, but what do you think your chances of (a) getting a substantial majority and (b) maintaining it?
I'd say that's pretty slim to vanishing, and if there was a sustained majority now, you still would not get another vote for two reasons.
1) They are less likely to give you the vote if there is a sustained majority (Probably the only reason you got one in 2014)
2) They will (rightly) say that you cannot just keep holding a referendum every 5 minutes until you are lucky enough to get what you want and that an referendums need to be AT LEAST once in a generation (so not before 2040) or once in a lifetime (not before 2075)
So if you were to accept those points, you are quite literally howling at the moon.
Jerry
Delete(a) Unknown, it's in the future. Politics is cyclical. SNP are having a tired time, yet independence support is maintaining at circa 50/50 give or take a few %s. Noone is suggesting the SNP will cease to exist. What happens in the next cycle is anyone's guess. The younger demographic in favour of yes may be a factor, the beginning the chase at a higher yes figure than before may be factor. Or it may just peter out. Noone really knows. It's upto the Scottish people alone to deliver their answer. I don't speak for them.
(b) Depends on the reaction of the people of Scotland, again unknown. There was in polling a sustained majority for a short period yet I feel not big enough a majority to push the dial. It could happen again and higher, it may not. Who knows.
1. The quotes from Tory peers and Secretary of State suggest otherwise but I don't discount they will continue to say no. The reaction to a sustained majority is unknown. That needs to happen first. I would like to think even people in England if presented with Scots clearly desiring another vote, would acquiesce to the obvious will of a people. It's not a good look otherwise across the world and as I say it's obvious to many in Europe that we are a people, not Yorkshire. Given there is already a precedent in these islands for such a vote to take place, I certainly feel that real politik of some kind would need to take place. Even Andrew Neil says the union is safe for a generation. He doesn't say it's locked up in a safe and never ever. He understands the political vehicle is in peril but cycles change, sometime quicker than expected. Even David Dimbley, a vehement monarchist, suggested the King may have problems in his Union and this was post supreme court.
2. Noone in Scotland wants a vote every 5 minutes. Even Independence supporters. We are not daft, it's a hugely divisive issue and cannot be done every other election. It's us living through it remember, we have other things in life to do. What they want is a vote precisely when they want one. No more, no less. An SNP wanting a vote every 5 mins wouldn't be elected. They wouldn't even put it through as a manifesto commitment as it would be unpopular.
We're talking about a country here of middling population and economy in a European context. We have a country across the Irish sea with a similar culture, ultimately fewer resources doing better. Despite decades of a powerful state rubbishing the idea, roughly half the people in Scotland right now desire a separate state. There is every chance Scotland could be independent if it wanted to be. It's a fairly ordinary position for a country of Scotland's size in Europe. Whether it's allowed to be, I think, still rests with the people of Scotland. They haven't voted in overwhelming numbers for it. Then it shouldn't happen. If they do, one day, I think it will. I'm not mystic meg though.
Who knows. That's my moon howl done.
Abhainn
Jerry
DeleteI would just say that maintaining a majority for a country's independence is probably the norm in just about every country on earth. It's not a party political thing. Therefore, if there was a sustained majority, I haven't found many countries that go back from that. I think you're seeing this in a party political way when in Scotland, the independence view is not wrapped up solely in the SNP. It's the main vehicle, for sure, and if Scots want independence enough..they'll hold their noses and just vote SNP to get there. That's not happened. it got to 50.1% was it? But not quite enough, I don't deny that. But this is a low ebb at the moment for that party. Things can change. I can only speak for myself but more people my age, in decent jobs, actually support independence now than in 2014. I see a shift in middle management types towards independence but many are bored of the SNP in power. It's anyone's guess how that manifests itself in coming election. Democracy is a moving object.
Abhainn
You are looking at the first problem, which is a sustained majority, and that in itself is hard enough, like Brexit, you may get a majority at a point in time, maintaining that for a year, two years, three years is another proposition.
DeleteEqually getting there is a law of diminishing returns, how man people, no matter what you say, will say no? The unmoveable?
Further to that, its currently abstract, like Brexit, leaving is one thing, what's the actual detail and severe trade off's, I've not seen a comprehensive answer to all the big issues like currency which if you stick with the £ would mean having finances controlled by Westminster which is a big problem, a new currency would see much increased borrowing rates creating another problem.
Then you have an Indy split over the EU, roughly 50% of the yes vote don't want to rejoin 50% do, where's the clear direction of travel on that?
Then if you do want to rejoin the growth and stability pact will be a major hurdle with a deficit over 10% of income, you'd stuggle to get through the 35 accession chapters in less that 10 years.
Then immigration, are you going to have your own immigration policy? How is Westminster going to ensure you don't end up as a back door to England?
Then trade, a hard border will be needed to control immigration and if you join the EU a hard border will be compulsory, and that's where 80% of your exports go to, England.
Voting for an abstract concept is one thing, but these issues have never been properly answered.
Yes the young want independence, but like in England most voters start off a left wing and get more right wing as they get older, to suggest that as old voters die off everyone will become an indy supporter.
The other problem, oft evident on these pages is some form of magical quick route to independence, and any SNP MP who suggests it might be a long haul gets criticised as a sell out, yet none of the "it can be done quickly" bunch have ever come up with anything credible as a road map.
The issues of getting there are so long and tortuous that you'll descend into infighting over this long-short debate with one set having no credible short plan and the long plan looking like its wishing on a star or indy on the never never or just lip service.
I'm not saying its impossible, but at every hurdle getting over each one is a long shot and getting over all of them looks like wishing on a star.
Good luck, because I think you'll need it, there's a fundamental lack of realism in any of the plans.
On top of that, it doesn't work for either of the main Westminster parties, Labour fears losing Scotland and potentially 40+ seats, and the Tories like the SNP because when the Tories are in power it fuels the SNP and robs Labour of those potential 40+ seats, it does not work for either party to let you go.
You a climbing Everest without oxygen, in a T shirt and shorts
Buddy, either people in Scotland look across at other similar nations across Europe and think "we should be like that" or we dont. It's not Mount Everest we're climbing or something equally abstract. There are bone fide, tangible examples of independent states with less GDP surviving relatively well. If being a 5.5m population country is impossible why is Croatia, Ireland, Iceland a state or other multidude of examples existing? Whether it's best or not is a different question. But it can happen and if enough people want it, it will happen.
DeleteThere will either be a paradigm shift during a generational change..let's say people want to be part of the EU for similar rights for their children as the Irish have.. or it won't happen. It's not beyond the realms of possibility either situation happens.
I always found something similar between Salmond, Sturgeon, and Yousef in terms of the way they spoke almost as though Sturgeon had picked up these speech mannerisms from Salmond, and Yousef from Sturgeon.
ReplyDeleteSwinney does not share those mannerisms at all and I am thankful for that.
Absolutely. The young Sturgeon in the 1990s seemed to be a Salmond clone in terms of her mannerisms. Swinney is from a pre-Salmond vintage.
DeleteI wonder what Michael Bublé thinks of the whole saga.
DeleteYeah if we never have to hear the mid-sentence uncomfortable laugh again then make Swinney dictator-for-life as far as I'm concerned
DeleteI think the honest poll companies, not slave to the English media, will signal an improvement for the SNP
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr Kelly that it's important to have a decent result at the next general election, because after that Labour will start losing popularity UK wide from being in government
ReplyDeleteUnder Swinney I think we finally have a chance of getting support for independence above 50%.
ReplyDeleteEncouraging.
DeleteIt will be certainly very interesting to see if Swinney gets to enjoy a bounce in the next pole to come out.
ReplyDeleteThe next pole will indeed be interesting.
DeleteEspecially if he is called Kazimierz
DeleteI'm warming to the idea of Swinney and Forbes as the dynamic duo.
ReplyDeleteSwinney dynamic - get a grip.
ReplyDeleteLike Geoff Bush I too am getting sick of the cowardly Anonymous splurgers who don't even have the wit to stick a moniker after their posting. I think they should all be deleted.
DeleteAnd their vomitings!
I agree I was named yesindyref3 so everyone would know who I am rather than someone hiding behind a silly name.
DeleteYour name - yesindyref3 - marks you as both a pessimist and a failure. Never mind, it doesn't make you a bad person.
DeleteIt occurs to me though, that Yousaf has done everyone a favour by getting rid of the iniquitous Bute House Agreement. The only way now is onwards and upwards from the depths the BHA dragged us down to.
ReplyDeleteThe only good thing Labour can do after the elections is abolish that fascist Rwanda act, then they can disband and leave the way for Independence
ReplyDeleteIs Scotland going to have 4 first ministers in one parliamentary term, with 3 of them resigning? One because she was about to be arrested, one because he was inept, and perhaps one because he can't be bothered.... The SNP are certainly taking the piss out of the general public - that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteS'e amadan a th'annat.
Delete'S e uinneag gun phiobar a th'annadsa.
DeleteI think most reasonable folk disagree with your view but maybe hint at the discomfort if you are not an SNP supporter ie labour and co.
Delete'S e an fhirinn a th'agad.
DeleteHow are things little ingerlander? Finished your cap doffing course yet? Off you go home to Bath and daily mail land.
DeleteWe should all be greatful to John Swinney for stepping up in our hour of need. Clearly nobody else wanted the job.
ReplyDeleteHopefully he can make a decent fist of it and maybe even drive support for independence up towards the crucial 50% mark.
He is certainly a highly respected figure.
DeleteHe is growing in sureness-of-touch and settling into the role. He made a great speech at conference. We can all agree.
DeleteI am not interested in what the SNP do anymore. They have shown themselves to be corrupt and manipulative. They are look warm on independence, much like the Greens.
ReplyDeleteScottish politics now has a vacuum of ideas. There is nothing to inspire voters.
Is ALBA shutting down? Should some ex snp councillors, MSP and MP move to a unionist party?
ReplyDeleteWill Humza continue to serve as a minister? He is too young just to retire.
ReplyDeleteJohn Swinney served as a minister after stepping down as leader and even came back as leader so why not?
DeleteDo bears shit in the woods. Of course humzabinshaggin will keep grifting
DeleteMinister for Palestine and extreme wokery?
DeleteJames. You are a lovely great fella, committed, with a good heart I believe. An admiral quality. The world has moved on and in Scotland we are sick of the SNP and Green grift and deep rooted corruption. I hope you have made other plans to secure your financial well-being and future. All the best to you but Indy is dead. Globally we have radical Islam and the Chinese waiting to pick their moment to invade Taiwan. These are the things that matter to us all as we will all feel the repercussions. Xxx
ReplyDeleteOnly yesindyref2 has an admiral quality.
DeleteI stopped reading your post at that point.
How are things in the Campbell cult? Money still rolling in from the cult following? Spectacularly wrong in his prediction for next SNP leader, but he then posts telling his muppet clan that he was actually right and they all believe him. Hilarious entertainment from the master of muppets. Keep it up Stewy, we all love your mince. Master of Cut and Paste. Can I send you some money?
DeleteJames.quote from your best pal a short while ago..
ReplyDeleteWings Over Scotland
@WingsScotland
·
8h
“So basically the SNP stall for another two years. And then they'll be out of power so the pressure will be off. Indy is dead for a decade minimum. Well done, Sturgeon fans.”
Time to line up a job that will pay the bills.. which are only going to go up due to the deviant Greens
I would normally delete comments like the two above. I won't on this occasion because although they're misguided, they're probably not maliciously meant. But no more of that kind of thing, thank you.
ReplyDeleteNo malice intended. Leave them up and see if age well xx
DeleteI posted a comment earlier agreeing with anon at 10:53, which has incredibly been deleted!!!
DeleteUnbelievable, pathetic, these words don’t even come close to describing this. I agreed with a poster talking a lot of sense and obviously stating the truth. The trouble is some Nats hate the truth being cast up to them and continue year after year after year living in denial.
Time to wake up and worry about the important issues in this world and give up on this pathetic obsession with independence. A ten year old could see it ain’t happening. If it was going to happen it would have happened by now. Years of the Tories and Brexit and still support is no higher than 2014. Wake up for pity’s sake. Give up on this utter nonsense.
Real drivel there from wings. The grown ups will move on while folk in Bath choose between tory1/ 2/ 3. Amazing how out of touch the so called commentators are from Engerland yet assume they speak for us in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteCampbell is laughing all the way to the bank and he does monopolise the mouth frother element and keeps them away from the mainstream Indy movement. And the Indy movement itself can justifiably disown Campbell and his ranting and abuse since he is an out and out unionist with a cult following too thick to understand what he is doing to them.
ReplyDeleteIf the Wings brigade can keep themselves to themselves and merrily froth together in the one place, that should leave the wider independence movement in a healthier place. The odd foray by one of the nutters into the real world should be enjoyed as entertainment but otherwise ignored.
DeleteI woke up today with a real sense of hope for the SNP.
ReplyDeleteThe strong and passionate statement yesterday from Swinney yesterday was truly impressive and its message will resonate with ordinary members for years to come.
It was exactly what the party needs.
Swinney speaks to all parts of the SNP and his words will lead us to a much brighter future as a party.
We enter the UK election strong and united.
It's a stimulating time to be an SNP supporter. When the SNP unites under Swinney the SNP will be a force that is strong and achieve great things for the party.
ReplyDeleteVery impressed. Swinney will be SNP leader with Kate Forbes in an important position.
ReplyDeleteHe will have backing from all parts of the party.
His memorable speech yesterday has been well received across the board.
John Swinney has magisterially turned a new page in its important story.
Very positive John Swinney. Very inspiring. And in great time for the election. All good.
Now flush out the entryists, restore the NEC to a democratic representative footing, and we could be back on track. Self proclaimed progressives, who basically have a my way or the highway arrogance about them, can form their own party. Let's see how many votes they get. If Indy isn't first in your list of priorities you are in the wrong party.
ReplyDeleteJohn Swinney was very clear yesterday - sensible centre left policies and a united SNP.
DeleteYour last sentence is spot on.
Delete'The SNP have taken half a step forwards'. I very much disagree. The SNP have gone 'round in a big circle and arrived back at the year 2000. How did they manage to do that? Swinney isn't any more charismatic or visionary than he was 24 years ago. Bizzaire. If he is as imcompetent as he was in his last post as education secretary, we're in trouble.
ReplyDeleteI beg to differ.
DeleteJohn Swinney's speech yesterday was highly passionate and visionary.
I heard him on the radio - he said nothing of any note, and sounds like he has no concrete plans for anything. 'We must concentrate on the NHS/povery/the environment/education/housing/whatever'? Wow. Do you think that is visionary, or vapid?
DeleteJust read Robin McAlpine's blog there and i'm struggling to see what makes him so angry. Most people I know are aware the SNP are having troubles and were wanting a bit of normalisation. But I think the most important thing people were looking for was avoiding ridicule. You can win arguments on policy but once the public feel you're lacking respect, the game's gone. Swinney may not be the messiah but he has broad respect. That's something to build on. As much as I like Forbes, the first few weeks of her leadership would have been trying to win "culture wars" (I hate all that stuff). At the moment, there is nothing too disastrous to hang on Swinney.
ReplyDeleteLet's face it we're trying to dam a flow of votes leaving. Swinney possibly gives us that. When you look at it, the VONC after the green split is potentially a miscalculation from Sarwar. Better to keep an unpopular, ridiculed and weak FM in charge during the GE than give the SNP a lifeline.
Sarwar doesn't make decisions. He's the area manager implementing decisions and policies from headquarters.
DeleteMcAlpine is bang on the money for the despair narrative against Swinney. As I read, I agree with him. But the moment I finish, I dislike the feeling of abject hopelessness he hits every time. It’s strangely like the feeling I get when I hear a snide “argument” against independence that’s all about how shite Scotland is and will always be. When you shut down hope, you get me worked up.
DeleteRobin may be right. Wallowing in that feeling, however, is deeply unhealthy for anyone.
2014 or 2015 can't remember which, Sunday at Glasgow Green after many fell out with the Hope Over Fear people on the Saturday I was talking to a regular Wings poster there let's call him T, also active on twitter I think, I'm getting there, who'd been listening to McAlpine saying we shouldn't have another Indy ref till 2023 at the earliest. T was in despair, wanting his life back.
DeleteA couple of years later there's McAlpine complaining the SNP hadn't had another Indy ref yet. He's an ass.
He talks in generalities and his advice is wafer thin, that's what annoys me about his writing.
DeleteEverything is bad without getting into specifics