ACCORDING to Cailean Gallagher, after a Yes vote the Labour Party in Scotland will implode, and from its ashes there will arise, phoenix-like, a new independent Labour party that will sweep to power ("If Labour dies tomorrow, many will cry:
Long live independent Labour", Agenda, The Herald, September 17).
Who, I wonder, is going to fund this campaign? What funding source is going to be available to take on the well-oiled and well-funded SNP machine?
This is an SNP backed by that well-known friend of the workers, Brian Souter, an SNP backed by the corporations which have had their corporation tax bonus. The SNP will rejoice in the schisms created in the Labour Party.
Labour voters, please ask yourself before you vote: "Have you seen or heard one murmur of dissent from within the SNP ranks?"
Then observe how they conduct themselves in the select committees. Then read why Ewan Morrison left the Yes camp ("Writer criticises Yes camp 'thought police'", The Herald, September 17). He describes a monolithic party structure that crushes internal debate.
Make no mistake, the SNP are in it to win it; not just the referendum but to be the main and long-lasting political power in Scotland. Please vote No.
Joe Hughes,
38 Gair Crescent,
Pather,
Wishaw.
GORDON Brown accuses the SNP of misleading voters ("Brown condemns SNP for 'keeping NHS cuts secret'," The Herald, September 17). Maybe I do retain some admiration for Gordon Brown but, as a Labour member, I am concerned that he has misled long-term Labour voters.
In 1975 in The Red Paper on Scotland, he wrote a chapter headed The Socialist Challenge. He advocated widespread public control of essential services including banking, pensions and energy.
Once an MP, he moved to the right and, as prime minister, showered honours on private bankers, including places in the House of Lords. When the recession came, caused by financiers, he left them untouched.
Unlike Mr Brown, I remain loyal to socialism and will vote Yes because an independent Scotland is more likely to pursue democracy, with no House of Lords, will cease privatising services essential to public wellbeing and will promote greater equality.
My hope is that Gordon Brown will return to his former ideals and spread them throughout the Labour parties, whoever wins the referendum.
Bob Holman,
76 Balgonie Road,
Glasgow.
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