Pagoda View

A tale of two camps

30 Jan 2012

The Scottish Government yesterday launched their defining consultation: ‘Your Scotland Your Referendum’. It has been a bumpy ride over the last few weeks for the unionist parties and by all accounts they still don't appear to have organised themselves into a lean mean independence fighting machine. In contrast, Alex Salmond held court yesterday in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle, a man on the cusp of immortality within his party. How far away the early days of minority government must seem just now.
 
Although Scotland’s chattering classes have been consumed by referendum fever since May last year, the rest of the UK appear to just be wakening up to the new dawn. What started as Scottish grandstanding, then UK government foot stomping, has now filtered down to the masses. Twitter, facebook and the plethora of other social networking sites have been avidly following and commentating on developments. ‘The’ question has now been unveiled; yes, the Scottish Government wishes 16 and 17 year olds to have a vote; no, those who are not on the Scottish electoral register won't have a vote but they’d still love to hear their views on the consultation; and yes, the electoral commission is also able to join the party. In the run up to the launch Alex Salmond engaged himself north and south of the border with the measured charm and determination that political heavyweights require. In contrast the ‘No’ campaign appears to be fumbling; slightly stunned and a little lost, still in need of their champion. The ‘No’ campaign is a curious beast. Parties thrown together to form a united front against a necessary evil, but the leaders are reticent and the campaign lacks a vision for Scotland, even the status quo needs a vision for the public to engage and rally round.
 
However this will not be a tale of two camps. Scotland’s civil society is in the wings gearing up to enter the fray. Scottish civil society been traditionally been a quiet entity – raising its head on particular issues then retreating back. Throughout the world from Asia to Africa and Latin America civil society organisations have played a central role in promoting and protecting democracies. As Scotland begins its own debate on her constitutional future, it is evident that something is missing. Even at this early stage the public are viewing discussions on independence as a spectator sport and civil society has a function to play in Scotland. The referendum has the potential to polarise: independence or the status quo. However, as all good research methodology reminds us, we need to ensure all options are covered or people will not engage and buy into the outcome. Polarisation risks alienation, voices may be lost. Civil society has an important role, it must work to mobilise and engage citizens within this debate. 

Niamh Hegarty
Assistant Director