THE contrast could not have been more stark.
While one government leader searched hesitantly for a “friendly face” and noticeably winced at the few questions she allowed to be asked before essentially regurgitating the same soundbites and heading for a fast exit (no doubt having received prior advice as to where to find the door), the other government leader competently answered a broad range of questions from all of the assembled journalists in spite of some not only disrespectful but rather rude interruptions.
The fact that a number of those journalists felt obliged to focus on precisely when Scotland would adopt its own currency and, following independence and subsequent accession to the EU presumably some years later, on exactly what physical checks might possibly be required between Scotland and England, indicated a dearth of substantial economic arguments to counter those contained in this third “New Scotland” document presented and explained assuredly by the First Minister.
READ MORE: Richard Murphy: SNP currency plans for independence are 'so wrong' I'd switch to No
In this rapidly changing world, and with UK economic policy changing by the day, it would seem foolish to declare a fixed date or exact interim period for the optimum timing of Scotland adopting its own currency, but, as with independence, many countries around the world have successfully navigated the process of changing currency while progressing their economies. The border between Sweden (which is in the EU) and Norway (which is not in the EU) is more than 1,000 miles long (with around 80 road and four rail crossings) and the flourishing trade between these countries (with tens of thousands of “commuters” between them) operates efficiently as this is in the considerable economic interest of both countries.
Undoubtedly we will be subjected to more “Better Together” scare stories in the coming months, especially from those living in the south of Scotland who perhaps confuse trade in “goods” (the majority of which are not exported to rUK) with the movement of people, but “free movement” would sensibly continue as all parties would logically wish to continue the arrangement of the Common Travel Area across our islands.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon backs Mark Drakeford over furious attack on Tories
Of course there will be some hiccups along the way and before Scotland becomes a full member of the EU the Scottish Government may well consider smoothing the “transition” by applying for EEA or EFTA membership. There is no constitutional choice that guarantees economic stability but independence will enable the people of Scotland to take more democratic control of their own destiny.
Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian
I LISTENED to Nicola Sturgeon’s press conference yesterday in which she gave a stunning performance, in sharp contrast to Liz Truss’s eight-minute car crash last week. Nicola dealt civilly and thoroughly with all the questions thrown at her by hostile journalists. However, the bottom line is that the status quo is NOT an option anymore, never was.
We made a massive mistake in not winning for Yes in 2014. Let’s make sure that we win our independence at the next opportunity and rid ourselves of any Westminster control of our country. I’m confident that we can resolve issues of currency, borders, etc. It’s not as if this has never been done before!
Independence is normal.
A Ferguson
Glasgow
THE lying, corrupt, incompetent Tories say indy would be a leap in the dark. A lot of people on the Titanic took a leap in the dark ... and landed in a lifeboat! The Tories will never lose their arrogant entitlement to rule, especially over those damned Johnny Foreigners. That attitude, and unfettered greed, is what created the Empire after all ... and made Brutain (no it’s not a typo) GREAT!
Barry Stewart
Blantyre
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