Opinions on the SNP

[Rhyfelwyr]

The Scottish National Party have finally gained power, albeit limited power, in Scotland. A lot of people I speak to think the whole idea of independance is laughable, and that Scotland would become the poverty capital of Europe (although it probably is already, at least for the western part).

While I don't think independence would be a total disaster, I'm not too sure about Alex Salmond and co. While the cabinet appears to have many very capable ministers, I can't help but be slightly concerned when Mr. Salmond spends time sitting amongst primary school children singing 'Scotland the Brave'. If anything the SNP are gaining influnce because they are the most left-wing party available to Scots nowadays (thanks to 'New Labour' aka 'New Conservatives', just because you call yourselves 'Scottish Labour' up here doesn't hide the truth!), except of course the SSP or Solidarity.

Indeed, the SNP have to an extent become the working-class party of Scotland, making Labour their middle-class rivals. No point mentioning the Conservatives in Scotland, and that's the way it should be!

Anyway, I was wondering what views people had on the SNP here at the Guild. Right now I'm not sure what to do if there's ever a referendum, it there is one it would probably be the first time I get to vote.

[JR-]

I think they are dangerous with their careless political point scoring with westminster.

But at the end of the day if the Scottish people prove dumb enough to accept as truth the silly controversies conjured by the SNP, then they deserve independence for all its perceived worth.

I believe in the Union, but i don't want a Scotland that votes in idiots like the SNP for a second time.

[Rhyfelwyr]

I wouldn't call the Scottish people idiots for voting in the SNP. To be fair, whats the alternative? A Labour Party that steals its policies from the Conservatives?

I myself am still tipped towards the union, but Labour brought this on themselves. If they want Conservative policies they can give up on Scotland, and Wales for that matter, right now. Their scare-mongering towards the SNP cost them at the last election, they didn't actually appear to offer anything themselves.

And talking about controversies within party policy, what is more contradictive than a New Labour politician vigorously preaching that he is dedicated to socialism? It seems New Labour were trying to trick the Scottish people into believing they are still a socialist party.

I think in many ways the latest election results in Scotland were the result of a protest vote against an increasingly right-wing Labour Party.

[JR-]

if scotland is really that left wing then maybe it is best to end the union, because the majority of england is certainly conservative.

[scotchedpommes]

Scotland is significantly 'left-leaning', to the despair of the dregs of the
conservative movements in the country. Out of curiosity though, Rhyfelwyr,
where are these people you speak to? Govan? Ibrox?

Wouldn't expect much scope for variation around there.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Out of curiosity though, Rhyfelwyr,
where are these people you speak to? Govan? Ibrox?

I do not talk to people in Govan much, though as RFC fans we're all there at heart really. I still live in the Red Clydeside area though. You'd have to go back a couple of generations to find any Govan blood in me, and my Govan granparents actually moved to Ulster anyway.

Personally I am slightly 'left-leaning', I'm no Marxist though. And I don't really know what to think about independance. I'm tipped towards the Union right now, maybe thats the Ulster influence, both my parents are SNP anyway. And please don't think I'm a complete idiot because of it, I'm sick of getting grief off of wealthy Conservative/BNP (though they won't admit it) snobby ***** just because I do not back 100% the union and completely dismiss the idea of independance.

Remember, the point in this thread is not for me to praise or flame the SNP, I just wondered what other peoples opinions were, thought I would get more of an international view here.

[Justiciar]

because the majority of england is certainly conservative.

One begs to differ.

Personally I think the SNP could be doing a significantly worse job, and I do feel that a referendum is in order. I say this as an ardent supporter of the Union. That said, I cannot abide Salmond. Man's an arse.

[JR-]

One begs to differ.

Personally I think the SNP could be doing a significantly worse job, and I do feel that a referendum is in order. I say this as an ardent supporter of the Union. That said, I cannot abide Salmond. Man's an arse.

it is a simple fact.

if the general election of two (?) years ago had only included england we would have had a Conservative Gov't right now.