Monday, May 07, 2007

Saying nothing in Scotland

Reports of negotiations between Liberal Democrats and the SNP show that empty political rhetoric can be found north of the border as well as south.

Consider:

"The Scottish Liberal Democrats will work constructively to promote our positive policies in the new parliament." Nicol Stephen

or

"Scotland voted for a new government last Thursday and I think it is now incumbent on all parties to see if we can put together that new progressive coalition to take the country forward." Nicola Sturgeon, SNP

The simple test of whether any political pronouncement contains any useful meaning is to ask yourself if anyone could support the opposite.

Thus:

"The Scottish Liberal Democrats will work destructively to promote our negative policies in the new parliament." Any takers for that ?

and

"Scotland voted for a new government last Thursday and I think it is now incumbent on all parties to see if we can put together that old reactionary coalition to take the country backward." Not attractive, I think, even to a diehard Tory.



1 comment:

Me said...

Ho disgruntled. Thats a good test you've got there. I've used it before but you put it very succinctly.