Stand Up And Be Counted

I was doing the crossword today when I came across this clue.

Ten-letter word used by the Unionists to try to discredit the Nationalist cause but is likely to backfire spectacularly. First letter X.

Two vivid images came to me.

Firstly, the Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Stone. The Lib Dem leader, Nicol Stephen had barely finished delivering his party conference address saying that this should be a clean campaign free of name calling, when Mr Stone called the SNP xenophobic.

Incidentally, this is the same leader that in the Scot Lib Dems raison d’être states that he wants citizens to "contribute fully to their communities and to take part in the decisions which affect their lives," yet is dead set against letting the Scottish public have their say in a referendum on Scottish independence.

The second image that comes to me is that of former Scottish Office minister Lord George Foulkes. Barely had the dust settled after the first xenophobic comment when Lord Foulkes made a similar remark on the BBC’s Question Time programme.

Accusing the SNP of being xenophobic is taking the Unionist argument to the lowest level and Alex Salmond rose above it with this apt retort, "To argue for and seek independence for your country is something that people have done the world over. It is entirely legitimate and it is honourable. Some of the greatest figures in history have done it and we should not belittle that debate by throwing about names like xenophobic."

Coming so close to the election, the Question Time programme must have been an excellent opportunity to promote your party to the electorate. Alex Salmond leader of the SNP thought so as he was there. Also there was Annabel Goldie leader of the Scottish Conservative Party and Nicol Stephen leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Party. Where was the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Jack McConnell though? After all, he was invited. Is he not interested in debating things that matter to Scotland ahead of the election?

Asked on BBC News what he made of Lord Foulkes remarks, Mr McConnell stated that he had, "not seen the programme." Come on Jack, do you really expect us to believe that? And if it is true, then how out of touch are you? Perhaps as much as your colleague currently residing in Number 10 Downing Street?

Well perhaps Jack McConnell might be suffering the same fate as Tony Blair this year.

Vacating office.