FROM our own independence referendum perspective there were two very illuminating statistics from Ireland’s referendum on who voted and how.

First was the huge Yes vote from the under-25s, but even more significant was that a greater number of the over-65s, particularly men, voted Yes. And the reason given was that they were not voting for themselves but for women’s rights, for young Ireland, to complete the democratisation of Ireland and finally to take control of Ireland away from the Church.

So, when dealing with “grumpy old men (and women)” like me we must concentrate on this cohort and apart from dealing with the lies on pensions etc, we must get the message across that we are voting for their children/grandchildren, because sadly, even though I’ve supported independence all my life, my generation will not live to see the benefits of an independent Scotland.

Oh, that we had the courage and vision of the Irish.

Charlie Gallagher
Sullom, Shetland