It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
Thinking Westminster can block another referendum indicates a complete lack of understanding of just how useful the UK's unwritten constitution can be.
It tells me that the real price for allowing Labour to govern England is a second Westminster-sanctioned referendum.
Of course you could try one not sanctioned by Westminster. "Look, 53% of Scots have voted for freedom!!!" And then get crucified on any divorce negotiations with London....
I saw Salmond's interview yesterday. He was funny polite and engaging. To stick up the Daily Mail and pretend that it reflects anything close to reality is a new low for Mike.
Desperate times require desperate measures , we are at Lord Haw Haw situation.
I suppose we're going to have toget your permission to post after May 8 :-)
Just in case anyone has forgotten. I watched Salmond's interview and the Mail/Mike thread does not represent anything other than their prejudice in the case of the first and his fear for theLibs in the case of Mike. For all that the thread has been positive in teasing out the thought that it is extremely useful to Nicola to have the Tory press ranting at Salmond while she gets on with being the most popular leader in the country.
The Daily Hate is not respected in either Scotland or England. Nor is it by Mike. This thread is merely Mike's opportunity to continue his campaign to save something/anything from the Lib/Dem wreckage. I repeat nothing in the Mail or Mike's commentary reflects the interview which I watched yesterday.
Is the Daily Mail's circulation in Scotland higher or lower than that of The National?
Higher. There is only one paper that counts in Scotland though tbh.
I'm trying to work out what you mean by this.
The Sunday Post? Not any more. The Daylate Record? Not any more. The Super Soaraway Scottish Sun? Possibly?
Even if you mean in regional concentration, then both the P&J and Courier are very popular still (ridiculously so in the current market).
Oh Sorry just had a look, I just assumed the Daily Record had the highest circulation but yes it it the Scottish Sun.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
Thinking Westminster can block another referendum indicates a complete lack of understanding of just how useful the UK's unwritten constitution can be.
It tells me that the real price for allowing Labour to govern England is a second Westminster-sanctioned referendum.
Of course you could try one not sanctioned by Westminster. "Look, 53% of Scots have voted for freedom!!!" And then get crucified on any divorce negotiations with London....
You're right that this issue would be part of the bargaining process. But not a second referendum. Simply the devolution of the right to hold a referendum on self-determination.
Given that precedent has already been set, it's one of the easier concessions for Miliband.
The results from the 1st round of French Local elections, show a firm rejection for the Left - especially their economic madness - , but people do not yet have faith in the extreme right. A future return for Sarkozy?
Nothing is going to stop the SNP walking away with dozens of Scottish seats at the next GE. And Salmond knows exactly what he is doing. He wants a Tory government.
Just in case anyone has forgotten. I watched Salmond's interview and the Mail/Mike thread does not represent anything other than their prejudice in the case of the first and his fear for theLibs in the case of Mike. For all that the thread has been positive in teasing out the thought that it is extremely useful to Nicola to have the Tory press ranting at Salmond while she gets on with being the most popular leader in the country.
One last point.. the Scots voted against independence. it rather makes Nats thinking redundant..
The Scots Nats are like the Unions of today.... cf Red Len the left wing nutter..., no beer, no sanis at no 10.. no influence..
If they win big in Scotland at GE 2015 the English parties will see to it that Scotland doesn't damage the Union.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
There will not be a second referendum.
There is no mechanism and no method by which you can stop it.
The precedent has already been set. And in the UK, with an unwritten constitution, precedent is everything.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum. Obviously, one can be organised without Westminster co-operation, but the result then has to be implemented. And there is no way that can be done without Westminster.
The Daily Hate is not respected in either Scotland or England. Nor is it by Mike. This thread is merely Mike's opportunity to continue his campaign to save something/anything from the Lib/Dem wreckage. I repeat nothing in the Mail or Mike's commentary reflects the interview which I watched yesterday.
Is the Daily Mail's circulation in Scotland higher or lower than that of The National?
Genuinely confused here. Did the Mail invent Salmond's comments? Or did he say them on the BBC for all to see and hear. What has either OGH or the Mail got to do with anything?
Differential resonance is also critical. Maybe Yes voters like the idea of making Westminster dance to their tune. Can't imagine the English will be taken with the idea.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
That's why I doubt that the SNP will score as highly in May as the polls currently suggest.
The Daily Hate is not respected in either Scotland or England. Nor is it by Mike. This thread is merely Mike's opportunity to continue his campaign to save something/anything from the Lib/Dem wreckage. I repeat nothing in the Mail or Mike's commentary reflects the interview which I watched yesterday.
Is the Daily Mail's circulation in Scotland higher or lower than that of The National?
Higher. There is only one paper that counts in Scotland though tbh.
I'm trying to work out what you mean by this.
The Sunday Post? Not any more. The Daylate Record? Not any more. The Super Soaraway Scottish Sun? Possibly?
Even if you mean in regional concentration, then both the P&J and Courier are very popular still (ridiculously so in the current market).
Oh Sorry just had a look, I just assumed the Daily Record had the highest circulation but yes it it the Scottish Sun.
In terms of numbers the Aberdeen Press and Journal and Dundee Courier have far higher penetration. 64,000 for the Press and Journal (Aberdeen pop 210k) plus another 36k for the Evening Express. 50k for the Courier (Dundee pop 140k) and another 20k for the evening title.
These numbers are absolutely massive. The Evening Times in Glasgow (pop 600k) only sells 36k and the Herald only 36k.
Just in case anyone has forgotten. I watched Salmond's interview and the Mail/Mike thread does not represent anything other than their prejudice in the case of the first and his fear for theLibs in the case of Mike. For all that the thread has been positive in teasing out the thought that it is extremely useful to Nicola to have the Tory press ranting at Salmond while she gets on with being the most popular leader in the country.
Mike is looking at it from the view of the 93% of people outside Scotland taking part in this election.
While it might Suit Salmonds purposes for the Tories to win a majority, Salmonds actions make this far more likely, something that fills English and Welsh liberals and socialists with horror.
It apoears that you are saying that Salmond is intentionally being Lynton Crosbys useful idiot.
Ah the grand coalition. That will go down a bomb in Scotland. I still think any self respecting site should not as a matter of principle present the Daily Hate as a subject for discussion and pretend that it reflects anything other than the concocted prejudices of people that none of us would invite around for diner.
No, lets ignore the front page of the most widely read online newspaper in the world, that's a much better idea. The SNP don't like it, who cares what the other 60m people in the country think.
Only fools and dullards take that toilet paper seriously , and americans do not have a vote in the election
You do really hate everyone without a sporran don't you.
Nothing is going to stop the SNP walking away with dozens of Scottish seats at the next GE. And Salmond knows exactly what he is doing. He wants a Tory government.
I doubt it. A disastrous Hollandaise Labour government under EdM would be just the ticket for those who wish the UK ill.
A big defeat in Spain for the PP government yesterday. It lost one third of its seats in the Andalusian regional elections - went from 50 down to 33. The Socialists held all theirs and are now by far the biggest party, despite a sizeable vote for Podemos.
I still think any self respecting site should not as a matter of principle present the Daily Hate as a subject for discussion and pretend that it reflects anything other than the concocted prejudices of people that none of us would invite around for diner.
It is what a lot of people will read and some of them believe.
Far more than saw the interview, or necessarily reached the same conclusion as you, which of course may not be one universally shared....
But I do love the smell of Nat hubris in the morning!
I think the council house sales announcement and Salmonds antics mean Labour are Fubar'ed. Only by voting UKIP and getting UKIP can a Tory majority be stopped.
One thing Alex has done is create the image in some minds that he is still in charge of the SNP.
Again another huge mistake.
Apart from some promotion of his book, Alex Salmond has barely any media presence in Scotland these days. The UK media send people up to cover his campaign in Gordon but he mainly works that through getting out on doorsteps and a column in the P&J.
Alex Salmond is the Rope-A-Dope. The Westminster Bubble focuses on him. Meanwhile Nicola Sturgeon leads the SNP to a landslide, without any concern for smears and jeers from the London press and broadcasters.
I'd guess most of us use the BBC website reasonably often. They're updating it. If the Sky F1 and official F1 websites are anything to go by, this means they'll be using innovative, forward thinking to unnecessarily bugger up something that works.
Conservative ministers are catering for a different slice of the market: the UKIP/Conservative waverers who really don't like the SNP. Anna Soubry will have won herself a lot of brownie points in Downing Street for her performance yesterday.
Yes, you're quite right but that's not my point. The Thread is about how Salmond's appearance is a potential Sheffieldesque gaffe by Salmond. My point is that in Scotland, it is far from this, it is a positive for the SNP campaign.
I disagree. Its not about Salmond at all, its taken as read he will have most of Scotland, its about Miliband and the damage appearing to be beholden to the SNP will do to Labour in the rest of the UK. This matters to the SNP to the extent that Labour is damaged enough by weakness stories that there is a CON/LD coalition which then ignores the SNP for 5 years.
No one south of Hadrians wall cares how it went down in Scotland, they are more interested in why Salmod is seemingly unwittingly becoming Lynton Crosbys useful idiot.
Precisely.
Glad you make the point. If this turns the English voters off labour and gives the tories a majority then Salmond has shot himself in the foot. The clear move of the SNP to the far left ought to help the tories in Scotland as well. Ultimately I still think this attitude could undo the SNP surge.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
There will not be a second referendum.
There is no mechanism and no method by which you can stop it.
The precedent has already been set. And in the UK, with an unwritten constitution, precedent is everything.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum. Obviously, one can be organised without Westminster co-operation, but the result then has to be implemented. And there is no way that can be done without Westminster.
Precedent is not everything. Parliament is sovereign. The courts will not act to overrule the explicit instructions of Parliament as handed down in primary legislation.
If the only way they can legislate is with SNP help, they're done for. Similarly, if Labour rely on Tory help to legislate over Scotland, the same is on the cards there.
The debate format is a terrible one for Labour. Farage and Sturgeon present, and everything potentially turning into England/Wales v Scotland.
Not sure that any support from the SNP will kill Labour in rUK. What if the support that Labour gets is for popular measures? Would rUK really rebel if the SNP helped Labour abolish the bedroom tax or raise the minimum wage? I have my doubts.
Salmond left himself a lot of wriggle room yesterday. In the case of a minority government an abstention is often very useful.
Differential resonance is also critical. Maybe Yes voters like the idea of making Westminster dance to their tune. Can't imagine the English will be taken with the idea.
Morning, MD. So you think this will boost SNP in Scotland, and Con in England? Are those the two things Alex is desperate to avoid at all costs?
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
There will not be a second referendum.
There is no mechanism and no method by which you can stop it.
The precedent has already been set. And in the UK, with an unwritten constitution, precedent is everything.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum. Obviously, one can be organised without Westminster co-operation, but the result then has to be implemented. And there is no way that can be done without Westminster.
You're not thinking through what your saying. Your own sentence tells the answer even though it's not what you mean.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum.
Say it with the right stress on the right words. has to
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
The Daily Hate is not respected in either Scotland or England. Nor is it by Mike. This thread is merely Mike's opportunity to continue his campaign to save something/anything from the Lib/Dem wreckage. I repeat nothing in the Mail or Mike's commentary reflects the interview which I watched yesterday.
Is the Daily Mail's circulation in Scotland higher or lower than that of The National?
Genuinely confused here. Did the Mail invent Salmond's comments? Or did he say them on the BBC for all to see and hear. What has either OGH or the Mail got to do with anything?
The mail invented them.
E.g. Salmond never said he would write Balls budget.
And mis-contextualised them.
E.g. Salmond never said he would expect HS2 to start in Scotland.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
There will not be a second referendum.
There is no mechanism and no method by which you can stop it.
The precedent has already been set. And in the UK, with an unwritten constitution, precedent is everything.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum. Obviously, one can be organised without Westminster co-operation, but the result then has to be implemented. And there is no way that can be done without Westminster.
You're not thinking through what your saying. Your own sentence tells the answer even though it's not what you mean.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum.
Say it with the right stress on the right words. has to
Poppycock. You might like to believe that. An enabling act in parliament clearly worded can change anything.
I still think any self respecting site should not as a matter of principle present the Daily Hate as a subject for discussion and pretend that it reflects anything other than the concocted prejudices of people that none of us would invite around for diner.
It is what a lot of people will read and some of them believe.
Far more than saw the interview, or necessarily reached the same conclusion as you, which of course may not be one universally shared....
But I do love the smell of Nat hubris in the morning!
That worked out so well for them last time......
Who can forget Stuart Dickson, and his many 'BOOMS!'
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
The Daily Hate is not respected in either Scotland or England. Nor is it by Mike. This thread is merely Mike's opportunity to continue his campaign to save something/anything from the Lib/Dem wreckage. I repeat nothing in the Mail or Mike's commentary reflects the interview which I watched yesterday.
Is the Daily Mail's circulation in Scotland higher or lower than that of The National?
Genuinely confused here. Did the Mail invent Salmond's comments? Or did he say them on the BBC for all to see and hear. What has either OGH or the Mail got to do with anything?
The mail invented them.
E.g. Salmond never said he would write Balls budget.
And mis-contextualised them.
E.g. Salmond never said he would expect HS2 to start in Scotland.
I wish HS2 would start in Scotland and continue North
It could be the Old Etonian thing but Cameron seems as if he expects to be PM ... "I think I;'d be rather good at it." But if it doesn't happen, he'd happily retire to his country estate.
But Ed seems desperate and will do anything. "Please, Mr Salmond, please let me be PM. I'll be very good; I'll stand at the back and say anything." (apologies to Monty Python).
Mr. X, I don't think it'll affect the SNP either way. It may help the Conservatives.
Mr. Antifrank, I find it hard to take pro-EU economic views all that seriously given how badly they ****ed up the eurozone. If my next door neighbour hires a builder who burns his house down, and the builder tells me I need work doing on my house, I'm not going to take his word for it.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
There will not be a second referendum.
There is no mechanism and no method by which you can stop it.
The precedent has already been set. And in the UK, with an unwritten constitution, precedent is everything.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum. Obviously, one can be organised without Westminster co-operation, but the result then has to be implemented. And there is no way that can be done without Westminster.
You're not thinking through what your saying. Your own sentence tells the answer even though it's not what you mean.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum.
Say it with the right stress on the right words. has to
Not after both the former leader and the current leader of the Scottish government declared that the last referendum was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
Very interesting, does it say how much we have already lost by not joining the Euro?
Will Sturgeon now explain how an independent Scottish economy would work with reduced income from the North Sea oil.
Wee Jimmy Krankee will merely wink, and tell you that everyone got the future price of oil wrong, before moving on to something else.
Tell us again how he once went to the abroad, on a business trip, and stayed in a FIVE STAR HOTEL! Straight up! And somebody else paid! Because I've always thought that was one of your strongest points.
Mr. X, I don't think it'll affect the SNP either way. It may help the Conservatives.
Mr. Antifrank, I find it hard to take pro-EU economic views all that seriously given how badly they ****ed up the eurozone. If my next door neighbour hires a builder who burns his house down, and the builder tells me I need work doing on my house, I'm not going to take his word for it.
I find it hard to take seriously blind dislike of reports that don't support your preferred conclusions.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
That's why I doubt that the SNP will score as highly in May as the polls currently suggest.
Getting "Yes" up to 45% was an extraordinary achievement and is why the SNP are scoring 45% in the opinion polls. With Scottish Conservatives unlikely to piss on Scottish Labour MPs on fire that is very good for FPTP elections.
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
I use the back of a big packet of Benson and Hedges.
Same as all the other "professional" forecasters you're quoting.
I think the council house sales announcement and Salmonds antics mean Labour are Fubar'ed. Only by voting UKIP and getting UKIP can a Tory majority be stopped.
I think you have rather over-reached yourself there.
Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Ed get into Downing Street.
The difference with Sheffield is that I do not see this hurting the SNP. Labour, on the other hand, I would not be so sure about.
I heard a snippet over the weekend of Salmond saying he had checked his top pocket and as far as he could see Ed wasn't there. He didn't seem to regard it as much of a loss but the line that if you want a real left wing government you should vote SNP is consistent with SNP tactics to date and an effective line for the SNP to take in Scotland. Sturgeon has quipped before being more left wing than Labour was so easy even John Swinney (her Finance Minister) could manage it.
The Tory poster was one of the more effective of recent times. This can hurt Labour in England. I got a Tory e-mail about it over the weekend as well. It is a point that they are pushing hard and it plays into the Ed is weak meme very effectively. Since the SNP priority is to destroy SLAB Labour will get hit from both ends with this. There is a mutuality of interest between the SNP and the Tories that will keep this running.
Salmond has just demonstrated the truth of the Tory poster. It continues to surprise me that PBlefties continue to sneer at Crosby.
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
I use the back of a big packet of Benson and Hedges.
Same as all the other "professional" forecasters you're quoting.
The difference with Sheffield is that I do not see this hurting the SNP. Labour, on the other hand, I would not be so sure about.
I heard a snippet over the weekend of Salmond saying he had checked his top pocket and as far as he could see Ed wasn't there. He didn't seem to regard it as much of a loss but the line that if you want a real left wing government you should vote SNP is consistent with SNP tactics to date and an effective line for the SNP to take in Scotland. Sturgeon has quipped before being more left wing than Labour was so easy even John Swinney (her Finance Minister) could manage it.
The Tory poster was one of the more effective of recent times. This can hurt Labour in England. I got a Tory e-mail about it over the weekend as well. It is a point that they are pushing hard and it plays into the Ed is weak meme very effectively. Since the SNP priority is to destroy SLAB Labour will get hit from both ends with this. There is a mutuality of interest between the SNP and the Tories that will keep this running.
Salmond has just demonstrated the truth of the Tory poster. It continues to surprise me that PBlefties continue to sneer at Crosby.
How has he demonstrated it? What he has made clear is what the SNP will seek to do. But that is very different.
I think the council house sales announcement and Salmonds antics mean Labour are Fubar'ed. Only by voting UKIP and getting UKIP can a Tory majority be stopped.
I think you have rather over-reached yourself there.
Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Ed get into Downing Street.
''Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Alex get into Downing Street. ''
Differential resonance is also critical. Maybe Yes voters like the idea of making Westminster dance to their tune. Can't imagine the English will be taken with the idea.
Morning, MD. So you think this will boost SNP in Scotland, and Con in England? Are those the two things Alex is desperate to avoid at all costs?
Absolutely it will.
I'm trying to watch as much coverage of this election as I can spare the time to. But I've seldom rewatched any piece of video. I've already watched the Call the Tune animation 4 times. Smiling all the way through.
That advert plays really well to entrench support for the SNP.
Mr. Antifrank, I consider the undoubted certainty of the last few years (eurozone sovereign debt crisis) over predictions of future woe if we don't snuggle up to the EU even more (the same predictions were made about us not joining the single currency).
Besides, as I think the EU/eurozone is unsustainable, the question doesn't concern me. It's like worrying about the future of the Roman Empire in the 15th century. It's shortly to be an ex-question.
The story in the Telegraph about the LibDems throwing certain MPs to the wolves is interesting but it is also just part of an expectations management exercise. What would be more interesting is to know which MPs they have decided to throw to the wolves but I expect that won't come out..
Here's a list not prepared by the Lib.Dems. from last month.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
There will not be a second referendum.
There is no mechanism and no method by which you can stop it.
The precedent has already been set. And in the UK, with an unwritten constitution, precedent is everything.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum. Obviously, one can be organised without Westminster co-operation, but the result then has to be implemented. And there is no way that can be done without Westminster.
You're not thinking through what your saying. Your own sentence tells the answer even though it's not what you mean.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum.
Say it with the right stress on the right words. has to
Not after both the former leader and the current leader of the Scottish government declared that the last referendum was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Which neither of them did.
BTW, don't worry about going to find youtube links. I know they said the words. I also know that you know EXACTLY what they meant and it had nothing to do with "declaring" or "promising".
Mr. X, I don't think it'll affect the SNP either way. It may help the Conservatives.
Mr. Antifrank, I find it hard to take pro-EU economic views all that seriously given how badly they ****ed up the eurozone. If my next door neighbour hires a builder who burns his house down, and the builder tells me I need work doing on my house, I'm not going to take his word for it.
I find it hard to take seriously blind dislike of reports that don't support your preferred conclusions.
lol, I'm sure if the fee was adequate you would revise that opinion.
I think the council house sales announcement and Salmonds antics mean Labour are Fubar'ed. Only by voting UKIP and getting UKIP can a Tory majority be stopped.
I think you have rather over-reached yourself there.
Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Ed get into Downing Street.
To be fair that isn't the case in the northern suburbs, voting Tory will give you Ed in any of the seats where the kippers are the main challenger, so more or less anywhere north of Watford.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
This second referendum will be one not sanctioned by London?
Interesting.....
There will not be a second referendum.
There is no mechanism and no method by which you can stop it.
The precedent has already been set. And in the UK, with an unwritten constitution, precedent is everything.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum. Obviously, one can be organised without Westminster co-operation, but the result then has to be implemented. And there is no way that can be done without Westminster.
You're not thinking through what your saying. Your own sentence tells the answer even though it's not what you mean.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum.
Say it with the right stress on the right words. has to
Not after both the former leader and the current leader of the Scottish government declared that the last referendum was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Which neither of them did.
BTW, don't worry about going to find youtube links. I know they said the words. I also know that you know EXACTLY what they meant and it had nothing to do with "declaring" or "promising".
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
I use the back of a big packet of Benson and Hedges.
Same as all the other "professional" forecasters you're quoting.
Ah, more blind dislike.
Ironic coming from you, given your fair and balanced views of kipperdom.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
'Once in a generation' not mean anything to you? I doubt you'll be so keen for Indy by 2050.
Mr. Antifrank, I consider the undoubted certainty of the last few years (eurozone sovereign debt crisis) over predictions of future woe if we don't snuggle up to the EU even more (the same predictions were made about us not joining the single currency).
Besides, as I think the EU/eurozone is unsustainable, the question doesn't concern me. It's like worrying about the future of the Roman Empire in the 15th century. It's shortly to be an ex-question.
Mr. Observer, cheers.
Well, yesterday's estimate came courtesy of an organisation founded in 2005. Its position is described here:
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
I use the back of a big packet of Benson and Hedges.
Same as all the other "professional" forecasters you're quoting.
Ah, more blind dislike.
Oh don't be silly a/f these days you can hire anyone to say anything. Your constant quoting of sources from the FT saying exiting the EU will kill us tends to be a bit of obvious trolling, or possibly you have a blind dislike of any argument to the contrary. :-)
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
Why? Would you read them? You didn't read the Open Europe report last night, so you thought it said GDP would go down, when it said GDP would go either down, or up. Is there not a difference?
I think the council house sales announcement and Salmonds antics mean Labour are Fubar'ed. Only by voting UKIP and getting UKIP can a Tory majority be stopped.
I think you have rather over-reached yourself there.
Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Ed get into Downing Street.
Not really. It seems to me that the tories will be far and away the largest party. Only if UKIP take some seats off them will they be denied a working majority and forced to work with UKIP and DUP to get legislation through as a minority government.
Eds not going to have enough seats to govern in coalition with anyone.
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
Why? Would you read them? You didn't read the Open Europe report last night, so you thought it said GDP would go down, when it said GDP would go either down, or up. Is there not a difference?
Since you didn't actually read what I wrote yesterday, where I drew attention to exactly that finding, I suggest you get back in your box.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
'Once in a generation' not mean anything to you? I doubt you'll be so keen for Indy by 2050.
But you have to remember that life expectancy in Scotland is so low that "a generation" is so much shorter too....
I think the council house sales announcement and Salmonds antics mean Labour are Fubar'ed. Only by voting UKIP and getting UKIP can a Tory majority be stopped.
I think you have rather over-reached yourself there.
Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Ed get into Downing Street.
Not really. It seems to me that the tories will be far and away the largest party. Only if UKIP take some seats off them will they be denied a working majority and forced to work with UKIP and DUP to get legislation through as a minority government.
Eds not going to have enough seats to govern in coalition with anyone.
Can we reserve worrying about that for when the polling suggests anything like it? Thanks.
I'm wondering if all these headline writers for the newspapers actually watched the interview. The Guardian summary actually managed to present a 180 degree difference in policy for one topic.
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
I use the back of a big packet of Benson and Hedges.
Same as all the other "professional" forecasters you're quoting.
Ah, more blind dislike.
Oh don't be silly a/f these days you can hire anyone to say anything. Your constant quoting of sources from the FT saying exiting the EU will kill us tends to be a bit of obvious trolling, or possibly you have a blind dislike of any argument to the contrary. :-)
£18bn is less than we pay the EU on the average year in contributions.
We spend that much every four months on the interest on our national debt.
It amounts to about 2.5% of public spending.
It's substantially less than either main party is proposing to cut from public spending, per year, in the next parliament.
Its not even a little bit scary, and would be make up in very short time by new trade deals with the Commonwealth or other countries that we would be free to make deals with.
And on topic: I doubt it will make much of a difference. What is happening in Scotland at the moment is far more seismic than anything in the 1992 election.
Remember in 2012 when Salmond told the world that the SNP would take control of Glasgow in the local elections. What happened. Labour was returned in the city with overall control.
So that one prediction about a local election outweighs everything else in his career? Why?
I thought Salmond looked frightening yesterday. I did not think Kinnock looked frightening on 1 4 92, I thought he looked a twat. Big difference. And I also strongly disagree that Sheffield actually swung it, I think the reality was always that Neil Kinnock Would Never Be Prime Minister. The thesis of this post is like a crime wave in a multi storey car park - wrong on so many different levels.
I expect Soubry's performance will have rattled the competition in Broxtowe , mind.
It's one of OGH's favourite Scotch insights, oft repeated; indeed possibly the only one unless you count the English-accented pollsters cracker. I've noticed the elderly return again and again to single memory points, comforting I guess.
I look forward to future PB analyses of Murphy: 'we will not lose a single Scottish seat', Clegg: 'we will wipe the smile off Salmond's face in Gordon' and Alexander (D): '(our current MPs) will hold their seats and we'll gain more seats too'.
There is not going to be a 2nd indyref, and if there were, the nats would lose again. People here on both sides are totally failing to see the difference between wanting to be represented by the SNP in Westminster and wanting to be independent. The latter is rightly seen (in the cold light of the voting booth) as a potential disaster; the former is simply quite sensible politics.
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
I use the back of a big packet of Benson and Hedges.
Same as all the other "professional" forecasters you're quoting.
Ah, more blind dislike.
Oh don't be silly a/f these days you can hire anyone to say anything. Your constant quoting of sources from the FT saying exiting the EU will kill us tends to be a bit of obvious trolling, or possibly you have a blind dislike of any argument to the contrary. :-)
£18bn is less than we pay the EU on the average year in contributions.
We spend that much every four months on the interest on our national debt.
It amounts to about 2.5% of public spending.
It's substantially less than either main party is proposing to cut from public spending, per year, in the next parliament.
Its not even a little bit scary, and would be make up in very short time by new trade deals with the Commonwealth or other countries that we would be free to make deals with.
The numbers on Brexit will be more a case of DYOR before you vote.
An army of shills hiding behind professional respectability will be lined up to obfuscate the issue in both directions. It will be like Indyref without the exhaustive financial precision.
Apart from the Holyrood majority, the greatest polling turnaround in the history of really astonishing polling turnarounds, the Vow, accidentally securing a democratic mandate for the Act of Union, eviscerating and crucifying SLAB and pissing on its grave and sowing its fields with salt, and taking ownership of this General Election, what has this Salmond guy ever achieved anyway?
Clearly it suits the Tories to talk up Salmond controlling Miliband, just as it suits Labour to talk up the Tories raising VAT.
One has a basis in fact, the other is just a groundless Labour smear....
Groundless in the sense that the last two times the Tories won an election they put up VAT after saying that they wouldn't?
It is, of course, demonstrably false that the only way Labour can form a government after May would be to do a deal with the SNP.
So if the Tories will put up VAT "because they did it before", I take it you will accept that it is a similar given that Labour will feck the economy and leave the number in work lower than they inherited?
Mr. Antifrank, not sure I can both blindly against the EU *and* playing the man not the ball. I haven't attacked the think tank, I've simply disagreed.
Economically, the EU is deranged. The single currency is moronic beyond belief and failing, and the move to fiscal unity, should it occur, will be similarly disastrous due to varying demographics. Will there be a single pension age?
The EU has been gobbling up little nation states as fast as its greedy jaws can move. But it hasn't had time to sink deep roots, it's anti-democratic, its accounts haven't been signed off for over a decade and its approach towards money is somewhere between malignant and shockingly ignorant. Unlike the Romans at their peak, it's not based on pragmatism, or even tempered by it. The EU is a wet dream of idealists and bureaucrat passengers of the gravy train, their prospects unsullied by grubby reality.
Jumping off a train is dangerous, but when the train's heading for a precipice, it's worth the risk.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
'Once in a generation' not mean anything to you? I doubt you'll be so keen for Indy by 2050.
I, as a voter, get to decide when there will be another referendum. Not Alex Salmond or anyone else other than any individuals capacity as a voter. Salmond's Call To Action was perfectly logical, not a promise and not a declaration. It was what it was - a Call to Action.
You know this. Southam Observer knows this. Most of the Loyalists who make the claim know this. It doesn't change a thing.
The SNP will offer a Referendum at the 2016 Holyrood election and they will win a Majority in Holyrood. At that point it is just a question of the date. Nothing you can do will stop this. Nothing Westminster can do will stop this.
I think the council house sales announcement and Salmonds antics mean Labour are Fubar'ed. Only by voting UKIP and getting UKIP can a Tory majority be stopped.
I think you have rather over-reached yourself there.
Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Ed get into Downing Street.
Not really. It seems to me that the tories will be far and away the largest party. Only if UKIP take some seats off them will they be denied a working majority and forced to work with UKIP and DUP to get legislation through as a minority government.
Eds not going to have enough seats to govern in coalition with anyone.
Can we reserve worrying about that for when the polling suggests anything like it? Thanks.
Jacks ARSE already is not far off that and hes got a better record than any pollster
Nothing is going to stop the SNP walking away with dozens of Scottish seats at the next GE. And Salmond knows exactly what he is doing. He wants a Tory government.
You are right. He wants Labour wiped out in Scotland, unelectable elsewhere.
Differential resonance is also critical. Maybe Yes voters like the idea of making Westminster dance to their tune. Can't imagine the English will be taken with the idea.
That was my thought. From the point of view of a leftish Yes voter Salmond is offering them the advantage of having a block of SNP MPs who won't roll over and have their tummy tickled when Ed Balls wants to shave £bns off the spending budget, in the way that Labour MPs would.
He needs to have something like this to offer to potential Labour voters, who might otherwise worry that the loss of MPs to the SNP will mean that Labour comes behind the Conservatives in seats.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
'Once in a generation' not mean anything to you? I doubt you'll be so keen for Indy by 2050.
I, as a voter, get to decide when there will be another referendum. Not Alex Salmond or anyone else other than any individuals capacity as a voter. Salmond's Call To Action was perfectly logical, not a promise and not a declaration. It was what it was - a Call to Action.
You know this. Southam Observer knows this. Most of the Loyalists who make the claim know this. It doesn't change a thing.
The SNP will offer a Referendum at the 2016 Holyrood election and they will win a Majority in Holyrood. At that point it is just a question of the date. Nothing you can do will stop this. Nothing Westminster can do will stop this.
Thats what Ian Smith thought in Rhodesia. That turned out well. Scotland can only hold another referendum on independence if a Westminster act authorising it is passed. Organising an illegal referendum and declaring independence off tbe back of it is Treason
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
'Once in a generation' not mean anything to you? I doubt you'll be so keen for Indy by 2050.
I, as a voter, get to decide when there will be another referendum. Not Alex Salmond or anyone else other than any individuals capacity as a voter. Salmond's Call To Action was perfectly logical, not a promise and not a declaration. It was what it was - a Call to Action.
You know this. Southam Observer knows this. Most of the Loyalists who make the claim know this. It doesn't change a thing.
The SNP will offer a Referendum at the 2016 Holyrood election and they will win a Majority in Holyrood. At that point it is just a question of the date. Nothing you can do will stop this. Nothing Westminster can do will stop this.
REFERENDUMS ACT 2016
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
No referendum shall be held within the domains of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories without the explicit consent of parliament as expressed by a consenting vote in each of house.
I think the council house sales announcement and Salmonds antics mean Labour are Fubar'ed. Only by voting UKIP and getting UKIP can a Tory majority be stopped.
I think you have rather over-reached yourself there.
Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Ed get into Downing Street.
Not really. It seems to me that the tories will be far and away the largest party. Only if UKIP take some seats off them will they be denied a working majority and forced to work with UKIP and DUP to get legislation through as a minority government.
Eds not going to have enough seats to govern in coalition with anyone.
Can we reserve worrying about that for when the polling suggests anything like it? Thanks.
Jacks ARSE already is not far off that and hes got a better record than any pollster
Fine tipster that he is, JackW still refuses to acknowledge quite the scale of the SNP one-party state or the LibDem's transience of yellow snow on a warm spring day....
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
Why? Would you read them? You didn't read the Open Europe report last night, so you thought it said GDP would go down, when it said GDP would go either down, or up. Is there not a difference?
Since you didn't actually read what I wrote yesterday, where I drew attention to exactly that finding, I suggest you get back in your box.
Apart from the Holyrood majority, the greatest polling turnaround in the history of really astonishing polling turnarounds, the Vow, accidentally securing a democratic mandate for the Act of Union, eviscerating and crucifying SLAB and pissing on its grave and sowing its fields with salt, and taking ownership of this General Election, what has this Salmond guy ever achieved anyway?
I mean, come on, guys: CLEGG.
Ooh, ooh, I know this one.
He grew the Yes vote from 25% to 45%.
But yeah, Apart from the Holyrood majority, the greatest polling turnaround in the history of really astonishing polling turnarounds, the Vow, accidentally securing a democratic mandate for the Act of Union, eviscerating and crucifying SLAB and pissing on its grave and sowing its fields with salt, and taking ownership of this General Election and growing the Yes vote from 25% to 45%, what has this Salmond guy ever achieved anyway?
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
'Once in a generation' not mean anything to you? I doubt you'll be so keen for Indy by 2050.
I, as a voter, get to decide when there will be another referendum. Not Alex Salmond or anyone else other than any individuals capacity as a voter. Salmond's Call To Action was perfectly logical, not a promise and not a declaration. It was what it was - a Call to Action.
You know this. Southam Observer knows this. Most of the Loyalists who make the claim know this. It doesn't change a thing.
The SNP will offer a Referendum at the 2016 Holyrood election and they will win a Majority in Holyrood. At that point it is just a question of the date. Nothing you can do will stop this. Nothing Westminster can do will stop this.
Thats what Ian Smith thought in Rhodesia. That turned out well. Scotland can only hold another referendum on independence if a Westminster act authorising it is passed. Organising an illegal referendum and declaring independence off tbe back of it is Treason
Salmond versus Mugabe. Now THAT is a pay-per-view....
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
A back of a fag packet might suit some but the Open Europe think tank has published a few more details than that. Founded in the real world. It points out that to make money outside of the EU would require policies that would 'make Thatcher look like a socialist'.
Apart from the Holyrood majority, the greatest polling turnaround in the history of really astonishing polling turnarounds, the Vow, accidentally securing a democratic mandate for the Act of Union, eviscerating and crucifying SLAB and pissing on its grave and sowing its fields with salt, and taking ownership of this General Election, what has this Salmond guy ever achieved anyway?
I mean, come on, guys: CLEGG.
Ooh, ooh, I know this one.
He grew the Yes vote from 25% to 45%.
But yeah, Apart from the Holyrood majority, the greatest polling turnaround in the history of really astonishing polling turnarounds, the Vow, accidentally securing a democratic mandate for the Act of Union, eviscerating and crucifying SLAB and pissing on its grave and sowing its fields with salt, and taking ownership of this General Election and growing the Yes vote from 25% to 45%, what has this Salmond guy ever achieved anyway?
You forgot to mention publishing "the most self-congratulatory book in political history" and “longest exercise in literary masturbation since politics began”
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
I reckon we'll make £20billion a year more, feel free to re-tweet it.
You'll need to show your workings first.
A back of a fag packet might suit some but the Open Europe think tank has published a few more details than that. Founded in the real world. It points out that to make money outside of the EU would require policies that would 'make Thatcher look like a socialist'.
That is going to be required sooner or later anyway, because those are to sorts of policies in the countries we are competing against. We can afford a another decade of smug warm feeling and crap productivity if we are lucky, but after that its going to be a fight for survival.
Will Sturgeon now explain how an independent Scottish economy would work with reduced income from the North Sea oil.
Wee Jimmy Krankee will merely wink, and tell you that everyone got the future price of oil wrong, before moving on to something else.
Tell us again how he once went to the abroad, on a business trip, and stayed in a FIVE STAR HOTEL! Straight up! And somebody else paid! Because I've always thought that was one of your strongest points.
You can easily pay £1500 a night for a 5 star hotel.
It isn't necessary to remember Sheffield. Salmond organized street parties celebrating a Yes victory days before his historic defeat.
Also worth noting that the SNP are polling in the high 40's. The majority of Scots do not support the SNP, it is the FPTP system that will deliver the seats.
An absolute majority of Scotland votes for a Pro-Independence party now. Every poll demonstrates this - SNP + Green + SSP + Solidarity is over 50%.
Six months too late! Couldn't persuade them for the vote of a lifetime.
It's certainly delayed the inevitable but nothing is lost and the second referendum is just around the corner.
It will be interesting to see if the SNP use the momentum to call the second referendum in 2017 or if they wait till 18 or 19. Personally I prefer 2017 as the demographics alone will already be a Yes win even before you factor in the continued polling growth.
I suspect they will probably go for 2018 though.
'Once in a generation' not mean anything to you? I doubt you'll be so keen for Indy by 2050.
I, as a voter, get to decide when there will be another referendum. Not Alex Salmond or anyone else other than any individuals capacity as a voter. Salmond's Call To Action was perfectly logical, not a promise and not a declaration. It was what it was - a Call to Action.
You know this. Southam Observer knows this. Most of the Loyalists who make the claim know this. It doesn't change a thing.
The SNP will offer a Referendum at the 2016 Holyrood election and they will win a Majority in Holyrood. At that point it is just a question of the date. Nothing you can do will stop this. Nothing Westminster can do will stop this.
Westminster cannot prevent another referendum, that is absolutely right. But it can refuse to legislate for one - citing previous references to "Once in a lifetime" and the overall interests of the UK. Of course, the Scottish government can then organise one without Westminster co-operation and endorsement. The problem there will be in implementing the result.
Comments
Of course you could try one not sanctioned by Westminster. "Look, 53% of Scots have voted for freedom!!!" And then get crucified on any divorce negotiations with London....
Just in case anyone has forgotten. I watched Salmond's interview and the Mail/Mike thread does not represent anything other than their prejudice in the case of the first and his fear for theLibs in the case of Mike. For all that the thread has been positive in teasing out the thought that it is extremely useful to Nicola to have the Tory press ranting at Salmond while she gets on with being the most popular leader in the country.
Given that precedent has already been set, it's one of the easier concessions for Miliband.
Nothing is going to stop the SNP walking away with dozens of Scottish seats at the next GE. And Salmond knows exactly what he is doing. He wants a Tory government.
The Scots Nats are like the Unions of today.... cf Red Len the left wing nutter..., no beer, no sanis at no 10.. no influence..
If they win big in Scotland at GE 2015 the English parties will see to it that Scotland doesn't damage the Union.
Differential resonance is also critical. Maybe Yes voters like the idea of making Westminster dance to their tune. Can't imagine the English will be taken with the idea.
These numbers are absolutely massive. The Evening Times in Glasgow (pop 600k) only sells 36k and the Herald only 36k.
While it might Suit Salmonds purposes for the Tories to win a majority, Salmonds actions make this far more likely, something that fills English and Welsh liberals and socialists with horror.
It apoears that you are saying that Salmond is intentionally being Lynton Crosbys useful idiot.
Far more than saw the interview, or necessarily reached the same conclusion as you, which of course may not be one universally shared....
But I do love the smell of Nat hubris in the morning!
That worked out so well for them last time......
Apart from some promotion of his book, Alex Salmond has barely any media presence in Scotland these days. The UK media send people up to cover his campaign in Gordon but he mainly works that through getting out on doorsteps and a column in the P&J.
Alex Salmond is the Rope-A-Dope. The Westminster Bubble focuses on him. Meanwhile Nicola Sturgeon leads the SNP to a landslide, without any concern for smears and jeers from the London press and broadcasters.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31966686
Ultimately I still think this attitude could undo the SNP surge.
Salmond left himself a lot of wriggle room yesterday. In the case of a minority government an abstention is often very useful.
This report estimates that leaving the EU would cost Britain between £18 and 50 billion a year. A tighter range than yesterday's report from Open Europe.
The precedent is that Westminster has to agree to a referendum.
Say it with the right stress on the right words. has to
Mr. Observer, interesting stuff. Is it this year or next the Spanish have a General Election?
I thought the Nat "reality exclusion bubble" before the referendum was bad, but it seems to be getting worse.
E.g. Salmond never said he would write Balls budget.
And mis-contextualised them.
E.g. Salmond never said he would expect HS2 to start in Scotland.
It could be the Old Etonian thing but Cameron seems as if he expects to be PM ... "I think I;'d be rather good at it." But if it doesn't happen, he'd happily retire to his country estate.
But Ed seems desperate and will do anything. "Please, Mr Salmond, please let me be PM. I'll be very good; I'll stand at the back and say anything." (apologies to Monty Python).
So it all has the feel of believabiliy.
Mr. Antifrank, I find it hard to take pro-EU economic views all that seriously given how badly they ****ed up the eurozone. If my next door neighbour hires a builder who burns his house down, and the builder tells me I need work doing on my house, I'm not going to take his word for it.
Mr. Watcher, you're thinking of Baldrick.
Shame Mr. Dickson isn't here anymore.
Same as all the other "professional" forecasters you're quoting.
Only by voting UKIP and not getting UKIP but a minority Labour administration can Ed get into Downing Street.
I very much doubt that anything Salmond says on Marr Show will make a difference to Scottish voting.
I'm trying to watch as much coverage of this election as I can spare the time to. But I've seldom rewatched any piece of video. I've already watched the Call the Tune animation 4 times. Smiling all the way through.
That advert plays really well to entrench support for the SNP.
Besides, as I think the EU/eurozone is unsustainable, the question doesn't concern me. It's like worrying about the future of the Roman Empire in the 15th century. It's shortly to be an ex-question.
Mr. Observer, cheers.
http://newstonoone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/blessed-are-kingmakers-who-will-lib.html
But I expect polls in Scotland may have changed the list of 'safe' since then.
BTW, don't worry about going to find youtube links. I know they said the words. I also know that you know EXACTLY what they meant and it had nothing to do with "declaring" or "promising".
Because without snipping it your point would have been utterly inept and make you look clueless?
Ah.
http://www.snp.org/media-centre/news/2014/sep/thursdays-vote-once-lifetime-opportunity-fm
Who'd have thought it?
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Europe#Positions
It is hardly typically federalist.
Today's comes from a university that no doubt you distrust on sight, but you should try playing the ball not the man.
Eds not going to have enough seats to govern in coalition with anyone.
It is, of course, demonstrably false that the only way Labour can form a government after May would be to do a deal with the SNP.
We spend that much every four months on the interest on our national debt.
It amounts to about 2.5% of public spending.
It's substantially less than either main party is proposing to cut from public spending, per year, in the next parliament.
Its not even a little bit scary, and would be make up in very short time by new trade deals with the Commonwealth or other countries that we would be free to make deals with.
I look forward to future PB analyses of Murphy: 'we will not lose a single Scottish seat', Clegg: 'we will wipe the smile off Salmond's face in Gordon' and Alexander (D): '(our current MPs) will hold their seats and we'll gain more seats too'.
An army of shills hiding behind professional respectability will be lined up to obfuscate the issue in both directions. It will be like Indyref without the exhaustive financial precision.
I mean, come on, guys: CLEGG.
So if the Tories will put up VAT "because they did it before", I take it you will accept that it is a similar given that Labour will feck the economy and leave the number in work lower than they inherited?
Thank you for that confirmation.
Economically, the EU is deranged. The single currency is moronic beyond belief and failing, and the move to fiscal unity, should it occur, will be similarly disastrous due to varying demographics. Will there be a single pension age?
The EU has been gobbling up little nation states as fast as its greedy jaws can move. But it hasn't had time to sink deep roots, it's anti-democratic, its accounts haven't been signed off for over a decade and its approach towards money is somewhere between malignant and shockingly ignorant. Unlike the Romans at their peak, it's not based on pragmatism, or even tempered by it. The EU is a wet dream of idealists and bureaucrat passengers of the gravy train, their prospects unsullied by grubby reality.
Jumping off a train is dangerous, but when the train's heading for a precipice, it's worth the risk.
You know this. Southam Observer knows this. Most of the Loyalists who make the claim know this. It doesn't change a thing.
The SNP will offer a Referendum at the 2016 Holyrood election and they will win a Majority in Holyrood. At that point it is just a question of the date. Nothing you can do will stop this. Nothing Westminster can do will stop this.
He needs to have something like this to offer to potential Labour voters, who might otherwise worry that the loss of MPs to the SNP will mean that Labour comes behind the Conservatives in seats.
He grew the Yes vote from 25% to 45%.
But yeah, Apart from the Holyrood majority, the greatest polling turnaround in the history of really astonishing polling turnarounds, the Vow, accidentally securing a democratic mandate for the Act of Union, eviscerating and crucifying SLAB and pissing on its grave and sowing its fields with salt, and taking ownership of this General Election and growing the Yes vote from 25% to 45%, what has this Salmond guy ever achieved anyway?