One consequence of the SNP's relatively strong polling figures is that the independence debate is getting more serious attention than it has for many years. Former Foreign Office adviser to Robin Cook, David Clark, is the latest to weigh in on the issue in Wednesday's Guardian. In a provocative piece he sets out the costs of independence for both Scotland and England and suggests that if we ever came close to a referendum on the union the SNP's arguments would "crumble under scrutiny".
One favourite is the 'Ireland' card - the notion that an independent Scotland could emulate the Republic of Ireland by slashing Corporation tax to increase investment. As Clark points out:
"But Ireland also has the second-lowest levels of public spending in the OECD - 34% of GDP. Scotland has one of the highest, at more than 50%. No amount of oil wealth could bridge this gap. For Scotland to emulate Ireland's "Celtic tiger" model would require an assault on public services far more brutal than anything inflicted by Margaret Thatcher"
Another SNP shibboleth, the idea that Scotland would take its place on the world stage as a proud and independent nation, is given similarly short thrift by Clark:
"Anyone hoping to make an impact on the global debates about the environment, trade and the war on terror would be in for a shock. Accustomed to the status and power conferred on them as part of the UK, most Scots can barely comprehend how marginal they would become"
As a former Labour adviser of course I'm sure his views will be dismissed by some Nationalists but they'll have to do better than that is they are to counter these astute observations on the likely impact of independence.
Whatever your politics have a great New Year and a prosperous and enjoyable 2007!
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