Ahead of the 18 September Scottish independence referendum, the debate described to date as moribund reignited with David Bowie’s “Scotland stay with us” plea at an award ceremony in New York. Bowie is English. The Observer editorial described the subsequent outpourings on Twitter as “mostly negative, puerile and cumulatively underlined the message that, without a sharp change of course, the Scottish debate that ought to be an important platform for a modern, informed and progressive exchange of views on the meaning of national identity, the value or otherwise of the union [Great Britain], and the possible development of a more positive form of nationalism, will prove elusive.” This followed hot on the heels of Scottish comedian Billy Connolly’s statement that he wouldn’t be voting or expressing an opinion on the referendum. The Observer also commented that the discussion now requires fewer threats (after UK Chancellor, George Osborne, warned that a separate Scotland would not be able to join a currency union or use the British pound) and insults and needs to be more informed, adding “it would be good to hear the positive, uplifting and exciting aspects of nationalism and the union”. Scottish businessman, Sir Tom Hunter, has launched his own plain-talking website to “inject momentum, data and evidence” into the independence debate (click on link). Can’t leave it to the politicians he says. Ah celebrities, social media and fear campaigns – Australian republicans take note.
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
