Both Willie Rennie, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and Johann Lamont, Scottish Labour leader, in their New Year messages, show a “can-do” attitude to everyday issues the country is facing. They highlight the good work volunteers already carry out in caring for the elderly whilst acknowledging the “demographic time bomb”. They recognise opportunities for young people are threatened and families are struggling with rising bills. Willie Rennie resolves to play his part in climate change. Both leaders display their willingness to roll up their sleeves and get on with the job that needs to be done at this present time.
Meanwhile, Alex Salmond’s finger is hovering between the pause and the fast-forward button. He asks people to consider what difference could be made in policy areas if there was a “yes” vote in the referendum. He hails Scotland’s free education system although details of how this would be funded in an independent Scotland has yet to surface. He makes no mention of how his government is going to tackle the housing crisis we have here and now. No mention of colleges suffering today at the expense of his free university places. No mention of the Chief Constable of Police Scotland soon having to juggle front line officers at the expense of support staff in the highly political reorganisation of our police service. Ruth Davidson, Scottish Conservative leader, rightly critises Alex Salmond for not doing the job he gets paid for, talking down the UK and for putting life on hold.
If you’re a supporter of independence, you may just want to erase 2013 as it doesn’t look like much is going to happen in government. Set your alarm though for Autumn 2014!
Or you can take hope from the positive messages of the opposition leaders and like them, play your part in dealing with the dilemmas we all face on a day to day basis, here and now.
Remember – “one today is worth two tomorrows”. Have a very happy and productive 2013!
