DOES the wider independence movement support John Swinney’s probable anointment as First Minister? We asked a sample of Yes-supporting groups what they thought.
Alan Petrie of Aberdeen Independence Movement (AIM) welcomed Swinney’s decision to stand and rival Kate Forbes’s decision not to stand against him.
“For independence to be achieved, we need the political and civic strands of our movement working for the greater good,” he said.
“We need a united political strand and a vibrant civic strand. It looks like John will be able to bring that much-needed unity to the political strand.
“We look forward to working with John and his united team to build a vibrant civic strand.”
READ MORE: Andrew Neil in furious outburst at The National over SNP cartoon
Yes Kirriemuir were “heartened” to see Swinney using the slogan “uniting for independence” as well as his commitment to leading “a Scotland which will work to lift up those being hit hardest by the cost of Westminster rule”.
“We hope that he will ensure the SNP works with the Yes movement to deliver the real change Scotland needs: Scottish independence,” said a Yes Kirriemuir spokesperson.
InverYESs also welcomed the announcement from Forbes – one of their local MSPs – that she would not contest the position of First Minister but would hold a “significant supportive role” to Swinney.
“Kate will make a strong second team member and bring a much-needed fresh perspective and has made clear that independence comes first,” said a spokesperson.
“With the recent rolling changes in Scottish politics, InverYESs, as always, remains determined and focused on what is best for Scotland – independence.
“We must remain steadfast and firm in our support to any and all independently minded member – whether party or non-aligned.
“Let’s galvanise, move forward and inspire another generation to regain our rightful place in society as an independent country in the very near future.”
InverYess’s hub is open on Saturdays in Inverness from 11am to 3pm and the group holds a Wellbeing Walk every last Saturday in the month – check their Facebook page for updates and events.
Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, CEO of Business for Scotland, the founder of the Believe in Scotland campaign and the author of Scotland the Brief, said Swinney would find the SNP more manageable than Humza Yousaf did.
“In ending the Bute House agreement, Humza ended his premiership but he also put the main thing tearing the SNP apart back in its box. Of course, he will need Green votes to get budgets through etc and the Greens will extract a price – that’s how proportional parliaments are supposed to work.
READ MORE: Douglas Ross demands John Swinney abandon Scottish independence
“John Swinney needs to understand how Scotland has changed. Success in the role as SNP First Minister is no longer about introducing policies to show managerial competence and gradualist approaches to independence.
“The SNP are sitting at 33% but independence is at 51% in the latest polls. To win elections, the SNP leader has to change perceptions within the indy movement and that means going all out for independence.
“If he can convince the 51% that he isn’t just looking for votes but has a cast-iron plan to deliver independence, many of those 51% and more could back the SNP at the next General Election, going a long way to stopping the expected Labour landslide at the border.
“This approach is the key to running a stable minority government, to a strong SNP performance in the next UK
General Election and to creating a platform that would lead to a victory for independence in a de facto referendum at the next Scottish Government elections expected in 2026.
“The grassroots arm of the independence movement has been doing its job – now the SNP have to get their act together and deliver the political side of the equation. Humza was the first SNP FM that was willing to properly engage with the grassroots movement, let’s hope John is the next.”
Gus Simpson of Falkirk for Independence, speaking in a personal capacity, said: “I am delighted to see John Swinney as SNP party leader and First Minister nominee.
"I think he has the statesman-like qualities required to build consensus in a deeply polarised parliament and I am sure he will be able to repair the bruised feelings of the Green Party MSPs and work together for the good of Scotland and the achievement of independence.”
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