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Independence not priority for Scots public

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Published Date: 29 May 2009
By David Maddox
FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has received more letters and e-mails about the Middle East from the public than Scottish independence it has been revealed.
A written answer in Holyrood has shown that independence and the National Conversation are only the fourth most popular subject of correspondence to Mr Salmond, with just 71 letters.

The top three categories were banks 131, friendly societies 87 and the Middle East 84. All three subjects are reserved issues for which he has no responsibility.

The figures came in a written answer to Liberal Democrat MSP Jeremy Purvis who said that it raised a question over the money spent on the National Conversation, the Scottish Government's three-year survey on independence.

"It says something that more Scots felt moved to write to the First Minister about the plight of Palestine than independence for Scotland," he said.





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  • Last Updated: 28 May 2009 9:34 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Scottish independence
 
1

The Creature from the Black Lagoon,

28/05/2009 22:45:26
Tells us all we need to know.

Independence is as big a busted flush as ever.

The proposed referendum is a Minority Nationalist Pipedream which is exactly what it is destined to remain.
2

Colkitto,

River Clyde 29/05/2009 00:11:09
When Brown is humilated from Office at the next Westminster election, and the Labour party are consigned to history.
Will the Scotsman still back the Labour party to the hilt ?
Or will they switch their allegience to the Tories ?

Someone wrote, the next Labour PM hasn't been born yet, I'll go as far and say, the next Labour PM isn't even a twinkle in his fathers eye yet !
3

Brianwci,

29/05/2009 00:14:15
Don't worry Mr Maddox, you will get more Public Interest in Independence than you can handle once the campaign begins early next year.

Just sit tight. We have arguments that will make your hair stand on end.
4

,

29/05/2009 00:27:34
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
5

tartan army 2222,

29/05/2009 00:31:43
Alex, what are your views on independence? Oh wait, I already know. Oh well, that means I don't have to write to you and ask. And therein lies the reason that he isn't asked the question.
6

Gregor Addison,

Glasgow 29/05/2009 00:39:54
#1

Labour is the busted flush. Let me give you a little scenario to whet your appetite. Imagine the scene. You wake up on the morning of June 5th to find Labour have been well and truly gubbed in the European elections, the BNP have been sucessful in Labour heartlands, UKIP have had a good night and won a clutch of MEPs, the Tories have defied the odds and taken a host of seats off of Labour.

Scene II. Gordon Brown and Iain Gray stand up and tell us "The fightback starts here...again..." But the party structure is crumbling, the in-fighting has begun, the lid can't be kept on the fear, and so an election is called for October. Brown tries to spin it and make it look like it was his idea all along (but the electorate know it was forced upon Labour and, anyway, gave up caring a while back).

Scene III. The Tories win the General Election with a majority of over 150 almost entirely delivered by English votes. The SNP achieve between 14 and 20 seats, since - after all - what's the point of voting Labour? A vote for Labour is only a vote to see if they come second or third. A vote for Labour is only a vote for ring side seats at the wake. Do you want a Scottish parliament that can stand up to Cameron's Tories, or Labour MPs who can achieve nothing and, anyway, may no longer be the official opposition? Hmmm. Tough call. I wonder how it ends.
7

Alan B,

29/05/2009 01:01:35
What a ridiculous article! Does the scotsman not have an editor.

I cannot see why anyone would want to write a letter to Salmond regarding independence as his position is quite clear. It simply cannot be seen as a guage of people support or otherwise for independence.

Interesting that

"The top three categories were banks 131, friendly societies 87 and the Middle East 84. All three subjects are reserved issues for which he has no responsibility."

suggest people want the scottish government to have responsibility over these areas.

Also to what extent are questions round the banks related to independence. Most will probably be request for the scottish government to save the banks, urging them to take powers to do so etc or from anti snpers saying that we needed the union to save them. You simply cannot isolate the banking failures and the union.

8

Gregor Addison,

Glasgow 29/05/2009 01:01:53
If the following are signs of the calm before the storm, then I wonder what will happen after the election next week?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/28/gordon-brown-labour-crisis

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/politics/Gray-under-fire-over-front.5297713.jp

http://www.publicservantscotland.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=9576

Only someone entirely detached from the world of sense would fail to see the writing on the wall.
9

Edward,

29/05/2009 01:11:21
David Maddox, are you actually a journalist?
The reason I ask, is the fact that youve written a piece here (well I presume you wrote it as it is atributed to you) without actual any formal investigation. After all thats what jouranlists do.
For instance, your happy to quote Lib Dem MSP Jeremy Purvis who stated 'that it raised a question over the money spent on the National Conversation'.Yet the National Converstaion WAS part of a manifesto commitement, but you dont question the fact that the Libdems backed the Calman Commission, which was something that was not a manifeso commitment by any of the opposition parties, is not backed or wanted by the people of Scotland, yet is financed by the people of Scotland!.Which in the end, if Gordon Brown doesnt agree with, will be filed away in some dark recess to be forgotten.
In addition, being a jouranlist, you would have figured out that as Alex Salmond is already well known to be in support of Independence and the fact that we do have the National Conversation, in which every man and woman can take part, why would anyone want to e-mail the First Minister on something thats already covered?
As far as journalism is concerned, this is a poor piece, that wouldnt even warrent a place in a school magazine, never mind a so called quality paper.
10

frank mcbride,

lusitania 29/05/2009 01:15:00
As pointed out by Alan B @ #8 the questions posed to the FM are indicative of the desire of the people of Scotland to be more involved in the world at large.

What Scots are realising is that this is not possible within the UK.

This written answer should be part of SNP PPBs to highlight the futility of Scotland's voice in Westminster.

"Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on." W. Ewing.
11

Scottish and Proud,

Glasgow 29/05/2009 05:42:16
Perhaps the Scotsman could tell us how many etters The First Minister received regarding The Calman Commission.

Perhaps those letters ,like the decisions emanating from it go straight to Gordon Brown.
12

donald,

glasgow 29/05/2009 06:28:59
It's like writing a letter to a Labour MP asking if they are against Scottish interests. We all know the answer to that one.

They would rather die in the Westmonster swamp than emerge from the Black Lagoon and put their jooks up for Scotland.

Wonder why I never wrote to Alex Salmond asking his opinion on Scottish Independence, or Lab Lib Dummies?
13

donald,

glasgow 29/05/2009 06:30:52
"Independence not priority for Scots public" (Says guess who?)
14

donald,

glasgow 29/05/2009 06:32:29
Scotland Not Priority for Brit Nats and their "Scotsman" mouthpiece.
15

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 29/05/2009 07:34:27
Maddox is an idiot. This article is ample evidence of that.
16

buzzer,

Aberdeen 29/05/2009 07:47:04
10# Edward ''Alex Salmond is already well known to be in support of Independence and the fact that we do have the National Conversation, in which every man and woman can take part, why would anyone want to e-mail the First Minister on something thats already covered?''
This is absolutely correct and I also feel the standard of journalism has reached a nadir within the Scotsman. It beggars belief that we should be expected to e-mail Alex Salmond about his views on independence when he leads a party seeking independence.
On a wider note I feel we all need a huge debate on what independence for Scotland means. Will we be partners with whats left of the UK on matters which affect us all such as road and rail links? What about the defence stations will they be dismnantled or retained and so on and so on?
The debate really has not begun until all of us know what independece means
17

Tynietiger,

29/05/2009 08:05:18
AS everyone knows Alex Salmond's views on independence why would anyone in favour of independence write to him.

Another non story.
18

TWC,

exLabour 29/05/2009 08:20:57
1 The Creature from the Black Lagoon

Well let's have the referendum, If one of the options is not Fiscal Autonomy then I'll vote for Independence.

The fact that people are not writing about Independence is insignificant, you put it before the people properly and then you will get the true answer.

Whatever happens I don't think Labour wuill be a major party by then
19

aljok.23,

the world 29/05/2009 08:47:39
The headline suggests that I and many others do not regard independence as being important. Independence from Westminster first and then vote in a government deserving of Scotlands people. Thank you. Plenty time.....
20

Queen D,

29/05/2009 08:57:55
The barrel has been scraped well and truly!

This drivel , masquerading as journalism, will end in the closure of this newspaper.

I understand that Mr McDonnell is already for the off.
Who next?
21

Auld Twa,

Edinburgh 29/05/2009 09:15:56
An independent Scotland to join the Arc of Prosperity. Unemployment in Norway has increased by eighty five percent in the past year. It now stands at 68,300 an unemployment rate of two and a half percent.
22

mr broon,

Edinburgh 29/05/2009 09:27:45
The incontrovertible fact remains that a Nationalist minority government has taken its first step on the road to an independent, sovereign Scottish State by winning power at Holyrood, a legislature created for Unionist devolved government!

This has come about because the Scots Unionist parties are stuffed with nondescript, party hacks and toon cooncillors, whom most voters would be hard-pressed to name?

Until the Scots Unionist parties realise that the SNP are not a one trick pony, and here to stay for the foreseeable future, then they will continue to be slaughtered in elections, unless they take the hard-headed decision to clear out the dead wood in a root and branch reform and bring in real professionals?

23

smokey joe 1,

29/05/2009 09:40:31
Stupid stupid meaningless article.
Nuff said.
24

The Former Mr. Angry,

Perth 29/05/2009 10:25:33
Unfortunately for Scotland if we do gain independence it's likely to be be a socialist life sentence. At least as part of the UK we have half a chance notwithstanding the current nonsense in Westminster. At least some in the Tory party understand how businesses work.
25

TWC,

exLabour 29/05/2009 10:43:51
26 The Former Mr. Angry

Socialist is a relative term. What Nu Labour consider Socialism I consider to be tory.
It will all come down to the people who run the Parties and then we can choose.

Without doubt controlling our own Finances would considerably change the views of those who do not depend on benefits.

Benefit cheating would certainly be more obvious and liable to be reduced.
26

Munguin,

29/05/2009 11:12:25
This is good news for Unionists and Maddox then? There will be no need to oppose a referendum now as they are, according to themselves, going to win. So why are we still getting trash stories that are vainly attempting to sway Scots opinion in favour of the Union? The SNP wants to lets Scots decide win or lose.
27

Gregor Addison,

Glasgow 29/05/2009 11:20:47
The Telegraph this week reported that Labour could lose "up to 200 of the 500 seats it is defending, pushing the party into third place behind the Liberal Democrats at the shire level." And that Paul Kenny, who is a Labour backer, thinks 50 Labour MPs will go over the Expenses scandal.

The Guardian ran an article claiming that Labour are facing crisis, with 52 MPs applying for the House of Lords, in the knowledge that they may not hold their seats.

According to the Daily Mail, Ed Balls has conceded that the party are facing meltdown at the polls.

Last weekend, Bob Thomson, a former chairman and treasurer of the Scottish party, claimed Iain Gray had surrounded himself with incompetents.

Labour look like they are going to slip into third place, not only at next weeks elections (a recent poll had them neck and neck only with UKIP), but at a General Election. This could mean that Labour may no longer be the official opposition. It does seem like a vote for Labour in Scotland is no more than a vote to see if they can come 2nd instead of 3rd. Labour at Westminster, under a Cameron majority of around 150 - as now looks likely, would have little influence on the political agenda.
28

TWC,

exLabour 29/05/2009 11:26:57
29 Gregor Addison,

I really don't think this is a surprise, I have certainly been aware of a long term drift away in the West of Scotland, only the Press have been blind; with a couple of exceptions McWhirter of the Herald and McNeill of the Hootsmonkept hitting the nail on the head with his Humour.
FMQs summed up SLAb in its choice of attack on MacAskill when it should be making a paradigm shift in policies to move away from Brown.
Wendy was clearly 10x Smarter than Gray and would have avoided a topic where Labour had been abysmal
29

Gregor Addison,

Glasgow 29/05/2009 11:36:26
#30 TWC,

Yes, indeed. Gray has been appalling in his mock anger/mock derision mode. I had to laugh last week when the people sitting behind him feigned shock at his 'revelations'. Are we really to believe that his colleagues had no idea of what he was going to say? It's all so choreographed, and badly at that. They need a decent strategy team. So far, they haven't got a strategy.

All the opposition want is a hit - a palpable hit - that will wound the Scottish Government. They tried over Trump, tried again over Fiona Hyslop, now it's Kenny MacAskill's turn. I don't think they'll achieve anything from this. The public's attention is elsewhere at the moment and soon so will Labour's, with a public vote of no confidence in them at the election next week, and an early election being all but forced upon them.

It would be nice to see a mature politics emerge from Labour but I suspect their selection process has been designed to stop that happening. I do detect grumblings within the party though. I imagine those will intensify after next week's fiasco.
30

Arfur,

29/05/2009 12:34:27
What the chuff would be the point in sending a letter to AS re his views on independence?

Unsurprisingly the local village idiot at #1 laps it all up.
31

Darien,

Panama 29/05/2009 13:07:30
"FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has received more letters and e-mails about the Middle East from the public than Scottish independence"

Another Hootsmon non-story. Majority of Scots folk don't need to write to the First Minister to voice their support for independence. Anyone who believes in Scotland will support a Scottish state. 'Scots' Unionists/BritNats do not believe in Scotland. If they did they would not sell out their nation so readily. Other nations think we are mad - nationhood is such an important matter.

#31 Gregor: "The public's attention is elsewhere at the moment"

Exactly, the BritNat/Unionists are struggling with the expense sleaze and economic misery and trying to divert attention to non issues like this story. Gray and his aparathnik comrades are pathetic. I've given up on FMQ its so one-sided in terms of quality of debate. Gray is not even High School debating level and Tavish and Auntie Bella have gone from bad to worse.

How can these opposition party leaders stand up in a Scottish Parliament when they don't believe in Scotland?
32

Eve,

Scotland 29/05/2009 13:14:08
Why write letter and emails to Alex Samolnd about Scottish Independence. When they are so many diffrent organsations online that alow us to disscuss the endless possiblity of an independent Scotland.

Would have thought that the biggist problem was in the Scottish independece debt and the right to chose our country's future would have been the way the three unionist partie act to the subject.

But silly me, I best get started in writting my letter to Alex Samlond about a subject area I already know about. Mmmm I wounder what questions I could ask!!!!
33

The Master,

29/05/2009 13:14:25
Methinks it's time for the Nats to remind everyone that the raison d'etre of the party is to promote that wacky sepation policy and that the party truly believes that it's in Scotland's best interests, even if (whisper it!) some Nats are all too aware that this is undoubtedly not the case but want separation no matter what, such is the call of songs and heroes).

Poor old Hugh McDiarmid must be turning in his grave at the modern Nats, happy as they are to put separation on the back burner and concentrate on every day issues.

May I quote McDiarmid himself, who wrote to protest “against the idea that a scheme for developing the poultry industry in Ayrshire, or re-afforesting part of Sutherlandshire, or re-establishing a parliament in Edinburgh, or, in short, any scheme to do anything at all, political, economic, commercial or industrial — except to arouse a distinctive and dynamic spirit in Scotland . . . has anything whatever to do with Scottish nationalism”.
34

Davie08,

Edinburgh 29/05/2009 13:20:40
I understand that Mr Maddox was a 'journalist' in Portsmouth before he appeared on the Hootsmon. It shows.
35

Number 6,

Germany 29/05/2009 13:31:08
#38 That's nothing. A few weeks ago he was being praised by the Daily records "Political correspondent"
for the way he "handles " cybergnats.

I repeat the article headline from the Guardian, referring to this paper and the humiliating apology it had to print to Alex Salmond.

"SCOTTISH MEDIA LOSES TOUCH WITH REALITY"
36

Number 6,

Germany 29/05/2009 13:32:21
37# HA HA HA.
That's right son. It will be all right on the night.
37

Eve,

Scotland 29/05/2009 13:33:55
I wonder how many letters Gorden Brown has received about banks (I bet it's a lot more than 131), friendly societies (I'm guessing it might be less than 87) and the Middle East I'm guessing it would be a lot more than 84)?

One positive thing that can be taken from this is that the Scottish people feel that they can query our first Minster in a whole range of subjects. This is surely a sign of Alex Salmond popularity.

I think the 84 letters about the middle East speaks volumes if you were to ask me. Mainly due to the fact that Westminster would so obviously rather that the Scottish Parliament kept it self out of the global issues. It's a really sense that the people of Scotland definitely at least want our parliament to have more powers and ones that could see us Scots make a deference to people over seas. Brilliant steeping stone for the independence goal.
38

,

29/05/2009 14:57:37
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
39

,

29/05/2009 15:53:31
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
40

morris,

edinburgh 29/05/2009 16:10:03
26 If we are an independent nation it means that Scotland is goverened by the party which the people of Scotland want .Its called democracy.Its what we have in the UK which you claim to support!

Staying in the UK so that a Tory government can be imposed upon Scotland against her wishes,may be your preference,but its a minority position you hold.
Anybody who suggests that a country is best governed by the opposite of what they democratically declared is barking mad.

I accept the Unionist parliament even though I do not agree with its retention. I am a democrat.

You do the Tory party no favours by denying democracy.
41

morris,

edinburgh 29/05/2009 16:16:03
43 You are joking of course.
The Tories have been wiped off the face of Scotlands political map.Labour and Lib Dem are heading that way also.

UKIP wont even get on it but you might fare slightly better than any BNP candidate would.

Its established that most Scots are probably happy enough with retention of the EU even after independence.
We are debating staying in the UK so I suggest U go and have a KIP while we decide.
Maybe you have just arrived of course.
42

TWC,

exLabour 29/05/2009 17:53:08
Well I will vote for Independence unless someone has a better offer but a referendum must come and it will come, too many of us are sick of Labour/ Tory Status Quo.
43

Eve,

Scotland 29/05/2009 18:59:30
#43 UKIPer,: You must of been day dreaming when you came to that conclusion!!!

44

GOODBYE LONDON LABOUR,

Aberdeen 29/05/2009 21:32:43
London Labour is in meltdown. Not even The Scotsman's desperate scribbles will detract attention from Labour's impending doom.

VOTE SNP ON THURSDAY!
45

Gordon, Canonmills,

30/05/2009 00:48:30
#43 - YOU KIPPER

Are you, perchance, posting from Birmingham?
46

Gordon, Canonmills,

30/05/2009 00:50:36

David Maddox

How many posts has Alex Salmond received anent the Union?

And what conclusion should we draw from that?
47

Liberal for life,

Dunblane 30/05/2009 19:01:09
The next question should be - So what exactly do the SNP stand for if their mantra of so-called Independence is a non-starter?

In other words - What is their core philosophy post successful devolved government?

Answers on the back of a fag packet accepted.
48

Jo Flo,

Here again 29/06/2009 23:30:06
Am I being too simplistic here?

In the next general election, why can't we have a box that we can tick saying SNP & INDEPENDENCE, and cut out the referendum bit?
That has always been my reason for voting SNP

 

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