With a whimper

The Japanese have a proverb that roughly translates as: “the nail that sticks out is the one that gets hammered down”. For many years this appears to have been the mantra of the SNP. Dissent was anathema. The leadership line was followed with an eye-watering discipline that Joe Stalin would have envied. Anyone in office disagreeing with the leader’s line would presumably find difficulty in remaining nominated for their seat.

All appears to be changing. Open rebellion on transgender issues, currency after a Yes vote and other important matters is now rife. It appears the once iron discipline is disappearing like the proverbial snaw aff the dyke.

It is another indication that the nationalist period of dominance in our domestic politics is finally ending and, to quote TS Eliot, is going out with a whimper, not a bang.

ALEXANDER MCKAY New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh