Wendy Alexander is at it again, does she or does she not want a referendum on independence? I thought she had settled on not, it would seem though that I was wrong as it is being reported this morning that she actually does want one, not only that she wants it now … again!?
Speaking on Radio 4’s Any Questions yesterday (Friday) Alexander has said:
I think we should get on with it in Scotland, we have a first minister who claims he has a majority for independence but simply won’t get round to putting the issue to the people, that causes uncertainty, I think that is damaging.
I don’t doubt that the vast majority of people in Scotland want to stay in the United Kingdom, but I also I don’t fear their verdict.
I don’t think it is in Scotland’s interest to have this continuing uncertainty - we are going to have a referendum, get on, let the people of Scotland speak because ultimately, whether you remain part of a sovereign state or not, it is a decision for the people not the politicians, and we shouldn’t be leaving it until the very last few months.
First of all the SNP has a manifesto commitment to a referendum on independence to be held in 2010. Second of all, the issue is too important to be held with a snap poll without any discussion or debate. Also, I suspect Alexander (and her unionist buddies) are actually terrified that, following the debate, an informed electorate might have the audacity to vote ‘Yes’ to independence.
I find it interesting that Alexander’s renewed call comes following the recent BBC documentary on oil and also in the immediate foot steps of the Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland (Gers) report which highlights a potential revenue surplus of some £800m. Increasingly we are reading reports that Scotland would be more than capable of supporting itself as an independent country and it seems the unionists are terrified.
As to Alexander’s poltical future, well, who knows but I’m inclined to believe that she’s more court jester than court representative material.
