Beef up debate

Published on 24/07/2012 00:00

I would like to seek clarification on criticisms of the SNP government and some individuals by Gordon Wilson, a former convener of the SNP (your report, 16 July), and Jim Fairlie, a former member (Letters, 14 July), both of whom were also prospective parliamentary candidates for the SNP in the 1970s (as was I at that time).

I would rather these two veterans of Scottish independence campaigns concentrate their time and undoubted talents on enlightening the Scottish electorate as to what independence means. In our referendum we have a real opportunity to succeed where we failed in the past. I would like to hear their views on what independence means, in some detail, about what they believe is meant by “sovereignty resides with the people of Scotland”. I’d like to hear their views devoid of idealistic rhetoric but in clear practical terms offering an understanding of what are their sovereign rights as constitutional superiors, and what are the benefits of “independence” in practical day-to-day life terms.

Let’s have some positivity and some emotion. Let’s ignite this –so far – dull debate on our future status as a nation.

John J G McGill

Wallace View

Kilmarnock