STEPHEN Flynn’s decision to seek to be elected as the SNP candidate for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine constituency at the next Scottish election has caused much debate, not all of it edifying. For a start, should he be successful and also decide to continue to represent Aberdeen South as an MSP, it would be misleading to describe that as “double-jobbing” as much of his constituency work would overlap, as would parliamentary/governmental information provision.
While it is understandable that Audrey Nicoll and other current MSPs who are working hard on behalf of their constituents are concerned about apparently inexplicit current SNP internal processes, the fact is that every one of Scotland’s SNP MSPs, in spite of disingenuous claims by opposition MSPs, could have done more to advance self-determination and the cause of independence. To my knowledge we have not had many, if any, local conventions on the way forward for Scotland that would stimulate wider debate on Scotland’s constitutional future, never mind a national civic convention, and I have seen little in local newspapers or on billboards proclaiming the “Scottish solution”, to “Broken Brexit Britain” which is Scotland’s independence.
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Instead Nigel Farage and Reform UK, backed by those who helped to mis-sell Brexit, are proclaiming at every opportunity that the answer to all of Britain’s problems is to substantially reduce immigration, while knowing that such a policy would do significantly more damage to the Scottish economy and our public services (about which he cares little as he is intent on ruling “Little England” under the guise of UK Prime Minister).
All SNP, Green and Alba politicians should be more active and more visible in promoting the cause of independence and no MSP should take the representation of their constituency for granted come the next election in 2026. Those earnestly wishing to see independence delivered within the next five years need to raise their game, and personally I would welcome the move to Holyrood of Stephen Flynn, and possibly of Stephen Gethins, Dave Doogan and other MPs and ex-MPs, as more talent in our parliament would undoubtedly help to raise not only the level of proficiency of the Scottish Government but the level of the independence debate across Scotland. As long as Scotland is tied to the failing Union, politicians of all parties should welcome raising the devolved parliament’s performance bar.
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Those SNP MSPs already doing a good job on behalf of their constituents, performing competently in government (or in supporting the government), as well as in actively advancing self-determination for Scotland, should not fear losing the endorsement of their constituents. Perhaps it’s being naive but I would like to think that all current SNP MSPs would enthusiastically welcome a revitalised SNP presence at Holyrood, more effective Scottish governance and faster progress towards Scotland rightfully taking its place as both an independent nation and an independent country.
Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian
FURTHER to my contribution to the debate on November 13, I recognise the criticisms of Stephen Flynn’s decision to challenge the incumbent have some merit. However, independence supporters have asked for someone with drive and grit to progress the cause. Flynn maybe showing ruthlessness and perhaps arrogance, but if we want to drive independence and have someone to go head-to-head with Westminster negotiators, he has shown he can do it. If he’s willing? We will see.
Jacqui Jensen
via email
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