The Daily Record remains unconvinced that independence is the solution for Scotland. On currency, borders and the budget deficit, the SNP's answers lack substance. But the paper also accepts that independence remains the preferred constitutional option for around 50 per cent of Scots. The SNP won a fifth term in office in May largely because it believes in independence and in spite of its poor record.
Scotland in paralysis over IndyRef2
The reality is Scotland is in paralysis. One side, led by the SNP government, unilaterally declares a mandate for IndyRef2 and demands the rest of the country complies. This is a jaded strategy that leads nowhere, a point made by Scottish Labour acting leader Jackie Baillie today.
The other side, led by the UK Government, rejects the call for another referendum and dodges the question of when another vote could take place.
A cross-party commission as a way forward
The solution could be both governments backing a cross-party commission to examine a trigger point. A threshold for a referendum should be hard to meet – sustained support for independence of say 60 per cent.
The process should not be rushed, or dictated by SNP impatience. But Scots deserve to know of the pathway to independence and both governments should come together.
The current SNP government situation of using independence as a cover for not acting in key areas must end. An agreed process could lead to the Scottish Government focusing on the day job and leaving campaigning to the SNP.
Stability and state reform
It could also provide stability and security to investors, as well as for voters. Scotland needs to move on from constant bickering about independence and a commission would take the issue out of day-to-day politics.
Tomorrow's Programme for Government is the moment First Minister John Swinney lays out his plans for the year. He is expected to provide an update on plans for a £2 bus fare cap and a price cap for staple items in supermarkets. Combating violence against women is another priority, as is promoting a better learning environment in schools.
One of the most interesting areas will be how Swinney intends to reform the country's public sector bodies. The Record revealed on Saturday that the First Minister is considering slashing the number of NHS boards in a bid to cut waste. He is also looking at enabling legislation that would allow councils to merge.
These would be positive moves because there are too many public bodies. The SNP comfortably won the election and earned the right to govern for another five years. Reforming an unwieldy state is long overdue.
