YOUR columnist Mr McKenna writes in yesterday’s column, “the biggest threat to a pro-indy majority comes the SNP leadership’s intended procedure” (Here’s what needs to happen if Yes division truly are to be healed, March 24). This of course is totally inaccurate as it is patently obvious that the sideline sniping at the Scottish Government by the likes of McKenna are what directly endangers our independence. If we stand united we win; divided, we fall.
Independence is not politics. My political views or those of McKenna, or any other personal credos any of us may have, are as nothing compared to the removal of the London succubus from our country. Our views on monarchy, a people’s proletarian republic, transvestites, BAME, LBGT or whatever “ism” floats our boat are as nothing compared to our independence. Such things are to be addressed by an independent Scottish legislature.
READ MORE: Kevin McKenna: Here’s what needs to happen if Yes divisions truly are to be healed
I am a passionate nationalist, and I am a member of the SNP for two reasons only: I am Scots and the SNP is the only organisation which can deliver independence. I know, as anyone with more than air between the ears should know, that pushing for a referendum without a solid SNP majority in our parliament and the backing of other independence-minded parties is a non-starter.
We should also understand that pushing for a referendum before independence attracts a steady percentage in the high fifties is futile. Face uncomfortable facts, people. I am desperate to hold my Scottish passport; as I am now 83 this seems to be unlikely. The answer is: keep the heid, and we will win.
R Mill Irving
Gifford, East Lothian
IT seems Kevin McKenna no longer wishes to hide the deep-fried tattie on his shoulder as he joins kindred socialist Jackie Baillie in condemning all things labelled SNP. Although I am not a member of the SNP, it is apparent from recent events that changes in its operational structure are overdue, with clear separation of political and executive roles necessary as membership continues to grow.
At the same time the SNP must strive to win an overall majority on May 6, which will be more likely if it can be considered to be genuinely representing a broad range of independence views across the Yes movement, as a pre-cursor to successfully fighting the next Scottish independence referendum at an early date.
READ MORE: Do UK media presenters have to prove pro-Union credentials to be hired?
It may make Kevin feel good to offload some vitriol but such “conduct” aimed at the only party that can effectively deliver self-determination for Scotland hardly encourages the level of professional respect and coordination across the movement that he appears to desire.
Is it too much to hope that in the coming weeks Kevin can harness his considerable talents to positively and constructively help to focus the diverse strands of the Yes movement on common goals rather than seek to exploit perceived divisions that will favour the aims of the Conservative and Unionist Party?
Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian
SADLY there are no surprises in Kevin McKenna’s latest “contribution” to the independence debate and no evidence that the “healing” in his headline will benefit from reduced output of bile.
Just like his mentors in Qanon – whose appointed date with destiny in early March didn’t happen, so they decided they just got the wrong date and would carry on regardless – their man at The National ploughs the same corrosive furrow as before.
His latest is laden with the contradiction and irony that are his hallmarks. A few paragraphs after referring to those who do not share his views as “glove puppets” he proposes that the “First Minister’s acolytes” desist from name-calling.
Try leading by example, Kevin.
There can be no doubt that the Unionists, including some strange bedfellows, were galvanised into an attack on what – or more accurately, who – they see as independence’s strongest force. United by the “my enemy’s, enemy” philosophy no doubt.
Independence will be achieved by nothing short of unity so please Kevin, and those fellow travellers, put away your sniper blunderbusses and lend a hand.
Archie Drummond
Tillicoultry
TO say I couldn’t wait to read what Kevin McKenna’s take was on the two “reports” is a huge understatement, and to be fair I was slightly disappointed in that he didn’t mention where he was building the gallows. With the huge disappointment at the outcome of the Hamilton report, the time and place of the hanging must have slipped his independent mind.
I suppose that may come in chapter two from Kenny MacAskill, let’s wait and see. For me it’s just getting on with trying to pursued people to vote for the ONLY party and PARTY LEADER that is going to get us another chance at an INDEPENDENCE referendum.
Ken McCartney
Hawick
IN yesterday’s National Kevin McKenna advises (via a third party) Nicola Sturgeon to, “cease with her piety: admit her shortcomings and failures and listen to real concerns.” I would suggest to Kevin, as he himself is someone who fairly recently came to support independence, that he should demonstrate some piety, especially when addressing our First Minister who has spent her entire adult (and even younger) life fighting for independence. I think a bit of humility from Kevin is advised.
Andrew Sanders
Glasgow
WEEK after week Kevin McKenna slags off the SNP. He knows they are the only vehicle that can take us to a referendum and independence. He also knows there is an election in a few weeks’ time in order to make that possible. He also claims to support independence. His position makes absolutely no sense at all.
Alasdair Forbes
Farr, Inverness-shire
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