Friday, October 31, 2008
No to Barnett!
So voted readers to this blog, by a percentage of almost 3 to 1. Two things surprised me about this poll; first the comparitively low turnout (less than 30% of my daily average readership voted), secondly the fact that no one took up the challenge of actually defending Barnett (as opposed to attacking the argument against it). My own opinion is that whilst Unionists in N.Ireland, Scotland and Wales are embarrassed with having to justify the present system within the context of a continuing Union, nationalists can't lose whatever happens; if it continues then the present beneficial funding continues to be funnelled into their respective parliaments/assemblies/talking shops, if it is cancelled then they can point to Perfidious Albion once again robbing the Celts of what is rightfully theirs. The onus is very much on Unionists therefore to more proactive on this topic, being mentioned once indirectly in an inter-Unionist tirade is not good enough- alternatives are needed.
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3 comments:
I'm nationalist and I think Barnett is absolute rubbish.
It doesn't work on any level.
Its unfair to those in England and it limits the flexibility and responsibility of the Scottish Parliament
The formula is unfair on Scotland also. We give plenty, then are forced to get out the begging bowl for less money than we put in. The south of England and London in particular benefit greatly, getting more than Scotland. Perhaps those in the north of England have the most to complain about.
>>Unionists in N.Ireland, Scotland and Wales are embarrassed with having to justify the present system<<
I think you will find that Scottish Unionists gloss over this less they give the game away. That Scotland contributes more than she gets out.
In Wales it's the nationalists and devolutionists who are calling for it to be scrapped and the Unionists defending it.
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