Is SNP ready for independence?

Madam, –The entire raison d’etre of the SNP is the achievement of Scottish independence.

Yet, as an administration, they have singularly failed to prove that they are capable of actually governing Scotland.

Political campaigning is their forte, not administration.

Observing the Scottish Parliament in session is not at all inspiring.

Members with ministerial responsibility tend to read out prepared statements in a rather lacklustre fashion while the first minister and her front row deputies, get quite agitated if an opposition member gets close to the truth.

A recent example of SNP intransigence has been Education Minister John Swinney’s insistence on tests for primary one children.

This proposal was rejected by a majority in the Scottish Parliament, but I understand he is insisting this badly thought-out plan of his should continue.

This arrogant attitude puts him at odds with parents and teachers.

To date, the Scottish Parliament has been granted powers in education, environment, health and social services, housing, law and order, agriculture/ forestry/fishing, local government, tourism and economic development and welfare.

We are acutely aware the SNP crave full powers under independence.

So why have they decided to forego powers relating to VAT at the present time?

And furthermore, how much power have they actually agreed to accept in the welfare section?

I shudder to think how Nicola Sturgeon, or John Swinney et al, would cope with the complexities of defence, membership of the UN, foreign affairs or a central bank or Scottish currency.

Would it be the case that these areas of government would also have to be deferred to some future date?

Hardly what one would expect in an independent Scotland

Robert I G Scott. Northfield, Ceres.