The Scottish Government

Many Scots, timid or unhappy with the prospect of constitutional change, might prefer a multi-option referendum, to include independence, a member of a federation of UK nations, or the status quo.
Before any referendum takes place, voters would need to know that, whatever the outcome, a clear consensus
would be essential before making any progress, to ensure that all protagonists can jump on Scotland's bandwagon.
Peripheral debates about royalty, the EU, NATO, etc., would no doubt ensue.

re:Galen Milne's comments(415): "The SNP has no great vision apart from so-called independence". Surely there can be no greater vision for any nation and people than independence! Why is it so noble for so many other countries to fight for, and achieve, independence, but petty and parochial for Scotland to have the same aspirations? As for the further comment that going down this path would "leave us no more than a playground for the rich to hunt, fish and play golf", I really shouldn't laugh! Welcome to the Highlands of the last three centuries! Status quo, anyone?

Very interesting comments from a lot of well informed people.
I would suggest that the First Minister checks his office etc for bugs in case Gordo Brown hears something he doesnt like.

Independence for Scotland is evidently overdue. The people of Scotland should conclude on matters that are important to the PEOPLE OF SCOTLAND. Alex Salomd is 100% correct in saying 'Scotland is a nation, and nations are better at governing themselves'. This is fact, evidently from looking at the economic success of countries like Ireland and Norway. Independence is the way FOWARD for Scotland, 'it's time!' for a better future for the People of Scotland. I am extreamly annoyed that the other three main political parties will not let us - the people of Scotland have a say. We are the people of Scotland - We should and will have our say in our country's future.

Independence? Yes.


Unionism? No.

[419] Clearly the Labour party in Scotland will still appeal to some, who like the Labour party itself, have been deluded by the party's self-publicity over many years. Fortunately in recent times more and more people have seen through the hypocrisy that has increased the 'gap' between the rich and the poor in this country. The fact that some cannot see the difference between an admitted illegal act and an alleged improper use of government office that to date has not been supported by any evidence is disappointing and demonstrates that there is still work to be done before all of the electorate will consider the arguments for and against Independence objectively. However, as we slowly move to more balanced political reporting by the media in general in this country, the majority of fair-minded people in Scotland can begin to hope that even the most apparently close-minded citizens will choose an inspirational future that provides the greatest opportunities for all of our children rather than an underachieving past that in practice disadvantaged many in our society.

#417

Jealousy will get you nowhere. I have been listening and I'm afraid there hasn't anything worth while to note. The main denigrator of parliamentary opposition is the incumbent First minister who choses to rant about how badly the previous administration did rather than come with a constructive answer to the question or join in a debate.

If Wendy Alexander's 'crime was to accept a £950 donation in good faith, what does asking for a five figure donation to party(SNP) funds to get a meeting with an SNP minister constitute? It would appear the former is a legal position, the latter is a moral position. I personally think it is a morally bankrupt position, as will many other voters.

Question, does the statement 'I was not aware that the project would be called in the very next day', mean 'I did not know the project would be called in'?

Perhaps you should familiarise yourself with 'parliamentary speak' before making judgements.

Independence will be good for Scotland, and is correct choice for Scotland's future. The London Government is holding Scotland back.

[414] It is indeed a pity that the 'self-made man' from Fife who apparently has travelled extensively has not been able to shed the monkey from his back. However, even someone who appears reluctant to accept that all parties have something to contribute to a positive future for the citizens of Scotland, including the SNP (that he appears preoccupied with denigrating), has the potential to be constructive in this 'conversation' if he can stand back from a political legacy that has disappointed many of the most disadvantaged in our society and objectively assess how we might make a better future for all.

The general public were denied the chance to decide their own fate in 1707,so now we have the chance to make up for that crime against democracy by holding a referendum albeit 301 years too late. The referendum gives Scotland a chance once and for all to decide her own fate whatever the outcome may be.