Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Can the SNP deliver an independence referendum alone?

The possibility of a third option for an independence referendum means that more powers on the ballot paper have to be defined. But I still prefer a straight Yes/No independence referendum. All the campaign organisations for a referendum have fallen silent and left the SNP to get on with their promises of a Referendum Bill.

The problem is the SNP are constitutional nationalists tied to the parliamentary system. With support for an independence referendum being amongst many and probably most Scots, what is required is a campaign that involves political parties, trade unionists, individuals, public figures and more. A mass demand for a referendum that goes beyond the SNP and simply asks for a Yes/No to independence. I do not have all the answers but I do remember the campaign for a Scottish Parly was big with Scotland United taking to the streets in Edinburgh. Also a vigil in place and the potential to effect public opinion. Too much has rested on the SNP alone and that to me is a mistake. Public meetings with speakers from political parties and more should be touring the country. The Independence First non-party campaign lacked imagination and it is clear a real campaign for an independence referendum requires both the input of political parties, politicians and the non-political representation.

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