I CAN only assume that Alasdair MacDiarmid’s letter of February 25 was written in a fit of pique. How he votes is a matter for himself, but to “not bother at all” must be music to any Unionist’s ears. Does he not realise that independence is bigger than either of them, Salmond and Sturgeon? In fact it is bigger than all of us.
How the SNP behave is in many ways an irrelevance as once Scotland has its own government, it will have its own political parties, and if the SNP then continue their present-day behaviour it is likely they will become a sideline. But until then they are ONE of the important means to attain independence as is every voter in Scotland. For someone like myself – I have been an independentista since 1966 – it is disheartening to read his letter and his comments (though some I agree with).
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Stick with it man! Be more like Alan Woodcock of Dundee, who states “a better Scotland for my grandchildren to grow up in is possible only via independence” and he is worried that we might “blow our chances at this late stage in the game”. Sentiments I heartily agree with. Like him, I would love to see that great day for my grandchildren. Only by voting for independence can it become a reality, whether the SNP lead (as they should be doing now) or follow.
Paul Gillon
Leven
REGARDING the letter from Alasdair MacDiarmid in Appin. Alasdair says he MAY not bother to vote if Nic an’ Eck don’t stop squabbling. I’d like to remind him that IF both were found to be MI5 agents, planted to subvert the independence movement or (Heaven forbid) both dropped dead tomorrow, it would not, I repeat not affect the principle of self-government for our country.
This is bigger and much more important than any personality, ego, party or schism. Our movement has seen many people dedicate most of their waking hours to achieve this end, most of them dying in the process. Contemplating not voting is stepping on the slippery slope that produces fascist dictators. PLEASE reconsider!
Barry Stewart
Blantyre
ALL political parties have their squabbles and it is very unfortunate that the egotistical battle between Salmond and Sturgeon is making Alasdair MacDiarmid become so disillusioned with the SNP. Forget the current establishment, after independence many of their representatives will disappear, as the committed politicians of different political hues will take control, to create an inclusive Scottish society.
“Not to bother to vote at all” for the independence you believe in is playing in to the Unionist hands. At the very least, give your first vote to the SNP, it’s your only hope!
Sandy Coghill
Isle of Skye
BOTH votes to SNP in May are vital for independence, Mr MacDiarmid, so a big NO to “does anyone else agree?”. The reason being, and I urge you to think very carefully about this, two politicians having a scrap is no reason for you not to vote for independence.
There have been politicians squabbling since time immemorial ... all they do is provide fodder for the ever-watchful, pot-stirring and gleeful media! Independence is what you wish for and every vote for that is what will matter.
Forget the media hype. I hope everyone, who read your letter and question answers with a resounding no!
J Ahern
East Kilbride
I FEAR Alasdair MacDiarmid is about to cut off his nose to spite his face. I just don’t know where he’s coming from with this.
Independence trumps everything! Squabbling, bruised egos, in-party fighting, limelight-seekers, folk with their own agendas, new party divisionary politicians and independence supporters threatening not to vote at all. Independence trumps everything, Alasdair! Everything!
Iain McClafferty
Livingston
ALASDAIR MacDairmid asks if anyone will like him not bother to vote if “Salmond and Sturgeon do not stop their increasingly bitter squabble”.
My answer to him is certainly not anyone who learned from the relentless personal attacks against Mr Salmond in 2014 that Scottish independence is bigger than any individual person (or in this case two), any single faction or group and any one political party.
At present the SNP, for any of its faults, is the only tool we have to achieve our independence so if that is what we want we have no option but to give them our votes.
N Holmes
St Andrews
WHY do folk, including Alasdair MacDiarmid, not realise that when we vote on May 6 we are voting for or against independence? Individual personalities may move on to pastures new.
Pat Macleod
Edinburgh
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