Plethora of polls are looming in 2020

SNP Conference ended for another year with members presumably happy about the first minister’s closing speech and the announcement of plans for a second referendum on Scottish independence by 2020.

Since 2012, Scots have gone to the polls no fewer than seven times, from referenda to local council elections.

It would appear the prime minister too would wish for another general election before the decade is out, while opposition parties including the Lib Dems and Labour are calling for a second “people’s vote” on Brexit.

By all accounts, 2020 could see two referendums and a general election take place within 12 months.

It remains imperative, in any case, the foundations of democracy which our country is built remain steadfast, that the rule of law is followed to the letter and the tone of debate is kept within the boundaries of good sense and politeness.

Equally as important is that engagement with politics is not eroded with over exposure or we allow a malaise of political fatigue to set-in. With each vote, the same due care and attention must be given, regardless of which side is being argued for.

There should be no place for hatred, violence or lies.

In the same way politicians expect people to carry out their democratic duty, so too should people expect nothing but the highest levels of standards and accountability from those hoping to lead us into the third decade of the 21st Century.