NOW that the “dust has settled” after another General Election, I must say there are still many questions for the SNP hierarchy to answer.

One notable question I wish to raise is simply: “Why did I, and many other critical observers of the SNP, perceive that the party was nowhere near being politically ‘streetwise’ or ready to take on many of the negative events that unfolded well before the General Election and during the six weeks in the lead-up to July 4?”

It was clear to many politically savvy voters that there was no coherent message unifying people under a common goal – no wow factor whatsoever! I’m assuming this passive political stance, with an unimpressively less concentrated focus on Scottish independence or a rallying call of a desperate need to vote was not a deliberate one!

Therefore, my immediate attention turns to the special advisers to the SNP hierarchy plus the campaign strategists! Who are they? How much money did the party pay out for this failed group of people to provide such feeble political direction and advice?? Have they been removed pronto immediately after that dreadful result for the SNP?

If it is to be believed that the party is “short of finance” and has been for a while, could this be a factor in them not having/affording the proper politically “streetwise” advisors and strategists to deal with such a well-financed political assault on Scotland by the Labour Party, where one could quickly interpret the main messages being conveyed by Labour strategists – “change” and “bring down the Tories”?

Also does the SNP/Scottish Government have a proper “rebuttal unit” to deal with the continuous criticisms and bad-mouthing that is being orchestrated by the usual complicit pro-Union press and media suspects who regularly cross the Scottish Border from England to peddle their SNP/Scottish Government-bad drivel ad nauseam.

This is all part of a bigger long-term political strategy deployed by pro-Union collaborators in my humble opinion. Hence, no more being a political punch bag please – time to get wise, reset and most importantly “get a grip” because these morons are coming for you in the next phase leading up to the Scottish election in 2026!

Bernie Japs
Edinburgh

JUDGING by the amount of finger-pointing and blaming from a whole number of prominent SNP members since the election, I am beginning to think that it will be impossible for the SNP to rebuild confidence before the 2026 Scottish election.

The anti-SNP media will have a whole bundle of ex-MPs and others from whom to seek criticism of whoever leads the SNP – the successors to Jim Sillars and Alex Neil.

This will go on until the Scottish election, encouraged and supported by the anti-independence media.

Maybe it’s time for the SNP to resign from government and call an election. Let’s see how Scottish Labour cope with the cuts imposed by UK Labour.

The splits that are happening now within the SNP are the splits many anticipated would happen after independence.

There are about 18 months for the SNP to put their house in order and regain the confidence of the electorate. I cannot see that happening.

David Howie
Dunblane

WATCHING the award of a penalty to England against the Netherlands reminds me of spectating football in my youth.

If any “Old Firm” side were playing against, say for example, St Mirren or Dunfermline, and not winning, with a quarter-hour to go, a penalty or scoring position free kick would be awarded to the “Old Firm” side.

I didn’t expect the same in such a high-level game as Wednesday night’s.

Drew Reid
Falkirk