Calls for the SNP and Labour to work together at Holyrood should be welcomed
Politics in any functioning democracy is built on opposition, civilised conflict and varied opinions.
Parties are free to oppose government policies and suggest alternatives. The public has the right to congratulate or complain about whichever politician they like.
But co-operation can too often seem like a dirty word in politics. That is why calls for the SNP and Labour – both left-of-centre parties – to work together at Holyrood should be welcomed.
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Stewart McDonald was, until July, the SNP MP for Glasgow South – having fought often bitter campaigns against Labour opponents.
His call for closer ties between the SNP and Labour will have surprised some of his party colleagues.
McDonald has suggested that in the event of a “messy” result at the next Holyrood election in 2026 – with no party winning a clear mandate – the SNP and Labour should form a partnership.
It seems like a total non-starter on paper. The two parties have been involved in some bitterly contested elections dating back to the 60s.
Their respective views on the Constitution are the biggest dividing line between them. But the two parties have similar positions on other big issues.
They want well-funded public services which help deliver social justice.
Both are committed to reducing the appallingly high number of children who are still in poverty in Scotland.
Would a collaboration between the two parties be such a bad thing?
Many voters wouldn’t mind the idea. But convincing members from both camps could prove impossible.
Listen to legend
Sir Alex Ferguson is already a hero to millions for his footballing achievements. But he deserves more praise for his bravery in speaking out about dementia.
The football legend has seen his old Manchester United pal Bobby Charlton felled by the disease, with Scotland legend Denis Law now suffering too.
He has spoken candidly about his fears of developing the neurological condition and how he tries to keep his mind active.
Fergie has been a leading figure in the fight to ensure brain injuries caused by heading the ball are classed as an industrial injury.
He has also called for retired players suffering from dementia to get the support they need from the social security system.
When Fergie was managing Aberdeen, Scotland and Manchester United people listened when he spoke.
Now he is making his voice heard on dementia, the football authorities and governments in Holyrood and Westminster will surely pay attention.
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