THE last week in Scottish politics has again highlighted the toxicity of the Unionist press in Scotland. My relatives in England now think we are a basket case. However, when I listen to what they are facing it is obvious Scotland is in a much healthier and better position. You wouldn’t know that if you listened, watched and read the available media platforms.
When interviewed, Labour and Tory representatives are given free rein to spout forth their litany about “SNP baad”. Rarely do you hear or read an article where the journalist really challenges their diatribes.
READ MORE: John Swinney set to become Scotland's seventh first minister
We are never “allowed” to fully discuss what governing with limited powers means, or that it suits Westminster to portray us as a UK “dependency” that is never going to thrive. Unionist media need to define us as poor under-achievers to suit their Unionist narrative – “we are world leaders in being the worst country ever…” Just listen to Call Kaye or watch Debate Night – the Unionist bias consistently hangs in the air.
I feel we cannot continue with this constant vitriol. I genuinely think very few people from future generations will want to choose a career in politics. Who would willingly want to have their character assassinated on a daily basis? Respect and recognition for each other’s opinions would be a good start.
Jan Ferrie
Ayrshire
WITH the ridiculous and attention-seeking Labour vote of no-confidence now behind us it’s time to move on – although the dominant and salivating Union-supporting media might say otherwise – and rather than being in some despair at recent events, the SNP should refresh and realise the opportunities that lie ahead.
These mainly lie through taking the fight back directly to the Scottish branch office of the London Labour Party. Scotland is only of use to Labour in their desperation to gain as many seats as they can at Westminster. They have nothing new, nothing at all, to offer Scots voters. It’s easy for Labour and the other English-based parties to say we need change while they are not being questioned by the Union-supporting media on what this means.
READ MORE: Anas Sarwar’s complaint about ‘unelected’ leaders is hardly principled
Labour in Scotland also need to be pressed strongly on their Brexit position, their support for Faslane and nuclear power, and their detailed plans for the Scottish economy. Will they reverse the 19% tax rate, the baby box, tuition fees, prescriptions? In other words, undo all the good SNP work on these and much more?
Oh, and don’t be afraid of promoting and arguing for independence whatever the Union parties say. This was the primary reason Scotland voted for SNP … far more than for any other party. Be proud of it and get it done.
Ian Couper
via email
IT is vital that whoever is successful in becoming the next First Minister refocuses their efforts on boosting Scotland’s faltering economy.
The ending of the Bute House Agreement now affords a clear opportunity for a reset with the business community, and to refocus on delivering a thriving and competitive business sector, prioritising investment and boosting economic growth. Such growth is essential if we are to raise living standards and fund public services.
READ MORE: Allies praise 'selfless' Kate Forbes as she backs John Swinney
A new First Minister’s priority must be to look at the regulatory and tax burden that faces many of our businesses, clearing away barriers to investment and growth, which includes a review of non-domestic rates.
As a nation, there are a number of long-term challenges facing the economy, including slow economic growth, slowing population growth and a decline in oil and gas activity.
However, there are tremendous opportunities as we seek to deliver a low-carbon economy in the drive towards net zero. A clear vision that will support economic recovery and stimulate private-sector investment is essential if we are to maximise the opportunities both from this and other sectors of the economy.
The next First Minister has an opportunity to establish a new and strengthened partnership with business, a chance that must be grabbed with both hands.
Alex Orr
Edinburgh
STEPH Brawn writes about Neil Gray having the temerity to rip into Ash Regan over Alba’s vote against the government in red tory Labour’s no confidence motion (Neil Gray rips into Ash Regan after Alba vote to take down government, thenational.scot, May 2).
What is his problem? Every time the SNP are offered the opportunity to work in co-operation with Alba to further the cause of independence they claim to want, they refuse it.
On pain of confessing that it appears indy is farther away than ever, doesn’t it seem that the only way for the SNP to get their act together over indy is for them to be punished at the polls? Don’t they need to be heavily defeated, with a clear out of the indy-feart deadwood with their snout in the Holyrood trough, and rediscover the salient truth that they are elected not to make devolution work, not to play by Westminster’s rules, but to deliver the independence they are clearly avoiding, because they don’t have the bottle to break the eggs need to make the omelette?
READ MORE: John Swinney's Scottish independence slogan – how serious is it?
Isn’t it time that SNP supporters got real and demanded the action from their party that their voting SNP demands?
If we were to design an independence-seeking party from the ground up, how many would accept this SNP party as currently structured, and its mirage objectives? Swinney for leader – what is the point unless his addresses his party and the electorate with a clear road map for independence, and a declaration they will pursue the sometimes politically unpalatable tactics necessary to fulfil the strategy?
What’s the point if they resolutely put party before country, before independence? How else are we Scots to regain our independence?
Jim Taylor
Scotland
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel