23.01.1997

SNP loyal subjects

Two weeks after the Carlton TV programme, Monarchy: the nation decides, we can still hear the echoes from this “most contemptible” (Sir Robin Day) debate. This is even more so in Scotland, which saw a narrow majority of 56% calling for a republic.

The Scottish secretary, Michael Forsyth - known affectionately as the “clown prince” by his loyal subjects - was outraged at this flagrant display of anti-patriotism, thundering: “I cannot imagine what sort of message that sent out to inward investors.” In his rage he pointed the finger at the Scottish National Party and its leader Alex Salmond, accusing him of wanting the “establishment of a socialist republic - which is [his] declared agenda” (quoted in The Courier and Advertiser January 9).

The SNP has been a bit embarrassed by the Carlton TV poll, as it reveals the glaring fact that they are ‘out of touch’ with the anti-monarchy mood of the Scottish masses.

If you examine the “declared agenda” of the SNP, one thing becomes palpably clear - the SNP aims to preserve the monarchy. Its statements on the British crown are underscored by a patriotic concern for the parlous state of the royals, not by a burning hatred of this parasitical and obscene ‘family’.

In this spirit, the ‘republican’ Alex Salmond responded to Forsyth’s dire warnings: “In its present perilous state, the monarchy cannot afford to be associated with Michael Forsyth, who is four times as unpopular as they are.” Bowing and scraping even more, our republican firebrand, went on to declare: “What needs to be done to restore the institution is for the changes articulated by the SNP to be made - to have a people’s monarchy instead of the present, establishment soap opera”.

Comically, in the same week that saw the Monarchy: the nation decides, the SNP published its latest policies on the monarchy - building upon a consultative document published two years ago, Citizens not subjects. In essence, these proposals call for a ‘slimmed down’ monarchy on the ‘Scandinavian’ model - less remote, bicycle using, no crowns, into charity, etc. To say they fall short of republicanism would be the understatement of the century - ‘subjects’ we remain.

The SNP game plan is quite plain. Dr Allan Macartney MEP, deputy leader of the SNP, expressed it with admirable clarity in the Scottish Herald:“The SNP’s proposals, therefore, should commend themselves both to those who wish reform of the institution, and those who have an affectionate regard for the royal family” (January 6).

The miserable and venal opportunism of the SNP is an insult. It has never been interested in the democratic aspirations of the Scottish people and has only one aim - a nice slice of the UK-state pie, monarchy and all.

Paul Greenaway