Under Sturgeon, the SNP have lacked something. The clear route to independence. Once the referendum was lost, the possibility of that went off the table for a generation, despite the noises made by the Nats since. Even if they do get into coalition at Westminster, would the party working with them allow a referendum? For the sake of argument lets imagine Labour are short by fifteen seats and the SNP have won twenty-five. A coalition takes place and Ed generously allows a referendum to happen. First he has to get any bill like that through parliament. A Labour backbench rebellion of just eleven would defeat the bill, providing the rest of the commons was opposed. Even if in 2016 there is a part of the SNP manifesto to deliver a referendum, would they be able to win the election?
There are too many obstacles and complications for the SNP now. The easy referendum was the one they lost. Now in order to get one within the next few years it will require an acrimonious negotiation with whoever forms the next Westminster Government and also undermine the democratic outcome of 2014. The hard referendum would be harder in the sense that a campaign to get the plebiscite in place, would need to happen before any other campaigning. For those expecting a quick vote or progress, it will be a frustrating time.
For the close observers among you, it will come as no surprise that the SNP is now blunt, its message rendered useless. At conferences of days past Salmond would talk of getting a referendum, then in more recent times winning one. All wee nippy can do is say that SNP MPs will get some more powers (which are never enough) and hold feet to the fire. Its not as rousing nor as inspiring. Its dreary and petty and even for members of the party who are still slurping the kool-aid it is not the same. There is a lot of pain ahead for the SNP, from its leadership to its members, they will all have realized that their dreams of separation are slipping away and may never be achieved.
The enthusiasm of the Yes campaign has now become negativity, the movement has died a strange death; the parts still alive are evident in those intimidating unionists or attending measly rallies in Edinburgh. Yes, the General Election and Holyrood will rekindle spirit, but unless they sweep the board twice, the Nats are looking at a bleak period of disappointment and anti climax. The '45' may not have admitted or realized defeat yet, but in the coming years the harsh reality will set in.
There are too many obstacles and complications for the SNP now. The easy referendum was the one they lost. Now in order to get one within the next few years it will require an acrimonious negotiation with whoever forms the next Westminster Government and also undermine the democratic outcome of 2014. The hard referendum would be harder in the sense that a campaign to get the plebiscite in place, would need to happen before any other campaigning. For those expecting a quick vote or progress, it will be a frustrating time.
For the close observers among you, it will come as no surprise that the SNP is now blunt, its message rendered useless. At conferences of days past Salmond would talk of getting a referendum, then in more recent times winning one. All wee nippy can do is say that SNP MPs will get some more powers (which are never enough) and hold feet to the fire. Its not as rousing nor as inspiring. Its dreary and petty and even for members of the party who are still slurping the kool-aid it is not the same. There is a lot of pain ahead for the SNP, from its leadership to its members, they will all have realized that their dreams of separation are slipping away and may never be achieved.
The enthusiasm of the Yes campaign has now become negativity, the movement has died a strange death; the parts still alive are evident in those intimidating unionists or attending measly rallies in Edinburgh. Yes, the General Election and Holyrood will rekindle spirit, but unless they sweep the board twice, the Nats are looking at a bleak period of disappointment and anti climax. The '45' may not have admitted or realized defeat yet, but in the coming years the harsh reality will set in.