Scottish Independence... What are your thoughts?

[astral276]

Unfortunately Maggie also destroyed much of our manufacturing base.

The unions and the workers destroyed most of it. When it is cheaper to buy coal and steel overseas and ship it half way around the world than it is to buy home produced then the home industry is unsustainable. It is only worth pouring state money into such industries if you have a chance of making them work. Maggie's knew that she never could, the rot was too deep.

I think most developed countries eventually evolve out of manufacturing anyway; the money is then made by selling technology, expertise, research capabilities, etc. to the countries that are developing into the new industrial nations.

[PetBazaar]

Sorry to be dull and to go back on topic (perhaps only briefly), but figures have been released by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Not sure how their research differs from traditional polls, but they've thrown up a bit of a surprise in comparison to recent polls.

Stripping out the absolute undecideds they're declaring: Yes 47.5%, No 51%

Number of people "likely" or "fairly likely" to vote is 92%. Can anyone recall a vote of any kind with that sort of turnout?

[DandC_Warehouse]

I know from canvasing different areas, we are finding an average of 45% yes, 30% no and 25% undecided

[astral276]

What is needed to 'win' the referendum? Will a single vote do it?

I hope, for Scotland's sake, it is a more decisive win than looks to be probable according to the polls.

[PetBazaar]

What is needed to 'win' the referendum? Will a single vote do it?

I hope, for Scotland's sake, it is a more decisive win than looks to be probable according to the polls.

50% + 1 vote.

My own personal opinion on this one is that anything closer than 60-40 outcome (whoever wins) will be less than satisfactory and will open up arguments of just how much of a mandate the winning side has.

The only saving point might be the high turnout if it happens. That, at least, might help prevent the whole "but you only got 60% of the 50% who could be bothered voting" issue.

[squern]

According to today's Daily Mail, Mr Salmond's big handicap is that most women (in Scotland) don't like or trust him.

He is said to have all the charm of a turnip.

But others disagree, and claim he does not have that much personal charm.

[MPS16]

.....He is said to have all the charm of a turnip.

But others disagree, and claim he does not have that much personal charm.

I think I have just become Lachanophobic.

[PetBazaar]

According to today's Daily Mail, Mr Salmond's big handicap is that most women (in Scotland) don't like or trust him.

He is said to have all the charm of a turnip.

But others disagree, and claim he does not have that much personal charm.

Did they describe it as either "another blow for Alex Salmond" or "another devastating setback for the SNP"?

That one is based on a survey this week that suggested that women didn't trust Alex Salmond. Strangely, in the same survey they described Alistair Darling as "principled".

The principled Alistair Darling, it should be pointed out, changed his second home 4 times during the parliamentary expenses scandal and resigned from the Faculty of Advocates who were investigating his finances.

Oddly, this doesn't seem to be reported in a referendum context.

Even more odd is that the newspapers don't seem to have reported the Tory MSP recorded lying to a meeting of undecided voters or the leaflet produced by them claiming to answer the questions of "ordinary voters" who in fact turned out to be councillors. Amazingly these ordinary voters in the borders asked the same questions and received the same answers, word for word, as other "ordinary voters" on a completely different leaflet in the north east.

You'd almost think that the press were pursuing an agenda.

[astral276]

Just imagine the fuss the Scots are going to make when they find out they will no longer be allowed to use the English language post independence.

[squern]

I didn't think they did anyway!!!