tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post2260684969052576212..comments2024-03-28T23:19:34.192+00:00Comments on SCOT goes POP!: In the final analysis, can extra powers for the Scottish parliament ever be a bad thing?James Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01516007141763230886noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-25878783220384871002010-12-01T15:21:09.160+00:002010-12-01T15:21:09.160+00:00In one sense I agree - if there were a large numbe...In one sense I agree - if there were a large number of spoilt ballots it would be blindingly obvious that it was as a result of this campaign. The problem is I just don't think that's very likely to happen. The only way it might would be if the SNP themselves endorsed the campaign, so perhaps in the first instance the focus should be on lobbying Nationalist MSPs.<br /><br />Without official support, I think Jeff Breslin hit the nail on the head in a comment at Bella - a very small percentage will write independence on their ballot paper, the vast majority will be oblivious to the campaign and vote normally, and the whole thing will be a damp squib.James Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01516007141763230886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-14198350021772988432010-12-01T10:42:30.555+00:002010-12-01T10:42:30.555+00:00Hi James
I agree its difficult to interpret spoil...Hi James<br /><br />I agree its difficult to interpret spoiled ballot papers and/or people not voting normally. I'd say this is different. Firstly there's a long lead time here to get this idea out. There already seems to be a lot of enthusiasm for it going by early comments (OK - the converted, I know). Secondly, the "spoiled" papers will all say the same, be obvious in their intent, and even be countable. What's the current support for Independence in Scotland - what might it be next May? What's the support for FPTP or AV? I think there's a fair chance "Independence" might win it!EricFnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-69311226140979830032010-12-01T07:29:56.504+00:002010-12-01T07:29:56.504+00:00today's front pages on the Daily Mail, Telegra...today's front pages on the Daily Mail, Telegraph<br /><br />http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1334535/Wales-freezes-costs-students--leaving-just-English-face-9-000-charge.html<br /><br />http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/8171825/Higher-tuition-fees-but-only-if-you-are-English.html<br /><br />How long will it take for England to rise up and vote for separation!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-84399125204532792052010-12-01T01:50:53.581+00:002010-12-01T01:50:53.581+00:00Hi, Eric. The Bella idea is a bold and interestin...Hi, Eric. The Bella idea is a bold and interesting one, but to be honest I've always been a bit sceptical about 'spoilt ballot' campaigns, mainly because I can't think of a single example of one that's ever worked in this country. I went into the subject in a bit more detail <a href="http://scotgoespop.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-supporters-of-pr-should-probably.html?showComment=1283618751957#c4290919793829700150" rel="nofollow">here</a>.James Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01516007141763230886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930120922627919768.post-76839866113471769592010-11-30T19:53:11.788+00:002010-11-30T19:53:11.788+00:00And speaking of hijacking - I see Newsnet/Bella ki...And speaking of hijacking - I see Newsnet/Bella kicking off a campaign to "spoil" ballot papers in next May's AV referendum by writing "Independence" on them. I'd thought of spoiling by writing "STV", but this is more direct and very much directed north of the border. That's what I'll be writing then. Thoughts, James?EricFnoreply@blogger.com