SNP gain majority in Scottish Elections

[Alastair]

Thanks Sandy.

Alastair

[apictish1]

My feelings about this are, "Good! Let's give the SNP a chance. The powers that be have not been serving the people well. And the SNP has advocated some positive things. SO let them have at it!" Perhaps if this attitude is shared by a significant number of Scots, that would explain the SNP's success. The other edge of THAT sword, however, would be that if they can not reverse the economic trend of enriching the few at the expense of the people, then the SNP will likely end up losing power.
With respect to independence: I am an idealist and dislike (intensely) the english officialdom's attitude toward Scotland (both historically and currently). So I am for independence, which means I am for a referendum. And without the SNP gaining power, a referendum would never happen. So, three cheers for the SNP! Now, let's see if they can avoid the corruption so often brought by power.

[Negotiate Now]

From what I know... which is limited... the crime rate had gone down in Scotland due to having another 1,000 police officers.

I would suspect that they will be looking at wage cuts or freezes to hold jobs in the short to medium term.

I've never factored in the Oil & Gas into my calculations but they are now generating close to 30% of so renewable energy. Were they Independent they would not need to contribute so much money to the EU. The fishing industry should recover after years of decline. We have a very good agricultural system. And we do have some good industry especially in the Bio area and renewables. The financial sector is recovering. Overall I can't see any problem in them them being able to run their own country from a financial stand point. Mind also they won't be contributing huge amounts to fund a nuclear deterrent.

So while I have no doubt that they can run as an independent country I do have doubts on how well it will be run. There is no sign of any vision when it comes to tourism and exports.

Alastair

Should the people of Scotland vote for independence things could be quite complicated. Scotland is a constituent country in the UK whereas England is not.
England is not represented in the UN and an English football team will not be allowed to compete as England is not recognised by the IOC. Presumably England would have to apply to the EU for membership as a country on its own.
It would also take years and years for Scotland to gain control of its oil fields so it will be interesting to read the SNP's proposals to run Scotland as an independent country.
Irene
http://www.negotiatenow.co.uk

[Alastair]

I entirely agree that it will be a complex matter to extract Scotland from the United Kingdom. However we already have our own legal system which is a start. I would imagine that negotiations on the oil and gas will take some time and I'm pretty sure there won't be any back payments.

I really like the SDA's views of an Independent Scotland. They are really a think tank at this time and they are gradually pulling together their vision on all aspects of Scottish life. They have said they fully support the SNP to get Scottish Independence but after we do they want to be the party Scots will choose for the new Independent Scotland.

Alastair