THE appointment of former Daily Record editor and Vow architect Murray Foote as the SNP’s new head of communications at Holyrood has been welcomed by both senior members and independence supporters.
Scottish Government ministers, MSPs, MPs and grassroots members greeted the announcement, though some people in the broader Yes movement were less pleased.
Those delighted with the announcement argued it was significant the SNP now had, as one of their leading spokesmen, a senior media figure who had taken a strongly anti-independence stance in the 2014 referendum. They said the appointment reflected how public opinion was turning in favour of independence.
Many politicians and independence supporters took to Twitter to give their reaction.
Scottish Social Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville wrote: “Nothing really sums up the journey to Yes better than @murrayf00te being appointed as @theSNP Head of Comms. Congratulations!”
Deputy first minister and Education Secretary John Swinney wrote: “Fabulous appointment. A warm welcome.”
READ MORE: ‘Vow’ mastermind is appointed SNP’s new Holyrood media boss
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf responded: “Great appointment! @murrayf00te will be an excellent addition to the team, looking forward to working with him.”
Scotland’s Constitutional Affairs Secretary Mike Russell tweeted: “Inspired appointment by @theSNP @ScotParl Group – very much look forward to working with @murrayf00te.”
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson wrote: “Congratulations to @murrayf00te on being appointed as @theSNP Head of Comms.”
Stephen Flynn, SNP MP for Aberdeen South, welcomed the appointment, saying Foote would be well placed to persuade undecided voters to back independence. He also jokily made a reference to the former editor’s support for the Dundee United football team.
He tweeted: “If our movement is to be successful then we need to convince those who still have doubts. @murrayf00te is perfectly placed to help make that happen. He’s an Arab, so we’re all good on that front too.”
Independence supporter Fiona McIntyre wrote: “I’m happy with that. Who better to advocate than someone who was categorically against indy last time.”
Matthew Millar noted: “Always good when people realise they’ve made a mistake and keen to rectify it. Great week for indy supporters.”
But there were doubts too about the appointment. One pro-independence blogger using the Twitter handle Wilderness of Peace noted: “I’m not going to say I’m thrilled with this – the Vow was naked propaganda which was never going to be respected by UK Gov. But in terms of ‘from No to Yes’, it’s a solid declaration of support for former No voters and campaigners who’ve come over to Yes.”
The Vow was a pledge signed by then prime minister David Cameron, Labour’s Ed Miliband and LibDem Nick Clegg, promising “extensive new powers” for Holyrood if Scots voted No. It was published two days ahead of the September 18 referendum. Alex Salmond credited it with swaying voters against independence.
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