RICHARD LUTZ, in his Scottish lair, reports on the latest news from north of Hadrian’s Wall.
The heat from the independence debate continues to rise here in Scotland as the nation – or more to the point, those who pay council tax- get to vote in September whether to go it alone or stay nicely tucked up in bed with the UK.
The media,rightly, is going all out to cover all angles as Salmond and company take on the triple barrelled opposition of the Labour/Libdem/Tory No campaign. So what are the McPapers saying up here?
The big story is how the Scot Nats have rounded on a Glasgow travel firm after its boss claimed the SNP spread ‘lies’ about independence.
Bill Monroe, the founder of Barr Travel sent an email to most of his 800 workers also saying that public spending would be slashed to bring down debt if Scotland voted Yes.
The Daily Record, with its quarter million tabloid readership, reports that Alex Salmond has guaranteed that an independent Scotland would jettison Trident nuclear arms within the first term of going it alone if the SNP leads the country.
The fusty old Scotsman newspaper, ever the Unionist voice, includes a comment from columnist Peter Jones questioning whether there is really £1.5 trillions worth of North Sea oil reserves in the bank for the new nation. And he warns sternly: “Inside Salmond’s desired monetary union, Scotland would have no control over (an) exchange rate…” should the rest of the UK spin out of orbit.
The Scottish Daily Mail, as creepy as its English big sister,reveals how a new Scotland-less Union Jack will not include the St Andrews Cross which is a white X on a blue background. By ditching the cross, it shows, the remnants of the flag looks pretty bleak.
Back at the gormless Scottish Daily Express, as gormless as its London edition, there is an unquestioning article about tennis star Andy Murray’s new hotel opening near Stirling. A host of other papers report how there have been 5 star Tripadvisor ratings for the joint, even before it opens. How’s that?, they opine. Reviews before it even checks in a guest? they rightly ask.
The Glasgow Herald, by far the best paper for the Referendum debate, has a weird article by its writer Harry Reid. In a recent visit to Ireland (both sides of the border) he says Eire is ready to step into the breach left by an independent Scotland. He says many want to get even closer to the UK. And he adds that the Irish are having a love affair with England ever since the Queen set foot in Dublin three years ago. Ireland to be part of the UK? Hold on Mr Reid, you’re moving a bit fast and loose here with the keyboard.
Back at the Record, reporters are claiming it was Tory whizzkid Oliver Letwin who secretly briefed hacks that a new Scotland could be part of Sterling-land.
And as for the future of the pound, the Daily Telegraph has a picture of the Scottish pound coin with Alex Salmond’s balloon faced mug on it. Great McScoop, on this April 1st.