CHARLIE Kerr (Letters, August 29) is a man after my own heart. I sense in his letter exactly the same frustration – nay, desperation – that I currently feel, while our side of the independence argument are banned from campaigning and day in, day out the Unionist side promote their cause.
As I and many friends and colleagues see it, every day the Unionists offer us an open goal, and our political leaders ignore it. At the same time, we offer them an open goal, as with the incredible decision of the SNP National Executive Committee over Westminster MPs standing for selection for Holyrood.
Who in their right mind gives up their current job so that they can be considered for interview for a different one? Judging by all the comments I have heard, this decision would almost certainly not pass a grassroots vote at conference.
READ MORE: Why can’t we fight for Scottish independence while there’s a coronavirus pandemic?
Meanwhile we hear of all the long-serving, experienced MSPs who intend to retire at the next election. Granted, they have worked for their retirement. But that leaves mainly those at Westminster who have long enough experience of dealing with Westminster under devolution, whose understanding of the attitudes and highly honed double-dealing skills of the UK Government will be critical in future independence negotiations. But this insane ruling in practical terms bars them for standing for Holyrood, where they could be most effective.
Add to this scenario that our Scottish response to every attack on our status and powers is to protest and point out the damage that will ensue for Scotland, while demanding changes to proposals. All totally useless, in my opinion, as these reactions serve only to give satisfaction to our Unionist opponents that their efforts to weaken and impoverish Scotland are working.
Time is short to make a positive impact. Once the bill on the internal market is passed, Holyrood competences will already be lost. Why, therefore, is Holyrood not acting urgently to forestall this power grab, by identifying all those powers and standards that will be diminished and using the competences they currently have to enshrine these in law in perpetuity, or at least until the sovereign people of Scotland demand that they are changed?
Instead of railing impotently, they would be making a positive stand within their powers. Westminster would then be on the back foot, having to decide whether to challenge our pre-existing legislation or accept our right to set our own standards. Would that not make abundantly clear to those who hesitate on independence that Westminster had assumed the right to overrule our government whenever and however they wish?
So let’s start to push the boundaries as far as competence allows. The first statement or action carries far more weight than rebuttal or defence.
L McGregor
Falkirk
VERY much agree with getting talent back from Westminster and into Holyrood – the NEC needs to do a U-turn on allowing MPs to hold their seat and keep their office/staff employed until the result of any bid to become a MSP is known. After all, if we’re to become independent, we won’t need the WM presence at all.
Ian Waugh
via thenational.scot
CHARLIE Kerr of Glenrothes is absolutely spot on! I hope Nicola and her advisers also follow the National Conversation ... it’s the best bit of the paper (Ruth Wishart’s bit isn’t bad either!).
The juggernaut for independence is revved up and ready to go. We’ve sat at the traffic lights for far too long ... the red has turned to amber but now it’s green!!! Why wait? Why remain stationary? Go! For goodness sake, GO!
Robin MacLean
Fort Augustus
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