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Salmond 'a coward' over referendum



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LABOUR today accused Alex Salmond of "cowardice" for wanting to delay a referendum on independence.
The party challenged the First Minister to show he had "the bottle" to put his flagship policy to the test. The SNP's declared intention is to bring forward a referendum bill in 2010.

Labour has so far opposed the idea, and Mr Salmond has threate
ned to fight the 2011 Holyrood election accusing the pro-Union parties of refusing to let the public have their say on Scotland's future.

But in a television interview yesterday, Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander, pictured, signalled she was ready to change tack and back an early referendum. Today her spokesman said people should ask why the First Minister was delaying.

He said: "Tony Blair held the devolution referendum very quickly after the 1997 election. Considering independence has been the fundamental issue for the SNP throughout Alex Salmond's career, why the delay? It's because he knows he will lose and he is scared.

"It's because of Alex Salmond's cowardice that he wants to delay. The question is, does he have the bottle?"

Ms Alexander claimed in her interview that a bill in 2010 would not be in time to allow a referendum before the 2011 election.

She said the SNP should bring forward its referendum legislation next year instead.





The full article contains 223 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

 
1

The Answer,

Glasgow 05/05/2008 10:26:49
What else could one expect from "the obese one", hook line and sinker comes to mind! (it would of been rude to use the word float).
2

Neil McCart,

Cheltenham 05/05/2008 10:33:41
The pot calls the kettle black!
3

Lucyman,

Edinburgh 05/05/2008 11:05:16
Unbelievable! Wendy Alexander's party have vehemently opposed the idea of a referendum and now they think they could make some political capital out of it they suddenly think it's a good idea.
When will the Lab / Lib alliance finally accept that they LOST the election? The people of Scotland voted them OUT. It is an insult to all of us that they constantly rubbish the SNP and their ideology.
OK so Wendy thinks the SNP are scared of facing the electorate right now. I wonder whether or not she and her Westminster colleagues would be prepared to face the electorate themselves. I think not!
4

Proximaking,

Dundee 05/05/2008 11:11:57
Wendy might learn something if she could keep her trap shut and her eyes and ears open for once. Why should Salmond jump to Labour's tune? I really do think someone should take Wendy off to one side and inform her Labour don't run Scotland anymore, Labour are no longer in control of the script. They had long enough to do right by the people and they failed, ..... miserably. They handed Scotland over to a bunch of trades union back room "boys" and if Salmond makes the same mistake by cosying up to the STUC me, me, me "public services" bunch instead of looking out for the public he and the SNP will go exactly the same way as Labour have gone. I really don't think Salmond is that stupid do you Wendy?
5

Tonto43,

Midlothian 05/05/2008 11:20:12
This could be another own goal by the labour party. I was for the union at the time of the scottish elections but after seeing what GB and his cronies have done down south and the inevitability we are going to get a Tory government, I am all for independence
6

John PM,

Edinburgh 05/05/2008 11:29:57
Labour have woken up to the fact that if they blocked the SNP's bill they would get thumped at the next election. They should be wary of relying on dodgy polls however, independence support is strong and as we can see from these forums its supporters are a lot more active than its detractors.

I hope Labour will have the bottle to support a referendum (though Windy might well get the order of the boot before then).

If it's a choice between normal power for Scotland and Labour's scaremongering against independence I know what argument will have the best chance.

Bring it on!
7

KampungHighlander,

Jakarta 05/05/2008 11:58:01
#1

I know Wendy looks like a fish, Large Mouth Bass, but she's not really that fat. You must be confusing her with her colleague Jackie the Hutt.
8

KampungHighlander,

Jakarta 05/05/2008 12:10:22
Be careful Alex, there is nothing more dangerous than a Labour shrew with nothing to lose.

Next she will offering to settle the issue a coin flip.

Remember you have the good chance at being the First Prime Minister of an Independant Scotland in 300 years.

Wendy however is stareing at political oblivion and a return to her job in the Charity Shop in East Renfrewshire.

9

Merouane,

Edinburgh 05/05/2008 12:15:03
Why does this article not have any comment from the SNP? Surely they should have their comeback.

I hope this means that Labour will support the referendum bill when it finally does come to Parliament. I'm sure Wendy will appreciate that it is quite an important issue, so it's important that they get it right. And whether it's 2009 or 2010, shouldn't really make that much difference. Or does Wendy really believe that people will vote for independence purely as a reaction to the Tories winning power in the UK election.
10

A voice from SCOTLAND..,

ANY TIME ANY PLACE ANY WHERE :o) 05/05/2008 12:31:48
#7. Not only that but we can see from these forums that the SNP and even by itself the Independence supporters are by far the most eloquent and intelligent posters on these forums.

Many people who might not have voted SNP last time would vote for independence.

The use of multi moniker trolls by the unionistas shows how utterly desperate and bereft there argument is. Every poll we see confirms that by the ever increasing numbers who support Alex Salmond and his agenda for this nation.

Some of the unionist posters on here do not even have the intelligence of schoolchildren and are on here day and night dribbling there boring sterile bankrupt propaganda, that is so bad even they cannot believe it.

The unionistas resent Alex Salmonds success because only they were allowed to speak for Scots, everything had to have the Anglo Saxon filtering technique applied to it, or it was deemed unfit for Scottish consumption. Alex has shown us that you can be a politician and put Scotland first and the voters love him for it.

GOD BLESS AND KEEP ALEX SALMOND AND QUEEN ELIZABETH OF SCOTS, LONG TO REIGN OVER US.

You can keep the infantile Charles for Wales.
11

A voice from SCOTLAND..,

05/05/2008 12:35:00
The moronic Liebour shop stewards did not even have the bottle to vote down the Scottish budget, even after getting their amendment through for fear of triggering another election, as they knew they would be hammered next time. What a bunch of pathetic wasters.
12

Dragonlord,

05/05/2008 12:41:42
Labour would love to have a vote now. Not saying the SNP wouldn't win it ,but give them time for their policies to work and I 'll bet Ms Alexander will back down on her demand.
I wonder if Chairman Gordon gave her to go ahead? No matter what Bendy Wendy says, he still pulls her strings.
13

Ghengis McCann,

Edinburgh 05/05/2008 12:44:21
#7 - "we can see from these forums its supporters are a lot more active than its detractors"

No, John, what we can "see from these forums" is that there is a small army of apparently unemployed Braveheart apologists who appear to spend their days trawling the forums for perceived slights to His Great Smugness, talking up the independence case, making absurd comments about the superior intelligence of Gnats (yes, you, #11) and fawning over every Gnat pronouncement as if it were the Holy Grail.

Electorates vote Governments out, not in. Labour's deep unpopularity does not mean either that the Smug One is universally loved or that there is hard core support for independence. It just means that at the moment the voters are determined to give Labour a kicking.

You Gnats want to beware believing your own publicity. When you have been serious players for long enough to get some real experience, you will start to find out how dangerous that can be. Enjoy the honeymoon, but don't be fooled into thinking it will last forever.

At the moment there is more than enough hot air to keep the Gnat balloon afloat, but what goes up will eventually come down. Smuggins will run out of populist lollipops to throw to the proles and stones to throw at Westminster and have to take some hard political decisions. We will see then whether there is any substance behind the gloating bombast we've seen so far.
14

portonian,

falkirk 05/05/2008 12:51:40

Who is giving bendy Wendy advice-- weighing up the advice it is more likely to come from someone who is after her job.Watch your back.

Does she think we are so stupid that we forget her
REFERENDUM NOT ON MY WATCH statements.Does she really know what she wants LEAVE GOVERNMENT TO CAPABILITY ALEX
and ride off into the sunset.
15

capy,

edinburgh 05/05/2008 12:57:38
i could not belive my eyes when i read the papers this morning. what is wendy on? why the big change of heart? a couple of points. i take it her unionist partners are happy with this ploy. is it ok with gordon? why the sudden hurry? is she scared the tories win the next uk election? and why should we now jump to her tune? somthing is really worring her. anybody got simon pia,s number?
16

a proud doonhamer,

Dumfries 05/05/2008 13:37:23
The SNP leadership must be having a fine day with this recent announcement.

Let's look at a possible scenarios.

Westminster refuses to allow the referendum as only they claim that only they can deal with constitutional matters. Alex goes to the people to demand a sovereign vote. Advantage SNP

Des Browne forces through a Westminster controlled vote. The SNP boycotts the vote and urges all independence voters to do so. The vote is held and the results are as expected. Alex then goes to the people and asked for a mandate to hold a REAL Scottish referendum. Advantage SNP

Wendy and her fellow unionists force through an early vote. The SNP boycotts the vote and urges all independence voters to do so. The vote is held and the results are as expected. Alex then goes to the people and asked for a mandate to hold a REAL Scottish referendum. Advantage SNP

Alex follows through on his mandate from the last election manifesto and brings forward a bill to hold the vote in 2010. Parliament controlled by the unionists disagree. Alex then goes to the people and asked for a mandate to hold a REAL Scottish referendum. Advantage SNP

Alex follows through on his mandate from the last election manifesto and brings forward a bill to hold the vote in 2010. Parliament votes in favour of the SNP referendum bill. Advantage SNP

No wonder Labour is panicking.
17

A Friend of Fernando Poo,

, Newington 05/05/2008 14:02:00
I think we should have a referendum on whether to have a referendum.
18

,

05/05/2008 14:25:03
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
19

Jock MacTamson 2,

Highlands 05/05/2008 15:00:16
I suppose this change in Strategy from the Labour party is a response to the recent utter thrashing they received in the elections and in the polls.

The longer they wait the bigger the independence movement will be.

Have you noticed a change in Scottish outlook on Independence ? People who in the past thought it was outside our reach are starting to change their opinions.

Bring it on.
20

ptdoug,

05/05/2008 15:51:46
Labour in meltdown.

Gordon Brown... a dead man walking.

Tories dead certs to win the next UK election.

SNP Governments popularity continues to soar.

Support for Independence at over 40% and rising.

Make no mistake... a "perfect storm" is forming... and Salmond will call the referendum at HIS moment of chosing.

Wendy and Labour are now in sheer panic.... rabbits caught in the headlights... and their call for a snap referendum has nothing to do with Scotlands best interests, and everything to do with saving their own sorry political a*ses and trough guzzling, corrupt lifestyles.

Alex Salmond will ignore them, of course, and strike at the moment of optimum advantage.

The Scottish electorates contempt for Labour will become even more apparent as the next election will show.

The words "Labour" and "oblivion" spring to mind.
21

Pat Scot,

Albernia 05/05/2008 16:13:35
We elected a nationalist party, with independence their declared priority. Let's assume they get a Yes in a referendum in 2010, and get booted out a year later, will the next government proceed apace with the separation?

If they *really* want independence, they should have the referendum this year. This gives them time to process the subsequent steps to independence before they leave office, rather than risk wishy washy negotiations any a unionist successor. Of course, they might get a second term, but it's still a risk.

Thir best hope for support for an early referendum is the Lib Dems. Time for dialogue, folks.
22

steve 1511,

aberdeen 05/05/2008 16:14:40
does wendy get out of cornton vale on day release to acclimatise her back in to the community,how long did she get for taking bungs and breaking the law
23

Gtj,

Dundee 05/05/2008 16:15:35
It is very hard to see how anyone could see Wendy Alexander, or the Labour party as anything other than opportunistic scavengers.

Why would anyone trust these sorry excuses with their vote.
24

Linda,

Edinburgh 05/05/2008 17:49:09
Wendy is petrified of next general election which will see Labour out of office.

With yet higher oil revenues going to a Tory government in London what do you think a referendum on independence result will be?
25

Hebb,

05/05/2008 17:52:12
#14 Ghengis Mcann wrote:

"Braveheart apologists...His Great Smugness...Gnats...
the Smug One...When you have been serious players for long enough to get some real experience...the Gnat balloon...Smuggins...gloating bombast".

Anyone might think that the dwindling band of diehard unionists in this country are not only very bitter but more than a bit panicky now that the new Scottish government has begun delivering on cutting prescription charges, freezing council tax, abolishing student fees, scrapping bridge tolls, saving hospital A&E departments once threatened with closure by Labour etc.

Anyone might think Wendy and her unionist pals were terrified the Scottish Government might continue to make such progress that by 2010 most Scots would understand that this country is quite capable of running its own affairs. Go figure.

It's amazing, but Ghengis did you know that Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland and even tiny little Luxembourg manage to govern themselves with no help from the UK government? The sky hasn't fallen in on them, people have jobs, seem happy enough and society hasn't collapsed.

26

Pat Scot,

05/05/2008 19:11:48
26 Hebb

Your comparison with Ireland falls a bit flat. Whether independence is right or wrong is one point, but whether it did them any good economically was debatable. 50-60 years after independence, it was a union (EEC/EC/EU) that got Ireland back on its feet, despite the earlier years of mismanagement, during which the main parties tried to appear more nationalist than each other, rather than govern competently.

Sadly, Scottish politics is heading in the same direction, prioritising commissions and conversations over issues such as the economy, education, health etc. I have no problem with independence, but I wish that our MSPs would get a grip on what's really important.
27

,

05/05/2008 19:16:39
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
28

dachaidh,

rhu 05/05/2008 19:44:46
Here's how I see it. Labour is buried at the next general election everyone knows that. Wendy may even lose her seat. So how about we call a referendum in Scotland and because the Scots don't want Independance, the result doesn't work for the Nationalists and Labour in Scotland are back on their feet. It's not the best that Gordon Brown would want but at least the Labour camp has a hold of Scotland, if not the rest of the UK. Seems a good idea so long as it doesn't go entirely the opposite way, then poor Wendy may have to start her own party, Independant Party. I don't know.
29

,

05/05/2008 19:46:08
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
30

Wee Fifer,

Edinburgh 05/05/2008 19:55:10
Well, what a surprise from the Labour Party. Anyone would think that Scottish labour want independence. Does that mean that the Scottish parliament can vote a referendum then? I can't see her going through Westminster for that one.
Sideshow, just like her "commission" - so what relevance is Calman's commission now - and what does he think of it?
31

Louisa,

Perth 05/05/2008 19:56:43
Wardog - I hope it does!
Wendy the Gub definitely got gubbed on Channel 4 News tonight.
However, it cannot be good not to have an intelligent opposition to promote intelligent political debate. Even the best athletes need a 'pacemaker' to ensure they produce their best performance. The Scottish government is in dire need of oppositional integrity to enable the SNP to show what they are really made of. Or is Mr Salmond so many light years ahead that he and his party cannot be caught up or out? It is so refreshing to have politicians that do not have petty party politics and resultant baggage dragging them into line - instead the SNP have the entire country of Scotland at heart and soul instead.
32

Jimmy the Pie,

05/05/2008 20:12:35
Stupendous or just plain stupid? Have a guess which described Red Wendy's performance on CH 4+1
She couldn't answer a single question?

It just goes on getting better!

Still think Red Wendy will be next FM Comrade Broon??
33

Jimmy the Pie,

05/05/2008 20:22:04
Is no one going to interview His Lardship, Fatty Foolkes?
I'd be interested in hearing when he realised that a referendum was the way ahead??
Or is he still drowning his sorrows after last weeks elections???
34

Toast,

05/05/2008 20:29:42
I'm not particularly keen on independence at this time but having to choose between SNP and Labour is no contest Alex has my vote.
35

MartinR,

Inverness 05/05/2008 21:06:30
This is perhaps the smartest thing Alexander has done since coming to office: called Salmond's bluff. We're now likely to face a referendum in the near future with three options; the status quo, more powers for the Parliament, full independence. The second option is most likely to win, as polls have shown consistently. This will take independence off the table for at least 30 years, perhaps more. Where does this then leave the SNP and its supporters? Will they accept this settlement, or will they continue to whinge on forums such as this? Brilliant move by Alexander
36

Am Balach,

Isle of Skye 05/05/2008 21:25:47
Martin R

Every time the SNP win an election will be a mandate for an independence referendum. Alex Salmond has said his personal view is that it would be generational. Unfortunately for you it's not up to him.

Anyway, Scotland will win independence in two years' time. The reason is because thousands of activists will strain every sinew to win that vote. Whose going to campaign for the Union? Labour coucillors, Tories and the Orange Lodge? Their campaign will be pathetic. Bring it on!
37

The Former Mr. Angry,

Perth 05/05/2008 21:35:33
So, by the same token Gordon brown is equally cowardly about his ability to hold a much-needed general election and of course that other referendum which was actually promised by Labour and which Brown slithered out of with a nice line in sleight of mouth.

No doubt Wendy will be pulled up for this outburst by her lord and master in London, as more talk about "referendum" will not improve Gordon's stutter. Anyone got a url for the Channel 4 news item?
38

blueguru,

US 05/05/2008 21:35:41
#36 - are you taking the p***? You surely can't be serious. Either that or you are that untried criminal Alexander.
39

democracy,

Scottish Borders 06/05/2008 00:00:49
#14 Ghengis McCant! First of all you only prove to show how uneducated, Unionists are. The 'H' comes after the second 'g' Genghis, and he was a very self confident and self determined individual who conquered not only his intractable subjects but his hostile neighbours as well.If you had lived in those times and said to him "I think our country should be ruled by a foreign nation" he would have taken off your stupid treacherous little head!!
40

democracy,

Scottish Borders 06/05/2008 00:23:52
Why does Bendy Alexander keep making this silly remark, surely she realises the Scottish people know perfectly well it is the unionists who will deny the referendum to the Scottish people if Mr.Salmond was to attempt to put it through parliament.

So he simply will not give the Unionists the opportunity to block it, until HE himself is good and ready.

His perspicacity is well in advance of the sum total the Unionist leaders could ever hope to aspire to!!!
41

Blarney,

linlithgow 06/05/2008 06:03:44
2010 is when it will be, and there is nothing you can do about it.
The next 2 years is going to be so much fun, watching every day the SNP doing well, gaining more and more support, the Unionists panicking and become more and more desperate.
I better go and get a 100kg of popcorn as this is better than the cinema.
HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa
42

megz,

east renfrewshire 06/05/2008 09:29:52
Wendy however is stareing at political oblivion and a return to her job in the Charity Shop in East Renfrewshire.

eh no thanks we already have the muppet twins ken macintosh and jim murphy!

The whole referendum u-turn is just a desperate ploy. There are only 2 reasons i see her doing this.

1. By 2010 there will most likely be a tory government in place in westminster and the choice of independence would be alot more palatable than going through another one of those.

2. If Alex Salmond brings forward the referendum just now and they unionists oppose it they reckon the voters will have fogotton about it by 2011 and still vote for them even though they have been refused a say on their countries determination.

43

megz,

east renfrewshire 06/05/2008 09:35:25
ok i'm going to have to start proof reading for spelling mistakes :(
44

Brahann,

Fife 07/05/2008 13:13:34
Oh Deary Deary Me!!

Quotes from Westminster!

-------------------------------------------------------

The Tory leader quoted Alexander as saying: "I don't fear the verdict of the Scottish people. Bring it on."

"What else could that possibly mean?" he asked.

"Does he agree with Wendy Alexander or not? It's not much leadership if no-one's really following him."

Brown said he believed that "all parties in the House" would "welcome the fact" that the Calman Commission is looking at the issues.

"When we review the progress of the Calman Commission, we can make further decisions," he said.

And he claimed that Alexander was pointing to the "hollowness" of the SNP who said they wanted independence immediately and now want to postpone a referendum until 2011.

-------------------------------------------------------

Nothing like singing from the same Hymn sheet!



45

John PM,

Edinburgh 07/05/2008 16:53:38
Old Toom Tabard was saying in the house of commons that Wendy didn't really call for a referendum on independence she just meant it would be wrong to wait until 2011! Yet the SNP are planning it for 2010.

I think Wendy might get the order of the boot (after all her Scots Labour MP's backed her stance!) very funny stuff.

Labour are a shambles and this hokey cokey on the referendum is bizarre. Labour must now support the SNP's plans in 2010 after the Scottish public have properly discussed independence through the national conversation and after the MacAllman commission has told us just how few powers we can expect from Broon.

Their Braveheartish demands are now embarassing and they just won't wash. Broon has slapped doon Wendy, the head doesn't know what the feet are doing. Labour are on the way out.

 

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