Bertie Ahern backs Scottish independence

Zed · Bertie Ahern backs Scottish independence

Former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern backs Scottish independence
http://www.scotsman.com/politics/...Taoiseach-Bertie-Ahern.5770064.jp

A FORMER Irish prime minister said Scotland can achieve "huge success" if voters opted for independence, it was disclosed today.
Bertie Ahern, who resigned as Taoiseach last year, outlined his opinion in a letter to First Minister Alex Salmond.

Scotland's economy was "robust" and able to compete in a globalised world as an integral part of the European Union, he wrote.

But his "only proviso" for full independence was the cost, which he said Scotland's economists should analyse.

Ireland has previously been held up by the SNP leader as an example of economic success in an "arc of prosperity" alongside Iceland and Norway.

But opponents of independence point to the recent impact of the worldwide recession on these countries as a reason for Scotland to stay in the Union.

The letter was written following media reports that Mr Ahern thought the economic impact of independence may be too large to win support.

Mr Ahern wrote: "It took time and commitment over many years to build-up the Irish state into a model of economic success. That achievement vindicated the vision of the patriots of our past and the credit for it lies with the capacity and capabilities of the Irish people.

"I have no doubt that the Scottish people have the same ingenuity and commitment to achieve huge success should they decide to go down the route of full independence.

"That however is a matter for the Scottish people to ultimately decide and, as an Irish politician, I think it is best for me to not immerse myself in another country's national debate."

A spokesman for the First Minister said: "Bertie Ahern's letter is extremely welcome. He talks about Scotland's opportunities for success should we choose independence, and quite properly says that it is an issue for the people of Scotland to decide."

William_Cleland

If Ahern were honest he would say that joining the EEC/EU undid much of the damage caused by 1916 and Scotland doesn't need to worry about that anyway because a better parallel would be Norway's independence from Sweden or the velvet divorce of Czechoslovakia. My guess would be that this is being talked up because the SNP have a particular profile in mind of their target voter in the Glasgow North East by-election:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksRMKsdF2do

landg

Braveheart

Bertie Ahern did not endorse or support Scottish independence.
It all started when the Times said Ahern opposed Scottish independence, and he wrote to Alex Salmond to explain his position.

In the letter he says:

voiceofourown

I agree, Braveheart. There is no endorsement or otherwise of independence - one wouldn't expect that of an experienced politician like Ahern.
But, despite his pains to appear neutral and say little of significance, he does say;
"That, however, is a matter for the Scottish people to ultimately decide and, as an Irish politician, I think it is best for me to not immerse myself in another country’s debate.”

Regardless of the legal situation, I think that a vote for independence in a Scottish referendum would leave Westminster with little option but acquiecence.
As the man said , it's a matter for the Scottish people.

Dave Coull

Shagpile

Naw, it's got far more to do with the ROI fearing an independent Scotland. They do not want a competitor to their Celtic Tiger status.

He is of course only too aware that on our first day of independence Scotland would be the third richest country in the EU. Behind the ROI and ahead of the NL. And it would not take us the decades it took the poor part of Ireland to progress. Scotland would in essence 'hit the ground running'.

His "exercise caution" is nothing more than an elaborate feighnt.

Cooncilor Braveheart fell for it.

landg

Shagpile

landg

Shagpile

landg

Shagpile

landg

Shagpile

Mmwwaahaha.......

I'm sure there's a web site for Enid Blyton.

Shagpile

Not quite sure if she did a series on the 'Pathetic One' though.

Braveheart

Stevie

braveheart, you just say whatever nonsense you think is right.

You make assumptions about what the nationalist are thinking, praying even and you think you're scoring points.

Actually, it just comes across as a bit desperate.

Rather like someone who can't really argue very well and punctuates his posts with over the top statements e.g. Lord... the nationalists' prayer...

It just comes across as more than a little amateurish.

Try and present an argument that is a bit more original, a lot more factual and a great deal less silly with respect to what people must be thinking.

Of course you won't take this advice I'm sure and you'll continue doing whatever it is your doing.