A big day for Scotland
As a former Politics student I find elections fascinating and today’s elections in Scotland are of enormous importance. Polls show that the SNP (whose core objective is Scottish independence) have been consistently the most popular party for a number months now. The extremely balanced, mixed system of PR here will definitely mean no party will be able to form a government on its own, so the questions to be resolved are, who will be the main party in a coalition ( Labour or SNP) and which of the smaller parties (Lib Dems and Tories) will link with them. Could we see an SNP-led government, or perhaps the “unthinkable” Tory/Labour coalition? The Lib dems are much more likely to be “coalition friendly”, as they were in the last government. Then there will be the role of the third tier parties, from the Greens, to Scottish Socialists ( not forgetting the ever-colurful Tommy Sheridan and Solidarity). Together they may have enough votes to have a major influence, but will they actualy seek government positions?
As a business owner, as well as personal preferences, I also have to concern myself with the likely economic effect of the election, and I guess my main concern is what my customers and potential customers will think of an outcome which might mean an SNP led government. Will that be seen as anti-English for example - and 75% of my clients are English.
It has not been an easy voting decision for many people, and I know some will decide not to vote. I love elections, so I will definitely vote, but with less than unbridled enthusiasm for my choice. (A choice by the way which I am not going to reveal here.)
This morning I noted a poll in the Scotsman which reported that 83% of people thought Scotland would be a better place after today. I just hope the majority are right - buut as a student of politics I can confirm that majorities, especially in polls, are not always reliable in their judgement. Watch this space.
Robert Kidd is a founding director with his wife