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August 23, 2004
One vote for Alex Salmond and one vote for Nicola Sturgeon
I have voted for Alex Salmond. I never seriously considered voting for anyone else, but it was interesting to read the candidates' leaflets enclosed with the voting forms.
Take opening sentences for example:
"I am not just campaigning to be SNP Leader. I am launching my candidacy to be First Minister of Scotland." Alex Salmond
Admirably direct and focused.
"Like every one of you, I am not prepared to accept second best for Scotland. Equally, I am not prepared to accept it for our party." Mike Russell
I don't 'get' Mike Russell. He writes about change, determination, opportunity, fresh starts, enthusiasm, re-energizing, courage, passion, and many other positive things, but I still don't understand what the message is. (I promise to read his manifesto later!)
"Independence is about more than choreographing the Independence Day ceremony." Roseanna Cunningham.
Cunningham evidently believes that independence is a pre-condition for any significant social or economic progress. This is not my opinion, and I don't think it is an opinion that people in Scotland want to hear.
The leader and the deputy should work in harmony and so I am also voting for Nicola Sturgeon. No doubt she will be very effective. I would also be perfectly happy with Fergus Ewing based on what I have read in his leaflet and website. His views on inclusion, balance and breadth are exemplary.
Christine Grahame's leaflet is better designed and printed than those of her colleagues, and she has found a photographer than makes her look both chic and gritty at the same time. (Thatcher with better hair?) Of her ten bulleted points, seven relate to internal party organization. This is not inspiring, for me anyway, and I wonder whether her idea of abolishing the shadow cabinet would work. (No doubt one day she will make a great minister of health.)
Posted by Simon Holledge at August 23, 2004 11:40 AM