Mike Russell's 'ideas' of a new Union belong in the Dustbin

Your letters (Glasgow Herald)
September 26 2006

YOU report that Mike Russell's new book poses "a dilemma" for the SNP's policy in holding a referendum on independence in a first term of government (September 25).

It does not. Recent opinion polls show that independence is the favoured option of the majority of Scots. Pete Ellis's letter shows that many from other parties are coming round to the idea.

Mike Russell's suggestion of a "New Union" whereby foreign affairs would continue to be a "reserved matter" meaning Westminster would continue to deny Scots a voice in the United Nations will find little support in the SNP, and it is interesting that Mr Russell launched his book after his party's list rankings had been voted upon in the South of Scotland where he achieved second place ahead of candidates who are more committed to current SNP policy and genuine independence.

Gavin Fleming, 517 Webster's Land, Grassmarket, Edinburgh.

I REFER to Monday's article outlining a paper produced by Mike Russell, entitled Grasping the Thistle. I have no doubt that the overwhelming number of SNP members will consign this paper to the dustbin, as will I.

This paper outlines some ideas that are anathema to the principles of the party. The SNP has a proud pro-public-sector ethos, believes in a taxation system that is fair and based on the ability to pay, and has an excellent track record and policy development on international issues. These key principles chime with the Scottish electorate.

On the other hand, this British New Labour government's record on foreign policy is far removed from the ethical one that was proposed by New Labour in 1997. I would not wish Scotland to share sovereignty on these issues.

I am deeply opposed to the war in Iraq, and I find the military aid this British government gives to countries such as Colombia, the most dangerous place in the world to be a trade-union activist, to be deeply repugnant.

Our civic nationalism is not ugly, and neither is our internationalism. That is why SNP members will reject any notion of shared sovereignty on defence and foreign policy.

Chris Stephens, 25 Allan Avenue, Renfrew.

WHETHER the ideas contained in Mike Russell's forthcoming book represent New Nationalism or New Unionism will have to await publication and a thorough examination. But the economic prospectus contained in his book, as outlined in your sister Sunday publication, seem very similar, and in some cases virtually identical, to those commentators who espouse a neo-liberal agenda.It is politically inevitable that the epithet "tartan Tory" will be accorded, by the SNP's political opponents, to those who promote vouchers in our education system and the abolition of inheritance tax.

SNP members like me will, on the other hand, await with real anticipation the publication of Mike's book before we pass judgment. His proposal, for instance, to freeze public spending is not a million miles away from a proposal put forward some time ago by Alex Neil, who suggested savings on the abolition of Trident could be used to put a peg on taxes; however, as Mike seems to propose leaving defence and foreign affairs in the hands of Westminster, albeit temporarily, the runes are not good.

As the old Scottish saying goes: "If you fly with the neo-liberal craws, then you will be shot with the neo-liberal craws."

Bill Ramsay, 84 Albert Avenue, Glasgow.