I WISH to respond to the article by Kelly Given “The SNP’s shift right runs contrary to all I believe in” (May 9). Last time I looked, the SNP were and are a centre-left party, progressive in their outlook, tolerant of the views and beliefs of their diverse membership and very much reflective of the general population of Scotland.
Over the last 17 years the party, through their progressive policies and legislation, have not only improved and enhanced the lives of our people at every level but have taken a path socially and politically diametrically opposite to the 13-year truly right-wing government of the Tories.
We are a social democratic party committed to improving the living standards of ALL in our country, eradicating poverty, racism, inequality and intolerance. To suggest otherwise does not reflect the facts.
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Of real importance is the word tolerance. The SNP membership has always welcomed a spectrum of political thought that embraces varying views and opinions of the political and social direction of the party. The party have been remarkably successful at attracting the support of the Scottish voting public, having been in government since 2007.
What holds it together is the fervent desire for Scottish independence. This is the remaining issue which, although we have won mandate after mandate, remains elusive and probably causes the most angst and anger amongst the party membership, not the so-called RIGHT versus LEFT politics raised by Kelly Given.
There are NO right and left factions in the party unless you wish there to be, and sadly this article would seem to create such division. My experience at my SNP branch meeting discussions, and I am sure those of others, is that these are primarily about achieving independence. There is little disagreement and certainly no clashes and vehement polarisation of left and right political views. Obviously, discussions can be heated but usually end in consensus.
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Consensus recently is under attack as the party battles with the many issues which have befallen it both internally and externally. It is therefore not surprising that the John Swinney government is emphasising the need for unity and cooperation. Kelly Given I believe does the party and Kate Forbes a great disservice by suggesting that the SNP has shifted to the right. I am not sure the rather emotive language and unfortunate personal attacks on Kate Forbes are accurate, necessary or helpful at this time of the party attempting to unify. The recent Cabinet changes, the FM’s clear commitment to the progressive agenda and his vision for the future of Scotland’s prosperity suggest that the strong words and views expressed in Kelly Given’s article are clearly wrong if not unfounded.
I am a natural sceptic, but on this occasion I believe John Swinney and Kate Forbes will not only unite the party but will ensure that the progressive agenda will not only be at the centre of SNP politics going forward but will be enhanced and vigorously taken forward by the FM /Depute FM and the Cabinet.
I would ask Kelly Given to be more tolerant and supportive of all who wish our party to succeed.
Dan Wood
Kirriemuir
SO the Scottish Green Party, which claims to stand for fairness, tolerance and freedom for all, refuses to vote in favour of the new Deputy First Minister, because her views on sexual ethics don’t square with their own. Where is the tolerance in that?
By appointing Kate Forbes as his deputy, John Swinney has wittingly or unwittingly forced the Green leadership to demonstrate that tolerance of those they disagree with has no place in their self-righteous agenda.
Michael Lind
Conon Bridge
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