26 thoughts on “Scottish Prism 14th May 2020 – Johnny D & Colette Walker”
Colette if the ISP do not stand in the South of Scotland list we will disenfranchise those people there who feel homeless. IF you were not going to stand here I would likely have spoiled my List ballot. Treat voters in the South like adults please, able to make their own decisions and put their vote where their consciences best place them.
If the SNP don’t want the competition of the ISP they should not have cleaved wholesale to the TRA’s and the SJW’s. Women party members are resigning in numbers from the SNP and they must know this. Yet there is no change. The SNP have brought this on themselves.
You seem to have me blocked on Twitter along with a lot of other Yessers. Shame I used to share much of your opinions on G+ unable to do same now I’m on Twitter
A really good listen, thank you! It was interesting to listen to your guests & I was glad of the extra information re the new 3rd party. I’d like to make one or two points, if I may?
I think we need to stop thinking of another list party as ‘gaming the system’. It ISN’T. It’s a totally legal, but more importantly, a democratic RIGHT, to have parties that represent the people of Scotland. Not all people are SNP but favour Indy. They are ENTITLED to a party that meets their political needs. Particularly at the moment, where both the two present Indy parties are pushing policies that half the population CANNOT get behind. If those people (mostly women) cannot vote SNP, then… we have to face reality. The Indy supporting parties lose THOUSANDS of votes. It would seem that that isn’t important to the SNP & Greens (though to give them the benefit of the doubt, they have other issues on their minds), there seems to be no movement to work on this issue. When both parties are working on a VERY radical policy which takes Rights away from a particular group, which they intend to push through REGARDLESS of the wishes of the people who elected them, I think a third Indy party that will intervene & insist on the principle of voters having a say, is crucial. That’s ISN’T ‘gaming the system’. It’s a 3rd party giving homeless voters a choice – and more critically A VOICE. Why should – why would? – any progressive, forward-thinking, democratic nation – why would ANYONE dispute giving an important part of the population, a say? That just doesn’t make sense to me.
Also… As you rightly pointed out, Roddy, the system was set up to make it difficult for the SNP to EVER manage to become the powerhouse in Scotland. Let’s call a spade a spade – Scottish Parliament was DELIBERATELY set up to make sure only UNIONIST parties had their hands on the Scottish reins and to make sure only UNIONIST policies or policies that BENEFITED unionist parties, would be put in place. It was never about a democratic system put in place to HELP SCOTS. It was done to keep the Scots satisfied with some kind of ‘federal’ governance but ALWAYS with unionists deciding what form that took.
BUT Scotland is now a two state nation. It would seem half still want unionism – BUT HALF THE POPULATION NOW WANT INDEPENDENCE. ScotParl was deliberately set up to have THREE unionist parties as opposed to two Independence supporting parties. ALWAYS the key would be one or other unionist party in the big seat, with two other unionist parties supporting them, and Scotland ALWAYS getting what unionism ALLOWED them to have.
However, SNP managed to ‘beat the system’ in asmuch as they voted in greater numbers for something other than unionism! Purely because that is what Scots decided they wanted! Democracy means that the Indy supporting half of Scotland is JUST AS ENTITLED TO A SAY IN HOW THEIR LIVES ARE AFFECTED BY POLICY. I could understand the unionist population getting annoyed that their power has been taken off them, fighting to get it back & throwing their toys out of the pram because a THIRD party has come along to make sure it’s even harder for them to have their say. I get that.
I don’t JUST DON’T GET why having a third indy party, to balance Indy & unionist seats in Holyrood, is viewed with such anger and hostility by Indy supporters. Yes, SNP ‘beat the system’ once. But in a democracy, no party should have to ‘beat the system’. That shouldn’t be what a democratic, progressive, and forward thinking Parliament is about! As per my first comment, a 3rd party is about balancing Scottish Parliament so that BOTH HALVES OF THE SCOTTISH POPULATION have a voice and a chance to decide on the policies that affect Scotland. Not just policies that WM parties ALLOW US to have.
Rise didn’t get anywhere due to its very radical policies (much as SNP/Green are now trying to shove through. They should take a lesson from Rise!), and – dare I say it! Their not so popular leading members! Sorry but this Indy thing is a fight we have to make (to quote a wonderful movie) and we have to be realistic! With less radical policies & more popular members backing it, I think this new 3rd party stands much more chance of getting somewhere!
tarisgal, your opinion is excellent. The SNP don’t want folk to consider anything other than SNP and are happy for them to throw their votes away voting SNP on the list because firstly they are control freaks and CP’s never want you to do or think your own thing.
Secondly they are extremely scared of people getting any sort of habit or freedom to do anything other than ‘both votes SNP’. What might we do with that freedom? That the ISP might give the Scottish parliament a significant Independent supporting majority is not an issue for them. In the same way that Sturgeon did not even pick up the phone to ring Patrick Harvie last election to explore say the sort of confidence and supply agreement that Green parties across the planet have made in recent years. The NZ Greens do this commonly, it allows them to influence govt policy whilst remaining aloof and able to be critical on other issues as well as perhaps not get quite as much flack as the other coalition parties if the govt is unpopular.
But then coalition govt has a bad name in the UK general and the LibLab administrations at Holyrood were not good examples of the type. We can only hope that iScotland becomes a lot more like other small northern European Social Democracies and a lot less British.
See also our Irish friends on this issue faced with a resurgent third party. They don’t like it up ’em.
I Wish this new Indy awe the very best,and will become a member asap.But a massive education must now begin to help the yes movement and the general public at large on uderstanding how the list vote really works And yes all the big pro Indy voices,wings the dug grousebeater Craig Murray yerself etc really need to act positively and get the new party out there.But more importantly heard and understood. Awe the best.
Tony, you are absolutely correct all of us in the YES family need to come together to make this a success. I agree the blogging community are vital and so is everybody else who learns and spreads the word. This is a huge educational project. The Unionists ensured the voting system was complicated.
Isn’t this going to thin down SNP votes, if so how are we the independance supporters to believe that you guys are not just unionists under the pretence of being for independence? Just a FB group – us Scots have to be suspicious after all we get screwed at every turn – I would hope everyone thinking of joining this new ‘party’ how you are expecting to convince people when we can’t see or meet each of you. I look forward to your answer, thanks
If you think I am in any way a Unionist you have not been paying attention😉😉
Colette and myself were in the same SNP Constituency Association and I can personally vouch for her credentials. Also observe as time gets nearer to polling how the Unionists more than SNP attack this party.
Great interview, I wasn’t convinced about a second list party but now with recent events concerning the SNP Scottish government I’m 100% for it.
One of my previous concerns was understanding the D’Hondt system, very few people do and I think it could be one of the biggest hurdles a list party will face, Collette touched on this in the interview, Indy Scot News did an article a while back which explained it a concise & intuitive way that even I could understand, I think it would be a useful resource on their website when it goes live if they’re not already aware of it
Like a lot of indy-minded folk I have issues with the Scottish Green Party but here in the Highlands will vote for them unless the ISP or another indy list party show in the polls above them. You have a good argument, just worried you might attract a real rocket or two into the new fold. All the best.
This is my first visit here and I found it very interesting. I’ve seen a number of tweets in opposition to a new Indy list party, with variety of reasons given. It seems to make sense in that it will produce a majority of Indy MSPs. It is suggested in the piece that it would be unlikely that Up to 30 – 35 unionist MSPs would be removed from parliament. How many Indy list MSPs do you think would be added? Would it be any more than now with the Greens for example?
On ISP I think there is much suspicion that this group would be pro GRA, which in my opinion from what I’ve read, are causing harm to the Indy movement. ISP should get their policies out as soon as possible to allay any fears, and to let people know what they stand for going forward.
I find your comments regarding ISP and GRA quite bizarre. If you did listen to this podcast the position of the ISP was made very clear by Colette, they are opposed to the GRA Bill as proposed.
Not sure how you get ‘quite bizarre’ from my comments?
I simply mentioned about what I’ve read, there are people who are cautious and ask about what any new list party stands for and need clarity. I merely suggested ISP make their position well known – to everyone – if they are to be successful, as not everyone listens to your podcast.
It’s okay, I get it now. Despite making a comment that I felt to be constructive about ISP, it should have just said how wonderful it was, to be an acceptable comment.
This has been an interesting experience, and despite the enjoyable podcast, I am not encouraged to return.
Thanks for this and thanks for ISP for solving the problem for many who feel disenfrachised. Although I believe you wont be standing in my area. PS. I know I’m being pedantic but please, for the sake of coming across as being electable, please learn when to use did and when to use done. Language is importand and I’d hate to see your leaflets lambasted by the Britnats for grammatical errors.
The D’Hondt system installed by Dewar & Bruce, was deliberately chosen in order to prevent the SNP ever becoming a majority party in Holyrood. (Bruce admitted this on air)
IMO we should have had this ISP many years ago. I think it’s a really good move for Scotland, and will combat the abominable unionist favored voting system we have in the Scottish Parliament. (prevent list unionists walking in to seats)
Plus the added bonus of putting the wind up the current SNP leadership, so they might actually do something regarding Indy.
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Colette if the ISP do not stand in the South of Scotland list we will disenfranchise those people there who feel homeless. IF you were not going to stand here I would likely have spoiled my List ballot. Treat voters in the South like adults please, able to make their own decisions and put their vote where their consciences best place them.
If the SNP don’t want the competition of the ISP they should not have cleaved wholesale to the TRA’s and the SJW’s. Women party members are resigning in numbers from the SNP and they must know this. Yet there is no change. The SNP have brought this on themselves.
Let the voters decide Colette, stand nationally.
Another great informative podcast my friend.I love listening to the show ,I will be voting for ISP as the election comes around.
Scotland needs independence now.
You seem to have me blocked on Twitter along with a lot of other Yessers. Shame I used to share much of your opinions on G+ unable to do same now I’m on Twitter
I blocked you within minutes of you appearing on twitter so unlikely you read or shared anything of mine.
A really good listen, thank you! It was interesting to listen to your guests & I was glad of the extra information re the new 3rd party. I’d like to make one or two points, if I may?
I think we need to stop thinking of another list party as ‘gaming the system’. It ISN’T. It’s a totally legal, but more importantly, a democratic RIGHT, to have parties that represent the people of Scotland. Not all people are SNP but favour Indy. They are ENTITLED to a party that meets their political needs. Particularly at the moment, where both the two present Indy parties are pushing policies that half the population CANNOT get behind. If those people (mostly women) cannot vote SNP, then… we have to face reality. The Indy supporting parties lose THOUSANDS of votes. It would seem that that isn’t important to the SNP & Greens (though to give them the benefit of the doubt, they have other issues on their minds), there seems to be no movement to work on this issue. When both parties are working on a VERY radical policy which takes Rights away from a particular group, which they intend to push through REGARDLESS of the wishes of the people who elected them, I think a third Indy party that will intervene & insist on the principle of voters having a say, is crucial. That’s ISN’T ‘gaming the system’. It’s a 3rd party giving homeless voters a choice – and more critically A VOICE. Why should – why would? – any progressive, forward-thinking, democratic nation – why would ANYONE dispute giving an important part of the population, a say? That just doesn’t make sense to me.
Also… As you rightly pointed out, Roddy, the system was set up to make it difficult for the SNP to EVER manage to become the powerhouse in Scotland. Let’s call a spade a spade – Scottish Parliament was DELIBERATELY set up to make sure only UNIONIST parties had their hands on the Scottish reins and to make sure only UNIONIST policies or policies that BENEFITED unionist parties, would be put in place. It was never about a democratic system put in place to HELP SCOTS. It was done to keep the Scots satisfied with some kind of ‘federal’ governance but ALWAYS with unionists deciding what form that took.
BUT Scotland is now a two state nation. It would seem half still want unionism – BUT HALF THE POPULATION NOW WANT INDEPENDENCE. ScotParl was deliberately set up to have THREE unionist parties as opposed to two Independence supporting parties. ALWAYS the key would be one or other unionist party in the big seat, with two other unionist parties supporting them, and Scotland ALWAYS getting what unionism ALLOWED them to have.
However, SNP managed to ‘beat the system’ in asmuch as they voted in greater numbers for something other than unionism! Purely because that is what Scots decided they wanted! Democracy means that the Indy supporting half of Scotland is JUST AS ENTITLED TO A SAY IN HOW THEIR LIVES ARE AFFECTED BY POLICY. I could understand the unionist population getting annoyed that their power has been taken off them, fighting to get it back & throwing their toys out of the pram because a THIRD party has come along to make sure it’s even harder for them to have their say. I get that.
I don’t JUST DON’T GET why having a third indy party, to balance Indy & unionist seats in Holyrood, is viewed with such anger and hostility by Indy supporters. Yes, SNP ‘beat the system’ once. But in a democracy, no party should have to ‘beat the system’. That shouldn’t be what a democratic, progressive, and forward thinking Parliament is about! As per my first comment, a 3rd party is about balancing Scottish Parliament so that BOTH HALVES OF THE SCOTTISH POPULATION have a voice and a chance to decide on the policies that affect Scotland. Not just policies that WM parties ALLOW US to have.
Rise didn’t get anywhere due to its very radical policies (much as SNP/Green are now trying to shove through. They should take a lesson from Rise!), and – dare I say it! Their not so popular leading members! Sorry but this Indy thing is a fight we have to make (to quote a wonderful movie) and we have to be realistic! With less radical policies & more popular members backing it, I think this new 3rd party stands much more chance of getting somewhere!
Anyway – that’s my opinion, for what its worth… 😉
Thanks for your insight and comment Tarisgirl I agree with your thoughts and sentiment.
tarisgal, your opinion is excellent. The SNP don’t want folk to consider anything other than SNP and are happy for them to throw their votes away voting SNP on the list because firstly they are control freaks and CP’s never want you to do or think your own thing.
Secondly they are extremely scared of people getting any sort of habit or freedom to do anything other than ‘both votes SNP’. What might we do with that freedom? That the ISP might give the Scottish parliament a significant Independent supporting majority is not an issue for them. In the same way that Sturgeon did not even pick up the phone to ring Patrick Harvie last election to explore say the sort of confidence and supply agreement that Green parties across the planet have made in recent years. The NZ Greens do this commonly, it allows them to influence govt policy whilst remaining aloof and able to be critical on other issues as well as perhaps not get quite as much flack as the other coalition parties if the govt is unpopular.
But then coalition govt has a bad name in the UK general and the LibLab administrations at Holyrood were not good examples of the type. We can only hope that iScotland becomes a lot more like other small northern European Social Democracies and a lot less British.
See also our Irish friends on this issue faced with a resurgent third party. They don’t like it up ’em.
I Wish this new Indy awe the very best,and will become a member asap.But a massive education must now begin to help the yes movement and the general public at large on uderstanding how the list vote really works And yes all the big pro Indy voices,wings the dug grousebeater Craig Murray yerself etc really need to act positively and get the new party out there.But more importantly heard and understood. Awe the best.
Tony, you are absolutely correct all of us in the YES family need to come together to make this a success. I agree the blogging community are vital and so is everybody else who learns and spreads the word. This is a huge educational project. The Unionists ensured the voting system was complicated.
Sounds like a plan 😉 theyve got me on womens rights. Well done guys x
Interested to hear more, including the policies of this new party.
Isn’t this going to thin down SNP votes, if so how are we the independance supporters to believe that you guys are not just unionists under the pretence of being for independence? Just a FB group – us Scots have to be suspicious after all we get screwed at every turn – I would hope everyone thinking of joining this new ‘party’ how you are expecting to convince people when we can’t see or meet each of you. I look forward to your answer, thanks
If you think I am in any way a Unionist you have not been paying attention😉😉
Colette and myself were in the same SNP Constituency Association and I can personally vouch for her credentials. Also observe as time gets nearer to polling how the Unionists more than SNP attack this party.
Did you even listen to the podcast? This will take seats from the Unionists on the List, not SNP.
Oops *I would hope everyone thinking of joining this new ‘party’ will investigate thoroughly.*
You do not have to join to vote and remove Unionist seat warmers from Holyrood.
Great interview, I wasn’t convinced about a second list party but now with recent events concerning the SNP Scottish government I’m 100% for it.
One of my previous concerns was understanding the D’Hondt system, very few people do and I think it could be one of the biggest hurdles a list party will face, Collette touched on this in the interview, Indy Scot News did an article a while back which explained it a concise & intuitive way that even I could understand, I think it would be a useful resource on their website when it goes live if they’re not already aware of it
https://web.archive.org/web/20190330155751/https://indyscotnews.com/holyrood-elections-voting-system-a-discussion/
Like a lot of indy-minded folk I have issues with the Scottish Green Party but here in the Highlands will vote for them unless the ISP or another indy list party show in the polls above them. You have a good argument, just worried you might attract a real rocket or two into the new fold. All the best.
When will their website be up and running?
This is my first visit here and I found it very interesting. I’ve seen a number of tweets in opposition to a new Indy list party, with variety of reasons given. It seems to make sense in that it will produce a majority of Indy MSPs. It is suggested in the piece that it would be unlikely that Up to 30 – 35 unionist MSPs would be removed from parliament. How many Indy list MSPs do you think would be added? Would it be any more than now with the Greens for example?
On ISP I think there is much suspicion that this group would be pro GRA, which in my opinion from what I’ve read, are causing harm to the Indy movement. ISP should get their policies out as soon as possible to allay any fears, and to let people know what they stand for going forward.
A good listen, made lots of sense.
I find your comments regarding ISP and GRA quite bizarre. If you did listen to this podcast the position of the ISP was made very clear by Colette, they are opposed to the GRA Bill as proposed.
Not sure how you get ‘quite bizarre’ from my comments?
I simply mentioned about what I’ve read, there are people who are cautious and ask about what any new list party stands for and need clarity. I merely suggested ISP make their position well known – to everyone – if they are to be successful, as not everyone listens to your podcast.
Bizarre because you refer to tweets and a’in the piece’it was, a podcast and Colette could not have made her Party’s position more clear.
It’s okay, I get it now. Despite making a comment that I felt to be constructive about ISP, it should have just said how wonderful it was, to be an acceptable comment.
This has been an interesting experience, and despite the enjoyable podcast, I am not encouraged to return.
Thanks for this and thanks for ISP for solving the problem for many who feel disenfrachised. Although I believe you wont be standing in my area. PS. I know I’m being pedantic but please, for the sake of coming across as being electable, please learn when to use did and when to use done. Language is importand and I’d hate to see your leaflets lambasted by the Britnats for grammatical errors.
The D’Hondt system installed by Dewar & Bruce, was deliberately chosen in order to prevent the SNP ever becoming a majority party in Holyrood. (Bruce admitted this on air)
IMO we should have had this ISP many years ago. I think it’s a really good move for Scotland, and will combat the abominable unionist favored voting system we have in the Scottish Parliament. (prevent list unionists walking in to seats)
Plus the added bonus of putting the wind up the current SNP leadership, so they might actually do something regarding Indy.
I’m behind you all the way to Indy.