Obama’s dreadful
error about the
‘Polish death camps’
Dave Harvie
David Cameron, on his recent visist to Scotland, appeared to gain plaudits for the tone and content of his ‘hearts and minds’ comments. He may also have scored points due to the absence of anyone else, particularly from the Scottish political ranks, who appeared willing to lead or at least represent the unionist position.
The press in Scotland and ‘nationally’ spoke of his sense of judgement and finesse which may or may not have been the result of shrewd briefing. And yet there was more than an echo of the colonial governor in his suggestion that if the Scottish people did as he wanted, he’d consider giving us a lollipop. This ‘concession’ lacked the remotest hint of any detail, so perhaps the briefing had been non-existent. More dust-storm, less clarity; maybe this was nothing more than another piece of Cameronian fly-by-wire policy-making. This surely can’t be sold as a matter of faith; it would produce more of an uncertain morass than independence.
Cameron spoke glowingly of the future prosperity of Britain if Scotland remained in the union, but didn’t feel able to mention quite what benefits would accrue specifically to a politically sensitive and alert Scotland. Even those who are not sympathetic to independence will have extremely well-tuned political antennae in two years’ time.
Maybe if he goes back to London and actually thinks through the implications of what he managed not to say, he will come to understand why Salmond wants to take time to allow for consultation and negotiation of a multitude of issues and policies before making the kind of full commitment required before a referendum. Questions of process have not yet been settled, far less the complexity of issues of substance. Indeed, Westminster has still not accepted the fundamental authenticity of the proposed referendum. Both sides give every sign of being intent on a long game, despite London’s contrary rhetoric. Being generous, I’d say that the ‘bring-it-on’ brigade is merely being mischievous in demanding everything to be fully-formed and on a plate now.
Irish emigrants
should be given
a political voice
Anita Toolan in Dublin
We know from the experience of other countries that it is possible to organise the registration and polling of votes through consulates and embassies around the world.
Anita Toolan delivered this award-winning paper at the recent Young UK and Ireland Programme final organised by the Scottish Review team. She works for the the Department of Justice and Equality, Ireland.
