KEVIN McKenna lecturing fellow media commentators on objective journalism is peak irony. He calls for the SNP leadership to be serious about a healing process within the party (Here’s what needs to happen if Yes division truly are to be healed, March 24).
The SNP taking advice from McKenna is like a headteacher asking a bully how they should move forward with their victim. He has spent months decrying the SNP leadership at every turn and has made it abundantly clear he is no supporter of the party.
He is quite entitled to hold these views but equally, he should not be too surprised if the party dismisses those views as irrelevant. Why? Let’s look at his latest outburst, which I suggest has more than a tinge of bitterness about it. His insinuation that a raft of SNP MPs are more focussed on their bank balances and making future contacts is despicable and is made without any foundation. Who exactly is he talking about? The constant promotion of the narrative of SNP leaders and MPs not wanting independence is irritating. It is not insightful; it is not a “different take”. It is just a cheap shot and quite boring. The leadership seek a referendum with international recognition and actually leads to independence. At least acknowledge and explore this truth.
READ MORE: Kevin McKenna: Here’s what needs to happen if Yes divisions truly are to be healed
Like some other journalists, it appears he didn’t get the result he hoped for from the Hamilton report. He dredges over and repeats the same points we had heard time and time again from unprofessional and improper committee leaks as though the prominent independent adjudicator had not considered them or they had somehow miraculously passed him by.
He talks of it being like a football match report not reporting who had actually won the match. To indulge his weak analogy, I think the report clearly stated Nicola Sturgeon FC unequivocally won the game and by quite a margin. No ambiguity whatsoever.
He demands that the First Minister admits her shortcomings and failures and listens to real concerns. When you ask a question, Kevin, you really do need to listen to the reply. She has admitted her own and her government’s shortcomings on several occasions. Particularly during her unprecedented eight-hour marathon grilling.
READ MORE: Andy Wightman: Holyrood inquiry MSPs walked out as report was leaked during meeting
His assertion that somehow no-one else in the party other than Joanna Cherry has the ability or capabilities to take on Boris Johnson or understand how court proceedings operate is simply dumbfounding. Not satisfied with an attack on the main vehicle for Scottish independence he also has a swing at the only other indy party in the parliament, the Greens. He truly is the strangest supporter of Scottish independence in the mainstream media.
Let us be honest here. For quite some time, there have been a number of prominent so-called indy bloggers who have been inexplicably gunning for the removal of the most popular leader the SNP has ever had. They do not represent the broader movement. Their coup failed and the “storm” turned into a light breeze. It is for them to get back on board and push for independence in the same direction as the rest of us or move on to pastures new.
Alan Black
Paisley
ON reading Mr McKenna’s article on Wednesday, I don’t think he wants independence. The SNP are the only party that will make this happen.
The Scottish people can call, not ask, for a referendum any time they choose. Westminster has conceded, at least twice, that the Scottish people are sovereign – it was voted on and passed unanimously. All the other parties abstained, and left the parliament – check Hansard.
William Purves
Galashiels
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