Honesty needed in independence debate

For years, the unionist opposition ignored the implications for an independent Scotland of the most suitable currency to be used.

On the one hand, the SNP produced a series of assertions that amounted to no more than half-truths, while the unionists resorted to their tried and trusted method of issuing a series of threats, of the consequences of Scotland daring to assert its independence.

Neither side treated the issue seriously, until the SNP’s Fiscal Commission produced a report that at least tried to examine the potential ramifications for Scotland. Unfortunately, the SNP has continued to present the findings of its own commission as a series of half truths.

The SNP highlights the commission’s opinion that it might be in the best interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK for a sterling currency union to be set up, while ignoring the concomitant – also highlighted by the commission – that this arrangement will deny Scotland control of the “economic levers” it requires to run the economy.

True to form, this is the only response from the SNP to Jim and Margaret Cuthbert’s paper, which runs to more than 40 pages of well argued economic solutions, as well as potential problems, for an independent Scotland.

Recognising there may be economic problems associated with setting up a Scottish currency should not serve as a deterrent for those who are unsure about independence, providing they can be assured there are also solutions.

By pretending that independence would be a  problem-free zone, the SNP and the Yes campaign have simply provided more ammunition for the unionists.

You assert that to hold the view that not having our own currency “does not look like independence” is simplistic. You go on to suggest: “No-one would argue that France and Germany are not independent and yet neither has its own currency.”

With all due respect, that is simplicity writ large. To compare an independent Scotland with the two  countries that have dominated and controlled the European Union for decades is a nonsense. Ask the Greeks, Irish and Portuguese about how independent they think they are.

We have a year until the referendum, during which time I hope that both sides of the independence debate can argue with honesty. They may even find it refreshing.

Jim Fairlie

Heathcote Road

Crieff, Perthshire