Get out and vote!
Whatever way you look at it, the elections in a few
days time on Thursday, May 3 have to be the
most potentially momentous
for years. As such, it is important that
everyone who has a vote exercises their right and has a say in the make up of
the next Scottish Parliament and the new Aberdeenshire Council.
On the evidence of current polls, it looks like the
SNP will become the largest party in the new Scottish Parliament. But, of
course, it is unlikely that they will have an overall majority, so the race will
be on to see who actually forms the Scottish Government.
Will it be a minority SNP or Labour administration, or will two parties team up to form a coalition?
If the SNP do take control, they have said that they will go for a referendum in 2010 to seek a mandate to negotiate the re-establishment of Scotland as an independent nation state.
I suspect some people who will vote SNP at this election may not be died-in-the-wool independence-seekers. Many will be simply keen to see a change from the current Lib Lab coalition and perhaps registering a protest vote against Tony Blair and the Labour Government at Westminster (a dubious ploy, some would say).
Who will rule the Scottish Parliament after Thursday?
Again, playing the "what if?" game, if the SNP do form the Scottish Government, I think the intervening three years will be absolutely critical to the continuance of the United Kingdom.
If the British Government in Westminster is seen to be resisting or thwarting Scotland's ambitions over the next four years it will build up frustration in the Scottish electorate to a point where it would bolster the potential independence vote in 2010.
Independence has to be the most momentous political decision our nation would make since the Union of the Parliaments in 1707. This election could help set the entire course of our nation in the 21st Century. So, get out and make sure your voice is heard!
By comparison, the council elections may seem "small beer".
But the way Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Councils operate has a considerable effect on our every day lives and - with a dramatic change to proportional representation the make up of our councils will be very different after Thursday.
There really will be everything to play for and our votes on Thursday will decide the political colour of our very different council chambers.
Everyone loves to complain about council services. But, if you don't carry out your democratic duty to elect our local government, some would say you should forfeit your right to complain afterwards!
With three votes on one day - (1) Scottish Parliament Constituency (2) Scottish Parliament list and (3) local council - there are three good reasons to make sure you go to the polling station.
Don't make this a vote for apathy.
Search, compare and choose out of three million products from 600 retailers without leaving your computer!
Will it be a minority SNP or Labour administration, or will two parties team up to form a coalition?
If the SNP do take control, they have said that they will go for a referendum in 2010 to seek a mandate to negotiate the re-establishment of Scotland as an independent nation state.
I suspect some people who will vote SNP at this election may not be died-in-the-wool independence-seekers. Many will be simply keen to see a change from the current Lib Lab coalition and perhaps registering a protest vote against Tony Blair and the Labour Government at Westminster (a dubious ploy, some would say).
Who will rule the Scottish Parliament after Thursday?
Again, playing the "what if?" game, if the SNP do form the Scottish Government, I think the intervening three years will be absolutely critical to the continuance of the United Kingdom.
If the British Government in Westminster is seen to be resisting or thwarting Scotland's ambitions over the next four years it will build up frustration in the Scottish electorate to a point where it would bolster the potential independence vote in 2010.
Independence has to be the most momentous political decision our nation would make since the Union of the Parliaments in 1707. This election could help set the entire course of our nation in the 21st Century. So, get out and make sure your voice is heard!
By comparison, the council elections may seem "small beer".
But the way Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Councils operate has a considerable effect on our every day lives and - with a dramatic change to proportional representation the make up of our councils will be very different after Thursday.
There really will be everything to play for and our votes on Thursday will decide the political colour of our very different council chambers.
Everyone loves to complain about council services. But, if you don't carry out your democratic duty to elect our local government, some would say you should forfeit your right to complain afterwards!
With three votes on one day - (1) Scottish Parliament Constituency (2) Scottish Parliament list and (3) local council - there are three good reasons to make sure you go to the polling station.
Don't make this a vote for apathy.
Search, compare and choose out of three million products from 600 retailers without leaving your computer!
Posted: Thu - April 26, 2007 at 10:10 AM
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Published On: Apr 26, 2007 12:08 PM
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Published On: Apr 26, 2007 12:08 PM