Analysis: it’s not the time to be making Scottish enemies

THE row over the non-invite accorded to Cardinal Keith O’Brien on the UK government’s visit to the Vatican is a perfect example for David Cameron, as he heads to Edinburgh today, of how the apparatus of the UK keeps shooting itself in the foot over Scotland.

The details are not of huge importance. Furthermore, it may well be that England’s Archbishop Vincent Nichols is the one to blame for allowing the impression to form that he is the man to lead the UK on all matters Catholic.

But someone in the UK government should have spotted the political pitfalls. And they should have made sure Scotland’s Cardinal O’Brien was given his place.

Not to do so simply displays London-centric parochialism. The lesson for the PM is that, with the SNP keeping its beady eye on Whitehall’s every move, and with plenty of friends helping it on its way, the UK government cannot afford any sloppy inattentiveness towards Scotland.

For a Prime Minister who is attempting to hold together a coalition and fight fires on a daily basis, dealing with such matters may seem trying – irritating even.

But then that’s the price of keeping the Union he says he loves, together.