Lead Letters: SNP

1.

We now know beyond all doubt and from the Scottish Government's own GERS figures that the SNP's 2014 case for independence was utterly false. We also know that the SNP as a party was willing to risk Scotland's economic future. It is clear that all future consideration of the SNP and its policies will take into account not only the failure of its case for independence, but also (and more importantly) their utterly duplicitous and deceitful record.

If the Better Together campaign had not succeeded, and if Project Fear had not been justified as Project Fact, Scotland would now have been on the brink of utterly ruinous independence. Nicola Sturgeon was at the centre of the pro-disaster campaign. She and her predecessor should never be forgiven by anyone who loves Scotland and indeed loves the truth. This includes the Scottish and UK media who gave equal credence to pro-independence economic lies as they did to reliable and trustworthy sources.We should never allow ourselves and our fellow citizens to be fooled by these charlatans again.

At the weekend, the First Minister announced that a new independence proposal will be launched ("Salmond: Sturgeon plotting referendum", The Herald, March 14). It must be seen by any sensible person in the light of the last one and the now proven fact that we cannot trust the SNP.

Even George W. Bush knew the saying,"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me".

Peter A. Russell,

87 Munro Road,

Jordanhill,

Glasgow.

2.

Once again David Torrance calls our attention to his perceived weaknesses in the SNP (“Sturgeon talks the talk but Better Together was right", The Herald, March 14).” Might I respond by pointing out the real "inconvenient truths" to be found in the three Unionist parties?

The Tories are irrevocably divided over Europe, leadership and immigration. The current war within the party will have long-lasting implications. Leading party members of government devouring each other in public indicates far greater “inconvenient truths” than any to be found in the SNP.

Even a fleeting glance would let David Torrance see the Labour Party split again into its inconvenient binary of social democrats in the right corner and socialists in the left corner, back-stabbing-daggers drawn in another bloody battle.

Labour has become unelectable as a party of government. However, there may be a role s a fringe protest movement replacing the inept, irrelevant and discredited Liberal Democrats.

The SNP on the other hand has shown the Scottish people (and others with its outstanding performance at Westminster) that it is a party that shows cohesion, competence and common sense, making Scotland a more confident country.

There are more challenges to be won: enabling greater enterprise, defeating poverty and ensuring social justice and providing sovereignty. In the face of the “inconvenient truths” of division and derision evident in the three Unionist parties, David Torrance should in fairness look again at the sound political management of the SNP.

Thom Cross,

18 Needle Green,

Carluke.

3.

Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England, can see no problem in an independent Scotland using the pound, and he probably did tell Alex Salmond that the UK Government would take a different approach after a Yes vote.

In a second referendum this would be avoided if the vote was on a previously agreed negotiation where all these issues could be sorted out first.

All other UK referendums were votes on negotiated agreements. Given current eve of "Independence Day" recriminations on the economy we should also be entitled to a housebuyer's pack, an internationally audited and agreed estimate of our fiscal position, length of time to attain membership of, and wisdom of joining, international bodies such as Nato and the EU and the potential cost of transition of agencies, embassies and computer systems.

A Yes vote should be 60 per cent, not a simple majority. Such a decision requires an overwhelming majority of people voting in favour who are under no illusions as to he opportunities and challenges.

Allan Sutherland,

1 Willow Row,

Stonehaven.

4.

I read your headline ("Sillars facing calls to be expelled from the SNP2, The Herald, March 12) with much interest. After careful reflection, and as a party member, I would urge the party leadership not to yield to pressure to expel Mr. Sillars from the SNP.

In order to attain its ultimate goal the party has to reach out beyond its own membership and find common cause with those who support independence including Rise and the Greens. We need to build a broad church on the road to national self determination not an exclusive sect.

Roddy Mac Donald,

1 Glenmount Place,

Ayr.