Scottish independence: First Minister Alex Salmond’s ‘jolly fat man’ approach is failing spectacularly to make an impact as Independence is ranked eighth priority for Scots, best to cancel the celebration party, and organise a political wake for Salmond!

Dear All

After all the efforts of trying to build momentum, it seems that Scotland’s unpopular Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has managed to make the issue of independence eighth on the list of priority issues for Scottish voters.

Eighth!

After the slight surge in independence support, there was possibly the feeling that things were turning around for Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.

But that is wishful thinking, all the work done so far has generated eighth.

Remember I said there was a genuine lack of talent in the Scottish National Party.

George Laird right again.

It seems that the majority of Scots have bigger fish to fry as Salmond and Sturgeon remain on the shelves.

72% of people questioned declared the cost of living and paying the bills to be one of their big concerns.

This latest poll of the state of indy campaign shows that they are failing to make an impact.

Other issues come before Independence such as health, jobs and employment, education, taxes, welfare and benefits and crime.

And in another blow to Ms. Sturgeon, just 6% of those questioned ranked gay rights as important. 

Health was the number one priority for women and older people, with 75% of females and 78% of those aged over 55 highlighting this area, and with the SNP’s flagship policy in tatters, they should sort out their own backyard.

For ordinary working class Scots, the most common concern amongst men (71%) was the cost of living and bills, and 68% of those aged 18 to 24 said jobs and employment was one of the biggest issues.

Remember me blogging repeatedly on how the second term of this SNP Government should be about Government and local government reform?

Seems that George Laird was able yet again to work out the right priorities needed to set Scotland up for independence.

Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon and their nasty poisonous little cliques have failed to understand what is required.

Sadly, the one man band mentality operates, Salmond says and the rest go baa!

At present the baa baa has left them as the black sheep of independence campaigning.

Another issue that lurks in the background for Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon is the EU; Scots can get a vote on independence but not a vote on independence from Europe.

58% agreed there should be a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, when people are denied a voice they certainly aren’t going to give you a vote.

Across many portfolios of this SNP Government they are losing votes due to stupidity and bad decisions, health, Justice and Education stand out, particularly the latter two.

Tory deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said the poll should "serve as a wake-up call to a Scottish Government obsessed by the prospect of separation".

This entire term of the SNP Government has been completely wasted, nothing of real note right across the board has been done to raise standards for Scots.

Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said the poll on Europe showed "David Cameron did the right thing in calling for a referendum on the issue".

Actually, Cameron appears to have called for a referendum based on what is sitting up the back behind him at the Commons.

Ms Davidson added:

"By refusing to follow suit, Alex Salmond is denying the people of Scotland the say on Europe this poll indicates they most certainly want. He now has to explain why that is his view, when barely a third shares his view in opposing the referendum. The only way people in Scotland can guarantee having a say on the EU is by voting to remain as part of the UK."

Europe is an area that the SNP are weak on, even if polling says otherwise; Scots should be allowed to decide their future.

Apparently we can decide our future but only on the narrow band of removing London rule.

Not good enough.

Yours sincerely

George Laird

The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University