| Topic: | Re:Brown warns Scotland about it | |
| Posted by: | Joe Conneely | |
| Date/Time: | 13/09/14 15:34:00 |
| Guy, responding to your helpful comments/observations: 1. Czechoslovakia - yes the split was not based on a referendum but was at the instigation of the Slovakian party, helped by the fact that there were two federal states from Communist times in the combined country. Like you I have heard a variety of comments off residents of both countries who I have met in the UK plus when visiting Prague. There is little doubt there were tensions and no love lost on the split. Plus having a different language spoken helped indirectly one suspects - not dissimilar to what we are seeing in Eastern Ukraine which has large tranches of Russian speakers. 2. Strategy for a "yes" outcome - my key concern was that while I do not expect anyone to ever know all the answers and there will be long negotiations to resolve if it happens, one was left with a strong feeling that more open debate based on research by both sides on a menu of issues would have given voters a better understanding of what is at stake. All we have seen especially in the last few weeks is a ramping up by both sides of the fear factor (No campaign) and dismissive rhetoric (Yes campaign) and precious little detail to attempt an informed versus emotional decision. 3. Gordon Brown - I am not sure from the few Scots I know that he is that well regarded by all, but the sidelining of Darling after his steering of the 'No' campaign for so long and so close to the voting day smacked of desperation in rolling out the Max Devo option. If it was due to complacency by all three parties then lack of contingent risk planning by the powers that be (which is my key concern) simply played into Salmond's hands. |