A chara, – Despite having lived in Edinburgh for a number of years, being married to a Scotsman and a regular visitor there, I have no idea how the Scots should vote in Thursday’s referendum.
We in Ireland should not make the mistake of imposing our ideas of nationalism on Scotland. Many Scots see no contradiction in considering themselves both proudly Scottish and proudly British. Many in the older generation will vote No to independence not because they fear change but because they do not want to give up their British identity and the ties forged through two World Wars. But for many of the younger generation, being part of the UK merely means being ruled by English Conservatives in London, regardless of the fact that the Scots don’t tend to vote Tory.
If they vote Yes, despite the dire warnings of the political and corporate establishment, they will do so because they want to be masters of their own destiny. Those of us used to the limitations of parliamentary democracy might consider their aspirations to be a little naive but we can only admire their passion.
Whatever the outcome of Thursday’s historic vote, it will be the right decision for Scotland because it will be made by the Scottish people themselves. We wish them well. – Is mise,
KAY CHALMERS,
Douglas,
Cork.
Sir, – In its promotional information the Royal Bank of Scotland states that, “We put our customers’ needs first. We will listen and then help you find solutions that meet your needs. We are there whenever you need help. We will take personal responsibility when you need support from us. We are fair and honest.”
Strange then that it would announce a move to London should Scotland vote Yes.
It would seem that the help and support about which it boasts is to be extended to all countries except its own – the very one included in its title. – Yours, etc,
CHARLIE McGEEVER,
Derrycastle,
Ballina,
Co Tipperary.
Sir, – Once more, Diarmaid Ferriter gives a lead in an area of some importance ("Scottish referendum issues need response in Republic", Opinion & Analysis, September 13th). – Yours, etc,
ANTHONY J JORDAN,
Gilford Road,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – I am not too sure that Diarmuid Ferriter is right when he advises that “a senior Irish politician ... should respond to the issues the [Scottish] referendum raises”. As he said himself “context, perspective and reality” demonstrate that Scotland has a different history. Pontificating from us about what happened here in different times is, therefore, the last thing that is needed in a knife-edge referendum.
For example bragging that “the Free State achieved political stability and implemented an independent foreign policy”, while true, was highly conditional on neither Hitler or Stalin gaining the upper hand in Europe in the second World War. Our independence would not have lasted half an hour if either of those ruthless totalitarians had taken over Europe.
If that had happened, and their political descendants were still in power, there would be no EU of 28 democracies to which a free Scotland could apply for membership.
The different context, perspective and reality, therefore, indicate that we would be better advised to leave the Scots to decide their own future. – Yours, etc,
ANTHONY LEAVY,
Shielmartin Drive,
Sutton,
Dublin 13.
Sir, – Will the UK become the SK (split kingdom)? – Yours, etc,
DAPHNE GUTHRIE,
Kilmeena,
Westport,
Co Mayo.
Sir, – I have heard it asked in the run-up to the Scottish referendum whether Scotland’s people will vote with their heads or their hearts. Thus suggesting one could only vote Yes with one’s heart and not one’s head and vice versa.
Should Scotland choose to vote Yes on Thursday, I believe it will do so with both the head and the heart. – Yours, etc,
RÓISÍN LAWLESS,
Ráth Chairn,
Áth Buí,
Co na Mí.
Sir, – All this talk about the Scottish independence vote going down to the wire is utter rubbish. Take no notice of the recent polls showing the Yes and No sides running neck and neck. Mark my words,this referendum is not too close to call; the Scots will vote overwhelmingly to remain part of the union. They may be brave but they ain’t stupid! – Yours, etc,
PAUL DELANEY,
Beacon Hill,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – As a Scot married to an Irishman, living happily in Ireland these past 35 years, it surprises me to hear Irish citizens espousing the unionist position. It is an inexpressible pleasure to live here in a sovereign state, where citizens have the right to govern themselves.
Apart from the important issues of Scotland’s separate and distinct identity and culture, there has long been a democratic deficit. Scotland is currently ruled by a Conservative Westminster government, having elected only a single Conservative MP out of a possible 59.
Lack of autonomy infantilises a people. It is time for Scotland to leave home, and grow up. This will take courage. I wish Scotland good luck in finally taking charge of its own affairs. – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA STEWART,
Stable Lane,
Crofton Terrace,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Regardless of the outcome of this week’s Scottish Referendum, Scotland is on an irreversible path to independence. David Curran (September 13th) asks “if not now, when?” No time like the present, I suggest. As Macbeth says, “if it were done when ‘tis done, then ’twere well it were done quickly”. – Yours, etc,
PJ McDERMOTT,
Sheeaune,
Westport, Co Mayo.