WHEN Fife MSP Annabelle Ewing was accidentally tagged in a post by WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley last month, most of us thought that was probably the most bizarre Scottish politics would get this year.
But last night there was another surprise intervention in the nation’s political debate, when a Monty Python legend went on an anti-Tory Twitter tirade – targeting none other than former Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw.
Comedian Eric Idle spent a few hours responding to people’s questions on Twitter. In the wide-ranging Q&A he reflected on his time in Monty Python, highlighted some of his favourite songs, and indicated he backs Scottish independence.
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Idle retweeted a post from Carlaw which read: “The pro-Union vote is powerful. By splitting it, we give that power to the nationalists. Use you vote for the Scottish Conservatives, as the biggest pro-Union party, to deny the nationalists a majority in May. It’s that simple.”
The actor added simply: “Go f*** yourself. It’s easier.”
When he was challenged on the comments by one Twitter user, he replied: “You are supporting the Union? Really? We’re all hoping to join the Scots in Europe!”
You are supporting the Union? Really? We’re all hoping to join the Scots in Europe! https://t.co/YV9pde9iKf
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) March 19, 2021
Idle also retweeted a post from Chris McLean which said: “Never been a fan of separatist movements. Until this shower of a government started the destruction of the UK for populist appeasement. I say, more power to Scotland, and would love to go with them.”
Later, Idle reflected on the state of the Union. “We have four, or did. England, Wales, Ireland (only Northern left) and Scotland,” he wrote. “This bunch of illegitimate faced b***** folk, disgracefully and maliciously took us out of Europe. F****** Farage, Johnson, arseholes all…”
The comedy legend was asked how he would vote in a referendum if he lived in Scotland. The user told him: “We just want away from the nutjobs in Westminster.”
Idle responded: “We all want that.”
Independence supporters were amazed by Idle’s comments. “Eric Idle was already a hero but Eric Idle tweeting in support of Scottish independence is on an entirely different level,” Dr Neil Gibson posted.
“Have to say, never thought it would be free to watch Eric Idle tell Jackson Carlaw to go f*** himself,” another user added.
Jack Witts wrote: “Eric Idle going in on the Scottish Tories is exactly what I needed as I sat down to my first beer of the weekend. Thank you, squire. Hope you have a marvellous weekend.”
Eric Idle going in on the Scottish Tories is exactly what I needed as I sat down to my first beer of the weekend. Thank you, squire. Hope you have a marvellous weekend.
— Jack Witts (@jackfrankwitts) March 19, 2021
“I hope Carlaw is looking on the Bright Side ... at least he’s been retweeted by Eric Idle,” Iain Robertson joked.
He’s not the Messiah....... pic.twitter.com/CJi5X6Xknf
— Christina McKelvie (@ChristinaSNP) March 19, 2021
Idle’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life is surely an eternal message for those of us in the independence movement.
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