McConnell calls for Glasgow 2014 referendum truce

FORMER First Minister Lord McConnell has proposed that the Yes and No campaigns call a truce during the Commonwealth Games to prevent Glasgow 2014 from being overshadowed by arguments over Scottish independence.

Jack McConnell has called a truce between Yes and No camps during the Commonwealth Games. Picture: TSPL

Lord McConnell believes that Scotland’s political debate should be suspended for the duration of the games in July and August and which will end just six weeks before the country goes to the polls on September 18.

Lord McConnell told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme there was a “genuine concern there will be a temptation on both sides of this debate in the period of the Commonwealth Games, given the numbers around and the focus on Scotland, to engage in a continuing debate on the referendum campaign”.

He argued, for that reason, “it would be wise right now, six months before the Games, for both sides to say that they will agree a truce for that two-week period”.

The SNP minister responsible for the games Shona Robison said it would be “unrealistic” for campaigners in the independence debate to call a ceasefire.

The Commonwealth Games and Sport minister insisted that politicians from all parties were “mature enough to recognise” that the sporting event was “hugely important” for Scotland and said that no-one would want to risk jeopardising its success.