Sent to the Herald:  22 November 2006.  Not published.

Dear Sir

In his report (22 November) on the visit of the SNP to Norway Douglas
Fraser shows the desperation inherent in the unionist cause with the
supposed “downside” of us following the lead of Iceland, Ireland and
Norway. Apparently Iceland survives by cod and due to size is not of
comparable value while in Ireland they apparently pay to visit the GP
therefore that comparison is out the window as well. The funniest of
the lot is reserved for Norway, which we are told is not an
independent state we should wish to emulate because of the cost of
beer in Bergen! Is this serious politics or even serious journalism?

Little wonder Scotland is in such a damn state when the best that can
be put forward as a case against essential constitutional and societal
change is this rubbish. It is all highly ironic considering the
decimation of our fishing industry, the stress on our health service
and general ill health in our country, together with the levels of
alcohol related violence in our society, all under the union I might
add.

I noticed in the article that no names were mentioned from the Labour
party which it was claimed is “countering” the SNP with these points.
I want the name published of the Labour Minister or spokesperson who
is daft enough to argue these points Mr Fraser has in his article.
Otherwise I would question whether the Labour Party raised these
issues (there are some idiotic things that even they will not try as
an argument) or whether they are in fact only from the fevered mind of
a unionist journalist in a panic.

Yours for Scotland,