The Scottish Government

While some have expressed the desire to stick with the Union indefinitely on the simple basis that Scotland will always be stronger in the Union, irrespective of what is happening in global economic terms, and others have stated that we should tackle more fundamental day-to-day problems before debating our constitutional arrangements, I have seen little constructive argument from any in favour of the Union as to how we will overcome these same problems and reverse Scotland’s gradual decline over recent decades (according to a number of independently constructed tables of important socio-economic indicators). Or to take a more subjective view of Scotland’s ‘current condition’, has there been a significant change in government policies adopted by Gordon Brown over policies pursued by his ‘new friend’ Margaret Thatcher? Does anyone seriously think that if Wendy Alexander were to lead a Scottish Government in the future that we would see a radical change over the policies of her predecessors as Labour First Ministers, or from those policies that Gordon Brown is pursuing at Westminster?

Even if you personally have achieved all you want in life and are happy with what you see when you walk through the suburbs of our cities and towns, surely, with even a little imagination and positive thinking you can see that Scotland can do better and that more children should have the opportunity to pursue successful careers and fulfilling lives closer to ‘home’ than those of previous generations, in a country with more control over its own destiny?

For those that remain unconvinced of the arguments in favour of Independence but cannot see radical change happening by remaining in the Union, I would add the wish that you don’t give up hope for your country and have a little more faith in your fellow Scots, and perhaps more importantly, a little more belief in yourself as someone who can constructively contribute to a better society!

That's all great, Sir Sean, and we respect you greatly but why don't you come and join us.......?

[101] PS Perhaps I should clarify that my use of the word “decline” is relative to other countries who are progressing faster in economic, health, education and social welfare terms than Scotland. Certainly more money has been spent recently on improving our current ‘condition’, and it would be churlish not to admit that this has led to some improvements in some areas, but the overall reality, as confirmed by recent independent reports (as well as first-hand evidence of current progress in other countries), is that we are still falling considerably short of achieving the fundamental changes necessary to positively effect the long-term direction of our country relative to the rest of the world (and including many countries of a similar size but without the resources and other natural advantages available to a visionary and focussed Scottish Government) and to realise the full potential of Scotland and its people.

I believe in Scotland in Europe. (and no I don't work for the European commission!)

An independent Scotland is a matter of a philosophy as well as economics, but we would be foolish to ignore the reality of Europe.

As a member of the EU speaking on our own behalf, rather than as a constituent member of a larger group, we have an opportunity to influence those matters unique to us, such as fishing, which the overall UK will not allow us to lead despite it being of more importance to us as a nation than the entire island.

I lived for quite a while In Rep. of Ireland and witnessed there the economic pangs before the famous Celtic Tiger roared, only some of which was funded by the EU. They were proud of their nation and saw Europe as an opportunity, rather than the in/out defensiveness of the UK.

Lets get our constitutional position sorted out, become England's happy next door neighbour and hear our voice in the corridors of power in Europe!

Frank Park item 28 "At least an Edinburgh based Government will have the interests of the Scottish Nation as its primary concern"
I do not think so (personal opinion) Frank. Edinburgh based will be Edinburgh focussed and within that focus whichever elite is in control. Why not Glasgow based. Why not a Highland?lowland split. Why not federalism within Scotland. Look at the traffic mess in Edinburgh. Look at the effect of the honeypot theory in places like Galashiels, everything jammed in, based on "economics". Every level is concerned with gathering to and controlling resources to their own ultimate glorification. Scotland has the inalienable right to be an independent nation but as your comment might, I say might suggest, it all boils down to parochial interest and the handful of people in charge, witness President Blair and now Brown. What people seem to forget is that leaders who govern in our name, for us, soon forget that is why they are there and instead decide what they think is best complete with the inherent bias and prejudice we all have. So go for independance but with a federal structure based on regionalism, then at least those who mess up our lives will be closer to hand when we want to influence them or not to re-elect them

I would welcome Scottish Independence.

The national conversation document launched by the SNP states "Scotland is a recognised political and territorial entitry, with its own legal system, borders and other independent institutions...it's territorial extent is not disputed".
As a recognised nation, I feel we should have the authority to govern ourselves (fully, not just in devolved matters).

I agree with the statement that the people of Scotland have a "fundamental, political right to determine their own constitutional future." To me, this means a referendum on Independence.
From the statements that have been made by politicians of all parties, both before and after the SNP became the government of Scotland, I feel that Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives are intent on denying the people of Scotland this most basic right. If they truely believe that the people of Scotland would vote against independence, why are they so opposed to a referrendum? Surely this would only serve to prove their point and put an end to such discussion? I suggest that a referrendum is the only way to find out the true will of the Scottish people.

All the main political parties claim to want what is best for Scotland and her residents. I belive this would be best served by letting them have their say on how they are ruled and on who they are (Scottish, British, European etc).

I am glad that this national conversation has been launched to allow Scots to share their opinions openly.

This issue has been long disputed and it is time for the ordinary people of Scotland to have their say instead of sitting silent while politicians fight it out for their own personal gain.

The Voters of Scotland Have had their say Independance NOW

Gavin Thompson - You appear to have gotten yourself a bit confused with regards to my national identity. I see myself as both Scottish/British because of the pride I take from our collective achievements and the cultural/historic ties which bond the people of these isles together. I’ll leave that at that.

You also appear to have a 'them and us' mentality. Westminster is not run by the English for the English. The Commons/Lords are made up of men and women from every corner of the British Isles, men and women who legislate for all the British people not just the English. What you have said is just typical of the nationalist rhetoric uttered throughout the years - rhetoric used to foster an air of mistrust amongst Scots towards the British state. It is the sort of stuff Alex Salmond used to utter from his office at Westminster.

You have also confused national identity with political inequality. It is wrong to say that by virtue of their larger population the English identity is superior. If however you are talking about political inequality would you not agree that devolution has addressed this? Lets not forget that 'London' Labour granted the Scottish people significant powers to legislate for ourselves in the areas which effect our lives most. And lets also get one thing clear the 'political dependence' you speak of has not just been eroded by the devolution settlement it has been significantly eroded.

You also question my emotional attachment to the union and suggest that nothing would change if a political settlement were to be reached. Don’t be so naïve! Of course things would change. I mean that’s what independence is all about is it not? Taking Scotland in a new direction, one which would diverge from other Britons? This new path would not just be a political one – indeed with 300 years of cultural and historic ties broken we would diverge from other Britons in other ways too.

Moving on, when Scotland was absorbed into a union with England/Wales she did not disappear. We did not become North Briton. Instead we became part of a much larger and more powerful body within which we retained our own identity - an identity which was later fused with Britishness, to a degree at least. Now you claim that in an independent Scotland I could still celebrate my Britishness. Is this an attempt at humour? Britain will not be fused into a larger body instead it will be carved up. How I ask can you celebrate something which would no longer exist?

Now you ask how I would know if the extension of power threatened the union. That is a difficult question to answer but I suppose it would involve the extension of so much power that the continued existence of the British state was called into question. You are also wrong when you say that unionist parties now feel that Holyrood’s powers are not extensive enough. Their scramble to secure more power for parliament is nothing more than an attempt to seem more pro-Scottish than the Nats.

I would like to leave you with some words Munro Fraser (a big bad Tory). I don’t care for the Tories much but what he said made sense to me. He said: ‘The best analogy I can give is to compare the Union to a marriage… I do not sit down every year with my accountant and work out whether marriage has been to my financial benefit, and on that assessment decide whether to sue for divorce. It is in fact quite irrelevant to me whether I am better off married or not. I am married for all sorts of other reasons…but it is primarily for the support, the comfort and companionship that most people wish to be married…

I shall now turn my sights to Sir Sean…only kidding big yin!

Well what do you know - what a coincidence Sir SSHaun get the number 100 slot for his contribution. So who's manipulating this show I wonder? Another example of the SNP letting people with money dictate the priorities, regardles of where they pay their local income tax. I wonder what slot Brian Souter has claimed? Lets just wait and see how they manipulate this conversation as it unfolds. Bah and Humbug to the lot of these seperatists in thier pretence of improving Scotlands lot apart from the United Kingdom.