Leader: Devil’s in the details on independence

CONSIDERING that the political battle over independence has dominated Scottish politics for well over a year, it may well be that the turn-out of 5,000 for the independence rally in Edinburgh on Saturday fell somewhat short of what the SNP had been privately counting on.

For a political campaign this was a credible turn-out. But for an issue so central to the lives of Scots and the future of this country it was not exactly compelling. It also seemed puny by comparison to the million or so Catalans who have marched recently for their version of 
independence.

Political interest may well come the nearer we approach the date for the independence referendum. But there is little in the opinion polls to which the SNP can positively point. Credible polls continue to show support for independence unable so far to break out above 30-35 per cent despite all the political huffing and puffing. And an opinion poll of 16-17-year-olds published at the weekend – that segment to which the SNP is keen to extend the franchise – appears to suggest that only some 26 per cent of those questioned favour 
independence.

Now, the SNP is a slick and professional political force. There is both time and resource to narrow the gap and turn this issue into a cliffhanger. But even the SNP may struggle with a voter appetite for precise details of what exactly 
independence will involve, the implications for business, the economy, the defence sector and not least what sort of constitution is envisaged. The idea of independence could have enormous appeal. But carte blanche in the absence of clear details is far less of an attraction.