Jim Sillars and Michael Forsyth grilled by young Scots – and Glenn Campbell

Neither Jim Sillars nor Michael Forsyth are representative of the core positions of YES and No.

They in fact hold certain core views in common, e.g. on Europe and on currency, and this led to Jim Sillars having to avoid making the easy point  that independence isn’t the main threat to our EU membership - the UK government is.

Forsyth confined himself to repeating key Better Together soundbytes, but this could not conceal the gaping contradictions on his position on tax, on EU, on currency and on Scotland's ability to go it alone.

It ended in an atmosphere of consensus on the Margo dictum - "We're all still Scots after the vote", but a sour note was then injected by a No voter in the audience, who raised anti-English fears, which she laid at the door of YES. The Better Together young ‘uns have got the lingo off pat!

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An English MP from a minority party - George Galloway - debates with Jim Sillars on Newsnight Scotland special

George Galloway puts himself about as energetically as ever. MP for the English constituency of Bradford, and therefore an English MP (a description at which he takes great offence!) and leader of a minority party, Respect, he seems to find his constituency and Westminster duties so undemanding that he finds loads of time to tour Scotland campaigning against independence – not exactly a minister without portfolio but more opportunist with a carpetbag.

On this second of the Newsnicht specials, he and Jim Sillars are interviewed by three of BBC Scotland’s finest – Isabel Fraser, Gary Robertson and Laura Bicker, BBC network news correspondent based in Scotland who will be part of the new team for Scotland 2014, Newsnight’s replacement for the Referendum.

What can one usefully say about Galloway? He is unfailingly entertaining, the more so since he has lost any real relevance he ever had to British politics, and this doubtless explain the “thousands – thousands – who pay to hear me speak!”, as he boasts vaingloriously here.

In this intimate studio session, he fails to adapt his mass meeting style – loud blustering, hectoring – and totally inappropriate to such a setting – and trots out all the old rhetorical tricks, failed mantras and soundbytes in his trademark style of faux internationalist socialism that is as dead as the dodo. (It is now the stock-in-trade of the right-wing Labour Party that replaced the People’s Party around 1951, and achieved its apotheosis under Blair, Brown and Mandelson.)

Galloway is not only wrong, he “is wrong at the top of his voice”.

Jim Sillars retains his calm, and his considerable dignity in the face of Galloway’s Monkland’s Labour-backroom-style interruptions and attempts at point-scoring, and wins hands down in intellectual terms. Sillars’ reputation is secure in Scotland, as is his place in Scotland’s history. Galloway, in contrast, will be a footnote in UK history.

He can, of course, aspire to replace Tony Benn as a national treasure of the Old Left, to be patronised by people he affects to despise, but I think the affection quotient for this politician - who squandered his formidable oratorical talents in my view - will be sadly lacking.

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One day’s tweets, RTs and links – and it ain’t over yet …

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Tweets

1. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1m

   @FewArePict I do my best, as do thousand's of YES supporters. Get the fact out, the buttons on - buttonhole the voters!

    

3. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 3m

   No independence movement can afford to be bland, blinkered, bashful or blasé - or it's buggered ...

    

5. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 7m

   @FewArePict 307 years of UK propaganda, Labour blatant lies and compliant media are bound to influence many against logic, Debra. Info, info

    

7. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 9m

   Pete Ramand and James Foley have produced a formidably insightful analysis of core dynamic of Scottish referendum http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/23/scotland-labour-traditions-yes-vote-independence … …

    

9. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 12m

   @1982Nick No, I don't - it's here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/9728171/Poll-72-per-cent-of-businesses-oppose-Scottish-separation.html …

    

11. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 15m

    @hannada39 Yes, it's critically different: this time the people have real power - for 15 hours on 15th September 2014 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pOHfkKI52M …

     

13. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 17m

    The key referendum issue is increasingly becoming the have-nots (and those who care about them) versus the haves - the I'm Alright UK Jocks.

     

15. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 20m

    @SovereignSadie Means what it says, Anne - policies such as NATO, monarchy, economy and military that mainly targeted that demographic group

     

17. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 22m

    GUARDIAN: "A hardcore of Scotland is rich, authoritarian, or militarist" - "Salmond's team has sacrificed far too much to them already"

     

19. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 23m

    @1982Nick Have a look at the polls for their impact. It may not have surprised you, but it seems to have escaped YES strategic planners.

     

21. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 26m

    Guardian: "A hardcore of Scotland is rich, authoritarian, or militarist; where these households vote yes, they are statistical flukes"

     

23. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 29m

    GUARDIAN:"For decades, poorest voters, most dependent on govmnt aid, have seen constitutional change as better guarantee .. than Labour vote

     

25. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 32m

    GUARDIAN:"Contrary to views of many Labour supporters, .. referendum is not about blood and soil separatism" It's about "societal divisions"

     

27. Pat Kane ‏@thoughtland 37m

    .@KennyFarq will it have same will-sapping Unionist misinfo, vacuous Cal-Max lifestyle options, + underpowered cultural punditry as usual?

    Retweeted by Peter Curran

     

28. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 36m

    @KennyFarq @EddieBarnes23 @scotonsunday It's come out unequivocally for YES, Kenny? I'm delighted ...

     

30. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 37m

    Scot.SocialAttitudes Survey: Wealthy Scots are resolutely hostile, 72% of business leaders are hostile to independence. And morally bankrupt

     

32. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 40m

    SSAS survey shows strong correlation between a YES and social class. 40% of households earning under £14,300 are likely to vote YES. YES!

     

34. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 42m

    Yes is . keeping what remains of social democratic decency. Scot Labour traditions are real battleground for YES vote http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/23/scotland-labour-traditions-yes-vote-independence …

     

36. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 45m

    Dolina said it all http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io81u0wC9xI … Jim Sillars says Carpe diem! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pOHfkKI52M … . and Brian Wilson of 7-84? Lost in UK fantasy

     

38. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 50m

    Sillars sees that Scottish Left, lost for a century in an international socialist UK dream, will hold real power for 15 hrs only on 15 Sept.

     

39. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 58m

    "One-fifth of Scots households below basic income level" A national disgrace, directly attributable to 3 UK parties http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/one-fifth-of-scots-households-below-basic-income-level.23256880 …

     

40. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    Scot.Sec.Alistair Carmichael is accused of doing too little on sex abuse allegations while he was Lib Dem chief whip http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/carmichael-accused-of-inaction-over-lib-dem-claims-1-3280694 …

     

41. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @moridura I should make it clear on my last tweet that I meant that the Telegraph was owned by the Barclay Bros - not Johann Lamont MSP

     

42. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    How the Telegraph, Johann's favourite paper, owned by the Barclay Brothers, handles the Ryder Cup expenses rubbish http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10593197/Alex-Salmond-rejects-luxury-hotel-spending-criticism-as-ridiculous-frippery.html …

     

44. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    "Yes vote could be making of right wing in Scotland" Only the intelligent centre-right. Bonehead right is UK-fixated http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/a-yes-vote-could-be-making-of-the-right-wing-in-scotland.23240613 …

     

46. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    They just won't let this crap go - "Scottish independence: Border passport check claim http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-independence-border-passport-check-claim-1-3280801 …

     

48. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    UK Gov's lack of support for Scotland’s renewable energy industry is putting jobs and investment at risk. 'Scottish' Sec.Carmichael no help.

     

50. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @Indy4Scotland I know many who are well-informed but will still vote No - out of either selfishness or irrational emotional Brit attachment.

     

52. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @Indy4Scotland I have music and video of Scotland after a No vote, Bill. Perhaps just a little bit pessimistic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hko1TNkgUUE …

     

54. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @Shiny02 On pause, except for improving the economy, reducing unemployment and crime, tackling alcohol abuse, increasing tourism, etc. etc.

     

56. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @ShonaMcAlpine I did my best, Now I'm in the huff ...

     

58. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    Over 500 hits in a day - people like a comedy horror clip. Johann Lamont stars at FMQs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqh8NLmAC7o …

     

60. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @billyfish_66 I'm sure it reflect reality in key Labour areas. I've been at meetings where people who're anti-SNP were committed to YES vote

     

62. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @billyfish_66 You know the answer, Billy - the SNP canvassers on the doorstep with their standard canvass cards. Similar results elsewhere.

     

64. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @nataliemcgarry Result was probably inevitable, but your candidacy and canvass made a huge contribution to YES - and your day WILL come soon

     

66. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @BBCPolitics "I acted immediately - I did sweet **** *** !" Clegg

     

68. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 1h

    @ShonaMcAlpine Have a cold to jazz piano - with advice! Get better soon ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3y71XZM7-U …

     

70. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 2h

    Please don't offer rude alternative versions of Ian Davidson's SAF committee of 15 Jan with academics. SAF means Scottish Affairs Committee.

     

72. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 2h

    This is the 'uncorrected' report of Ian Davidson's SAF committee. Only a YES vote could correct this lot ... http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmscotaf/uc140-xiii/uc14001.htm …

     

74. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 2h

    @SovereignSadie It's not more nuanced than I think, Anne http://moridura.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/the-unions-and-scotlands-independence.html …

     

76. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 2h

    @ShonaMcAlpine Of course you can! Stop feeling sorry for yourself and concentrate. Take a dictionary into the shower with the Cragganmore.

     

78. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 2h

    You saw the horror move - now read the full script, as Davidson's Academics prance and dance to his Brit.Empire cues http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmscotaf/uc140-xiii/uc14001.htm …

     

80. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 2h

    If you're doing OK, I'm Alright UK Jocks - spare a thought for 1 in 5 Scots who can't maintain an acceptable standard of living. Vote YES!

     

82. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 2h

    @ShonaMcAlpine Where is your head soaring to, Shona? But apart from that - awww, puir wee thing - there, there ... Drink a large Cragganmore

     

84. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 2h

    GMS Dr.Peter Lynch says Labour know that their voters might be "susceptible" to voting Yes. Dr.Lynch makes it sound like catching a cold ...

     

86. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 3h

    @andrew_harrop @thefabians @edballsmp UK has no economic and fiscal future - it won't exist after 2016: dead de facto from 19th Sept = rUK

     

88. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 3h

    Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Almost 400,000 households in ­Scotland are living on incomes too low to afford an adequate standard of living ­.

     

89. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 3h

    Cowdenbeath voting intentions demonstrates how vital Jim Slllar's message is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pOHfkKI52M … AND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKDZTqxANqA … @NAEFear

     

91. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 3h

    11,727 Cowdenbeath voters: referendum voting intentions: 41% Yes, 36% No 23% undecided. Still Labour, but more indy Labour than UK Labour.

     

93. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 3h

    LibDems beaten by UKIP in Cowdenbeath. 5th place.

     

95. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 3h

    @scott_eff @NaeFear Thanks, Scott - and my thanks to Jim Sillars for cutting to the essentials of the referendum.

     

97. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 4h

    ROBERT McNEIL Herald "The idea that 16-year olds have the vote is almost as chilling as the idea that over-16s have it .." Gaun yersel, Rab!

     

99. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 4h

    @AlexRowleyCllr Congratulations Alex - do a good job for people of Cowdenbeath - and think hard about Labour and independence @labourforindy

     

101. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 4h

     Lawyers divided over Scotland's EU plans http://euobserver.com/news/122856 UK is clear Scotland WILL conform to EU rulebook - the acquis communautaire

      

103. Angus Robertson ‏@MorayMP 4h

     Welcome cross-party Syria @refugees motion with @UKLabour @theSNP @Plaid_Cymru @SDLPlive @TheGreenParty pic.twitter.com/CR4bJvBcYA

     Retweeted by Peter Curran

     

      

105. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 4h

     Danish friend on SNP and EU: "SNP's idea seem rather good, they are just notoriously bad at communicating what it is.." Tae see oorsels, etc

      

107. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 5h

     @mgreenwell Thanks!

      

109. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 5h

     Alistair Carmichael, Scottish(?) Sec. wants to move Scottish shipyard work to England, describing Portsmouth as a “well placed” contender.

      

111. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 5h

     @NaeFear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pOHfkKI52M …

      

113. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 5h

     @mgreenwell Alistair Darling will be talking more rubbish to James Naughtie and an audience in Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow on Mar 13th, Mike

115. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 5h

     @pilaraymara Jim Sillars on a decisive moment in Scotland's history http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pOHfkKI52M …

117. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 5h

     @TheHeraldPaper Have a whip round among those who lost their homes due to Games and Accord mothers, who lost a centre for disabled children

      

119. Peter Curran ‏@moridura 5h

     BAE's Ian King says the firm has “no contingency plans” to take work away from Govan and Scotstoun in the event of a Yes vote this September

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