OUT on the campaign trail in East Lothian, I’ve met many sympathetic nationalist supporters who are worried that Alba are in danger of splitting…
It is not enough simply for Swinney and his advisers to scribble a manifesto and think that settles everything, writes George Kerevan
We also need to remember that the national movement in Scotland has had its own past feuds. The early SNP were divided for years between a moderate, devolutionist wing that saw home rule inside the UK as the best way of winning majority support and a more radical, cultural wing that wanted outright independence. As a result, the party was riven by factionalism and splits.
As we all appreciate, the era of SNP has hegemony ended. We have returned to a more normal situation where the movement is divided between several parties. We need to learn to navigate in these waters. I don’t want to rehearse the debates that led us here or point a finger. I’m more concerned with where we go next.
The policy differences with Alba are fewer. Which means co-operation is possible. Alba have been pressing for a national convention that could help bring the various wings of the indy movement together. I think that is nearer., as well as inside the nationalist movement – Scotland desperately needs more debate in order to clarify issues and solutions. That is another reason why Alba are standing.
And while we’re at it, standing an SNP candidate against veteran nationalist Angus Brendan MacNeil in Na h-Eileanan an Iar could well throw the seat to Labour.
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