Nationalists ‘in danger of internal splits over Indyref 2’
NATIONALISTS are ‘turning in on themselves’ over a second independence referendum, according to a former SNP deputy leader.
Jim Sillars yesterday admitted there was a risk of a split over when Nicola Sturgeon should call a second vote.
He warned many were becoming frustrated over the timeline for another referendum.
Writing in the i newspaper, Mr Sillars said a ‘coherent Yes organisation’ was needed to build a ‘rock solid’ support of 60 per cent for at least six months before attempting another vote.
He wrote: ‘These are frustrating times for Yes people and turning in on themselves is a natural political phenomenon that requires some sensible thinking and handling before it becomes damaging.
‘Those of us who have been a long, long time in the independence movement have seen this kind of frustration boil over
‘Frustrating times for Yes people’
several times as people fall out, not about the objective, but how to get there.
‘The 2014 campaign gave us a foundation of 45 per cent upon which to build, but to raise that to a level of victory demands a high level of maturity, wisdom and organisation so far missing.’
Scottish Tory chief whip Maurice Golden said: ‘The splits within the Yes movement are becoming deeper by the day. This is yet another intervention that will cause Nicola Sturgeon a major headache.
‘Both she and Jim Sillars realise the people of Scotland cannot be respected and the rabid Nationalist movement appeased at the same time. Polling has made it very clear voters are absolutely opposed to another referendum campaign.’
An SNP spokesman said: ‘These are hugely ironic comments from a Tory Party which has no mandate in Scotland but whose politicians now arrogantly think they can do whatever they want and get away with it.
‘Support for independence remains at historically high levels and backing for Scotland taking its own decisions is only likely to grow further – but the country’s future belongs to the people, not to the Tories or any political party.’