HOW do we explain the venom so regularly hurled at Nicola Sturgeon? Perhaps ideological difference is only one of the factors. There is misogyny of course. Also, factionalism within a political cause will always produce its share of mutual hatreds.
As to the other parties, their mediocrity could never cope with an opponent of such charisma and intellect. Their cause was best served by the anti-Sturgeon hysteria of organs like the Mail and the Express and of commentators like the Scotsman’s Brian Wilson. Now, the WhatsApp stooshie has given her enemies fresh succour.
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Dame Jackie Baillie and others have become advocates of Scotland’s unco guid, a role that entirely suits them. Already, there seems to be a lynch-mob mentality surrounding the Covid inquiry, fomented in part by populist newshounds. You could be forgiven for thinking that such people would like to see Sturgeon, and perhaps Jason Leitch, burned at the stake.
Alastair McLeish
Edinburgh
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