Scots debate turns into brawling debacle

ON MONDAY the leaders of the Scottish referendum campaigns went head to head and showed that the debate has taken a nasty turn.

Rather than holding to a well moderated back and forth of the views Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling's combative styles made it seem more like a drunken brawl in a Glasgow pub.

As has been seen many times in other countries the issue of independence is always going to be a contentious issue. Despite being forty years since the North and South separated there is still a deep rooted feeling of bad blood between some in Cyprus on both sides of the divide. Long after the separation negotiations have still dragged on with promises of resolute being given and then broken.

Despite both leaders claiming they would respect the will of the people based on the tensions on Monday Scotland may be running down a similar road, albeit in this case with less blood shed but also less reason.

Once again which currency an independent Scotland would use was high on the list of topics. Once again no clear answer was provided by Mr Salmond other than that he had three plan B's but didn't want to share them yet. Yes campaigners were vocal in their support of this move on social media, complaining that the No Campaign was too focused on currency and avoiding other key issues. 

As one pro-independence supporter wrote on social media site twitter: @macrae85: "There's a 'Plan A,B,C,D & probably E,but u lot are too thick to even think of that...why dampen u'r powder b4 the talks?"

While another said: @antyjan: "Omg! What is this obsession with currency!? We don't need a plan B! Jeeeez! Is that all the NOs have?"

It was during the cross examination phase, however, that the real passions behind the debate came out as Mr Salmond bludgeoned Mr Darling repeatedly with speeches about the "mandate" of the people. Without effective moderation it quickly dissolved into a shouting match with nobody making any helpful or substantive points.

By the time the moderator finally did step in both men looked bloodied but Alex Salmond had definitely regained his confidence after their last engagement and knew that he had won that nights bare knuckle drag out. A snap ICM poll after the debate bore this out with 71 per cent of those asked saying they thought he had won the debate.

It was in the final moments of the debate that the reality of what may happen in the future took hold for many as both leaders spoke of how they would respect the outcome of the referendum. Mr Salmond even going so far as to say he would ask Mr Darling to join him in the negotiations. From the reactions on social media though it seems that these two men will be in the minority of those shaking hands and making amends. The issue has split families and awakened old tensions, something not easily forgotten nor forgiven. Mr Salmond knows this and knows that his passionate rhetoric does not lend itself to peaceful reconciliation later. As Fevzi Hussein of TRNC human rights group Embargoed tweeted: "He is dying for his William Wallace moment..." The risk now is that he gets it.

Scots debate needs to be about more than sterling

WITH less than four weeks to go until Scots can decide on the future of the United Kingdom tonight's debate must be about more than just currency.

When Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling last confronted one another it was Mr Darling who many viewers saw as victorious. Despite a hesitant start his pounding away at the question of what would be a "plan B" if Scotland did not get the pound left Mr Salmond bloodied and shaken.

In the proceeding weeks Mr Salmond has continued to fail spectacularly in being able to answer the sterling question. Instead he, and others from the Yes Campaign, has belligerently stuck to his argument that the pound is as much Scotland's as it is England's. With so many questions still unanswered it would appear an irrelevance to attempt to make Mr Salmond see sense and state his back up plan, when he has continued to refuse to do so for so long.

It would seem, however, as another childish tug of war over the pound will be the opening gambit as the first area to debate will be the economy. Instead though it may make sense to discuss the recent revelations that the pro-independence campaign may have vastly overestimated the amount of oil reserves they are relying on. Oil economist and current SNP leader Mr Salmond has argued that his forecasts are correct and an independent Scotland would receive in the region of 7bn of whatever currency seemed appropriate. Meanwhile the head of the Aberdeen based Scottish oil services firm Wood Group, Sir Ian Wood, has warned that actual figures could be half this. If this is the case then it raises serious questions about how an independent Scotland would be sustainable. With Mr Salmond relying on all his predicted oil revenue, and more, to finance his health and education plans any indication that they might not be accurate needs addressing.

"The offshore oil and gas industry cannot figure significantly in Scotland's medium-term economic calculations," Wood said. "Young voters in the referendum will only be in their 40s when they will see the significant rundown in the Scottish offshore oil and gas sector, and the serious implications for our economy, jobs and public services."

Based on the pre-released debate format the two campaign leaders will be limited to what they can discuss by four compartmentalised areas of debate, each started off with a question from the audience. Following the discussion over the economy will be "Scotland at home", "Scotland in the world" before ending on the most important question "what happens after the vote?" 

With a recent YouGov poll giving topline figures of 38% for the Yes Campaign, a three percent increase on previous poll, and 51% to the No Campaign, a four percent drop, it still looks likely that it will be the undecided voters who have the most impact on the referendum. As Mr Darling has already pointed out Mr Salmond is continuing to play to nationalist voters who have already made up their minds. For many this debate will be a crucial factor in their decision making process and as such a clear answer on what will happen after the vote may be the game changer for both sides, not who keeps the pound. 

Danger if destabilisation as PKK armed

BRITISH involvement in Iraq is threatening long term stability in region according to some analysts.

British Defence Minister Michael Fallon has warned that military intervention to combat the threat from Islamic State extremists could last for months. 

The news, which broke on Sunday, comes in the wake of confirmation that the British government would aid the supply of arms to Kurdish fighters in the region, something which has led to fears about the long term implications for stability in the war torn area.

The defence secretary told service personnel at the South Cyprus RAF base in Akrotiri: "There may well now be in the next few weeks and months other ways that we may need to help save life [and] protect people and we are going to need all of you again and the surveillance you are able to give us,"

"We want to help the new government of Iraq and Kurdish forces. We want to help them stop the advance of IS and stop them from being terrorised.

"This is not simply a humanitarian mission. We and other countries in Europe are determined to do what we can to help the government of Iraq combat this new and very extreme form of terrorism that IS is promoting."

It is the arming of Kurdish fighters which is proving a controversial tactic, however, amid fears that once the current situation is resolved it could lead to long term conflict on the borders with Britain's NATO ally Turkey.

Richard Gowan, research director of the Centre on International Cooperation, at New York University, said: "There are moments in fast-moving crises when you simply have to stop events spiralling out of control, and worry about the consequences later. This is one of those moments. Arming the Kurds may be a step towards the final fragmentation of Iraq, with worrying consequences for Turkey and Iran. But if the alternative is losing more territory to Isis and allowing more atrocities, then this is still the best short-term option available."

Turkey has fought a long battle against the Kurdish terrorist group the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), which wants more autonomy for Kurds within Turkey. Despite a tenuous peace between the group and the government in Ankara an influx of weapons and munitions from the West could destabilise the current situation.

“Wars are always a very important catalyst for change . . . In a year’s time the position of the PKK is going to be much stronger than it is now,” said Henri Barkey, a former US State Department official.

Officials in Ankara have been quick to play down the perceived influx of PKK fighters into Iraq, with one spokesmen stating: “I don’t think their involvement is real,” a senior Turkish official said. “It looks more like a media campaign than a real military campaign.”

As Britain becomes more active in the crisis and its reliance on Kurdish fighters increases the military campaign may become more apparent. Calls are already growing for the PKK to be removed from British and US lists of terrorist organisations as their fighters become crucial in the battle for Iraq. With possible legitimacy, training and British supplied weapons Mr Fallon may be creating a long term issue for which he is unprepared to deal with.

UKIP creating two party system

RATHER than establishing itself as a fourth political party recent figures on donations have highlighted how the United Kingdom Independence Party is creating a two party system.

In reports this week UKIP drew £170,000 more in donations than the Liberal Democrats during the April to June financial quarter.

While party representatives have hailed the figure as proof that they are being taken seriously the disparity between UKIP and the two leading parties is more likely to represent and shift away from the three, or four party, system towards and two party one controlled by the Conservatives and Labour.

A UKIP spokesman said it was "a sign that electorally and financially we are now superseding the Liberal Democrats".

Nigel Farage, the UKIP leader who is due to stand as an MP in South Thanet, said: "We have got a long way to go in terms of our fundraising but we are getting there. To overhaul the Lib Dems for the first time is another symptom of a very real change that is taking place in British politics."

The change Mr Farage has spoken of may not be the one which he hopes for though.

Compared to his party's £1.4 million Labour garnered £3.7 million in political donations while the Tories received £7.1 million.

The Liberal Democrats have dismissed the figures as unreliable. Party executives have claimed that £241,000 of the Eurosceptic party's donations should have been declared in the previous quarter, while a further £1million was from one donor. Businessman Paul Sykes made the donation stating that he was keen to support UKIP's bid for seats in May's European elections.

The release of the figures has led to a battle between the Conservatives and Labour, as each uses the donations to undermine their opponents.

Highlighting the amount received from Trade Unions since Ed Milliband became Labour leader  Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps said: "We all know what payback they want from weak Ed Miliband: more wasteful spending, more taxes, and more debt than our children could ever hope to repay."

The figures will be an embarrassment to Mr Milliband as he continues to attempt to distance himself from claims that the party is in the pocket of the unions.

Meanwhile Labour Shadow cabinet office minister Jonathan Ashworth MP criticised the amount which the Conservatives have received from donors who have attended private dinners with Prime Minister David Cameron and other senior government figures.

"When millions are flowing in from hedge funds and exclusive groups of donors, is it any wonder David Cameron stands up for the privileged few?"

For now however if either UKIP or the Liberal Democrats want to be able to launch an effective campaign next year they have a long way to go. Based on the money it looks as though the Conservatives and Labour will be able to maintain their hold on the British political establishment for some time to come.

Grades drop but university places rise

AS STUDENTS across the country nervously await their exam results universities are struggling to fill the places available. 

Analysts have predicted that the number of top grades achieved will have dropped for the third year running. With even Russell Group universities suffering from an excess of places they may find that they are still able to get into their first choice establishment nonetheless.

Earlier this week Education Secretary Nicky Morgan dismissed concerns over the predicted drop in results.

"What really matters isn’t that numbers rise, but that standards rise. So no matter what the results, there is one important thing to remember.

“Each and every single pupil this year can be confident that the results they worked so hard to achieve represent real achievement – and will give them a better, brighter start in life.”

While the proportion of sixth form leavers entering higher education has increased the diminishing number of 17 and 18 year olds is putting pressure on universities to be more flexible with the entrance grades they will accept.

"Some Russell Group universities may still have places available in some subjects for students who have done better than expected," said the group's director general, Wendy Piatt.

"There may also be places available for highly-qualified students who have narrowly missed out on their first choice."

The view was backed by Nick Foskett, vice-chancellor of Keele University, who told the BBC: "More students are likely to be accepted into their first choice, even if their grades are slightly lower than universities requested."

The continued drop in high level grades is likely to cause concern amongst some in the education establishment. Experts have tried to allay fears by predicting a more stable level of results due to changes in grade inflation imposed by regulatory body Ofqual.

 Prof Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at Buckingham University, was reported as saying:

“Ofqual has already concluded that there had been grade inflation in the past.

"Results were not reflected in improvements in understanding of subjects.

“It has attempted to regulate the outcome by looking at prior attainment of the students and this has – in the last two years – brought down performance at the higher grade levels

“The further application of that approach will mean that we are more likely to see a slight drop than an increase in grades this year, but the more likely outcome will be a set of results that are, in fact, very similar to those seen in 2013.”

Despite more opportunities for university places any drop in results is likely to be latched onto by opposition MP's as education becomes a crucial battlefield in the run up to the 2015 General Election.

Results have dropped in recent years from a previous high in 2010 and 2011 of 27 per cent for high grades.   

The West should be relieved Erdogan won

AS FORMER Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan relinquishes his post in order to become the first directly elected President of Turkey it signals a new era for Britain's NATO ally.

Mr Erdogan's election has not been without controversy but now that he has won the presidency he is preparing to reconcile with those who have opposed him during the campaign.

In his victory announcement to supporters Mr Erdogan promised that the changes he planned would benefit everyone.

 "I will not be the president of only those who voted for me, I will be the president of 77 million.

"Today the national will won once again, today democracy won once again. Those who didn't vote for me won as much as those who did, those who don't like me won as much as those who do."

Offering an olive branch to his two former rivals the President elect continued by saying:

"I want to build a new future, with an understanding of a societal reconciliation, by regarding our differences as richness, and by pointing out not our differences but our common values."

With Turkey already playing a key role in regional conflicts Western politicians have been watching the election closely. Mr Erdogan's victory has not come as a great shock and neither will his proposed constitutional changes to the previously predominantly ceremonial role of President.

Mr Erdogan has made no secret during the election of his plans to imbue the role with more powers. While some critics have voiced concern that this could be an attempt to garner more authoritarian rule in the country other more moderate voices have highlighted the key benefits to the move.

As Prime Minister Mr Erdogan has overseen a period of sustained economic growth in Turkey, while the rest of the world was still struggling to overcome the ramifications of the 2008 economic crisis. He has also manoeuvred Turkey into a position to be a key player on global affairs at a time when strength and experience are needed. 

Already taking a leading role in conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Gaza and Ukraine Turkey has proven itself to be an important ally to the West under Mr Erdogan's leadership. Having been barred from running again for the role of Prime Minister, a position which he has held since 2003, the post of President should give Mr Erdogan the opportunity to further strengthen the ties he has already created and utilise his experience to promote stability in the region.

As Britain, America and other nations start the air offensive against militants from the self proclaimed Islamic Caliphate in Iraq, along with aid drops for the besieged inhabitants, Turkey's assistance will prove invaluable. Likewise as fears grow over an escalation in Ukraine and NATO being drawn into the struggle Turkish support will prove essential. Previously Presidents have not had the necessary power to provide much say in such affairs. If Mr Erdogan's amendments succeed then the West may find that they have a powerful ally in the new Turkish leader at a time when they most certainly need one.

Schools to teach right and wrong

EDUCATION Secretary Nicky Morgan is set to announce further plans to deter extremism in schools by promoting "British values" in nurseries.

In an extension of the proposals laid out by her predecessor Michael Gove Mrs Morgan is planning to give additional powers to councils to stop funding early years providers with links to extremism.

In the measures, due to be outlined later today, Mrs Morgan is believed to be planning on saying that toddlers must learn "fundamental British values".

When the moves where first announced by Mr Gove, in relation to the alleged "Trojan Horse plot" by Islamic extremists to take over schools in Birmingham, they were criticised for trying to regulate what being British really meant.

Mrs Morgan's speech will come only days after the former Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams claimed that the true teaching of Islam was restoring British values in the community.

Speaking at the  annual Living Islam Festival in Lincolnshire last Friday Mr Williams said:

"In Birmingham we have seen a local parish and a mosque combining together to provide family services and youth activities.

"It's really important that we respect and try to understand diversity of conscience and belief and conviction. These are not just about what makes us British – they're about what makes us human."

Dilwar Hussain, chairman of the Islamic charity New Horizons, praised Mr Williams in The Times: "That is a sentiment we would agree with very much.

"We would also be concerned about any of those values being taken to extremes, whether it's communitarianism or individualism."

In an example of the difficulties deciding what British values really are Mr William's statement was condemned by some atheist and humanist groups.

Andrew Copson, chief executive of the British Humanist Association, warned that the speech could undermine social cohesion.

"Narratives that promote the view that religious belonging is necessary for social responsibility may be comforting to those for whom the promotion of religion is a profession, but in the UK they are totally unsupported by evidence."

A devout Christian Mrs Morgan has made it clear that funding would be withheld from establishments that teach creationism as scientific fact.

"One of the most important roles of the education system is that it should prepare young people for life in modern Britain," she is expected to say later.

"I am clear that public money should not be used to support any school or early years provider that does not support this aim because it seeks to promote ideas and teachings than run counter to fundamental British values."

The plans will also include forcing schools to take on roles traditionally associated with parents of teaching young children the difference between right from wrong, learning to take turns and share, and to challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes.

It is also believed that school inspectorate OFSTED will be given additional powers to inspect early years providers on how they are promoting the proposed values.

As Britain becomes an increasingly multi-cultural society Mrs Morgan may find that legislating what are and are not "traditional British values" may not be as clear cut as she had initially hoped.

Boris may be UKIP's undoing

BORIS Johnson's unsurprising announcement yesterday that he was planning to run for Parliament in 2015 will be a heavy blow to UKIP's ambitions.

Mr Johnson's revelation has been expected by political observers and is sure to cause much debate in the corridors of Westminster. It is the impact it will have on the growing threat from the United Kingdom Independence Party which may be the most important factor in his election campaign though.

Speaking to an audience at the Bloomberg headquarters yesterday Mr Johnson said: I can't endlessly go on dodging these questions.

"So let me put it this way. I haven't got any particular seat lined up but I do think in all probability I will try to find somewhere to stand in 2015.

"It may all go wrong but I think the likelihood is I am going to have to give it a crack."

While many in the media have latched onto the idea that this could be the London Mayor's opening gambit in a leadership bid he was quick to dismiss any immediate plans, telling BBC's James Landale: "I think it's highly unlikely that that will happen because there's no vacancy. I think David Cameron has been a brilliant prime minister."

Later clarifying his position on the Radio 4's World at One programme: "When David Cameron finally steps down, in 2030 or whenever, it may be that there's a vacancy, but it will probably be filled by a person who's a teenager now."

It was his eight point plan on Europe, however, which could see Mr Johnson's real achievement as an opportunity for the Conservative Party to draw back some of the voters they had lost to UKIP.

The proposals, laid out in a report  written by his chief economic adviser, Gerard Lyons, clearly state that leaving the European Union could have detrimental effect on Britain's financial institutions, while still opening the door for greater reforms.

"There would be some considerable uncertainty," the report said. "Some may view it as a liberating experience and be positive from the start but the likelihood is that the bulk of the economic, business and financial community would view it as a great unknown. For many aspects of the London economy, the day after any no decision in the referendum would be little different in economic terms from before, especially for those focused on the domestic economy. The financial market impact, however, could be very different."

An eight point agenda specifies the areas which Mr Johnson would look for reforms in, something which UKIP may find brings more moderate eurosceptics back to the Tories.

The key points are:

Scrap social and environmental legislation

Scrap the Common Agriculture Policy

Put justice and home affairs back as an intergovernmental competence

Strike out the provision for ever closer union

A yellow card system for national parliaments

Managed migration so that Britain has greater control over immigration

Completion of the single market in services.

It is Mr Johnson's popularity among the electorate which could provide the fatal blow though. UKIP leader Nigel Farage has relied on his bluff and bluster as a common man to win over voters. In the face of Mr Johnson's carefully staged bumbling buffoonery he may find that he has a losing hand.

A recent ComRes poll placed Mr Johnson on 41 per cent of voter popularity, the most popular British politician, compared to Mr Farage's 26 per cent.

"There is a kind of peasants’ revolt going on, a jacquerie. From Dublin to Lublin, from Portugal to Pomerania, the pitchfork-wielding populists are converging on the Breydel building in Brussels – drunk on local hooch and chanting nationalist slogans and preparing to give the federalist machinery a good old kicking with their authentically folkloric clogs," the Mayor of London wrote in his Telegraph column while describing the rise of UKIP, and other anti-Europe parties. If elected he may now find that he is the Conservatives key weapon in winning back those very same peasants he was once so quick to dismiss. 

A sterling performance Darling

THE battle for Scottish Independence entered a new phase as the leaders of the two sides went head to head last night in a televised debate.

Despite initial problems for viewers outside Scotland watching the debate online they were still able to witness Alistair Darling land some heavy body blows to the Yes Campaign.

Ahead of the debate analysts had predicted that Yes campaign leader and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond would be the clear victor of the exchange. By the closing bell, however, and despite no knockout punches by either side, a snap ICM poll gave the win to Mr Darling.

Of 512 people surveyed 51 per cent believed that the Better Together leader had made the most persuasive arguments of the night.

With most of the debate focusing on the economic ramifications of an independent Scotland it was Mr Darling's persistent questioning as to what Mr Salmond's "plan b" would be in the event a currency union did not materialise which set the tone for the evening.

Refusing to be drawn on his options Mr Salmond started to appear more evasive and confused over the situation as Mr Darling continued to land hits.

In a dubious attempt to rally the SNP leader struck back at claims the No Campaign had said drivers in an independent Scotland would be forced to drive on the right. Mr Darling looked shocked that a joke made by MP Andy Burnham was being used as a serious argument.

Tweeting during the debate Mr Burnham weighed in by saying: "Can't believe a weak joke I once made about Scotland driving on right has actually been quoted by Salmond. He's lost the plot."

If Mr Darling thought that he had seen the end of the nonsensical arguments he was in for a further shock as he was challenged on claims that the No Campaign had said that Scotland would be unable to defend itself from an extraterrestrial attack.

Undaunted by the strange line he was facing the former chancellor pressed on with his questioning over what would happen to the currency saying: "Any eight-year-old can tell you the flag of a country, the capital of a country and its currency.

"I presume the flag is the saltire, I assume our capital will still be Edinburgh, but you can't tell us what currency we will have. What is an eight-year-old going to make of that?"

While the audience noticeably turned against Mr Salmond, with one Yes supporter saying he was disappointed that the First Minister was failing to address real issues, moderator Bernard Ponsonby became increasing aggressive in his questioning of Mr Darling as a balance.

Many of those watching the debate have been left with more questions than answers in the run up to September 18th following the face off. The key focus on the economy left little time to cover the wide range of additional issues which loom on the horizon. 

Whether or not there was an all out winner one thing was clear, Yes Campaign's hubris in claiming that Mr Salmond would route Mr Darling was unfounded. As Labour MP for Paisley & Renfrewshire South and Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander tweeted: "Alex Salmond thought this debate would be his Bannockburn...it's turning out to be his Waterloo."

Debate night for Scotland

TONIGHT Scotland will get its first chance to see the leaders of the two campaigns, for and against independence, go head to head.

The televised debate between pro-independence leader Alex Salmond and the Better Together Campaign head Alistair Darling has been pitched as a key moment in the build up to September's referendum vote.

Political debates have long been an important part of politics. In America they are viewed as crucial for the success of Presidential campaigns. In Britain, however, they are still watched with a degree of scepticism by the voting public.

The televised debates between David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg prior to the 2010 General election were hailed by some observers as the reason for the astonishing gains made by the Liberal Democrats.

Despite Mr Clegg's presence and personality in the debates, however, he has failed to meet expectations, leading to the party's relegation to fourth place in opinion polls.

Both Mr Salmond and Mr Darling will be hoping that their performances tonight have a longer lasting impact.

The campaign has heated up in recent weeks as both sides have accused the other of misleading the electorate over the repercussions of Scotland leaving the Union. Tonight they will be able to confront each other face to face. Many will be hoping that they are able to make sense of an increasingly confused economic agenda amongst other things.

Blair Jenkins, chief executive of the Yes Scotland Campaign, has been reported as saying: "Viewers will get the chance to hear why decisions made on Scotland's future should be taken here in Scotland.

"Our experience is that most undecided voters choose Yes when they hear both sides of the debate, and therefore we believe the mass TV audience will benefit our positive campaign.

'We also believe that the No campaign have a problem with both the negativity of their message, and the unpopularity of their messengers."

Meanwhile Better Together campaign director Blair McDougall has lowered expectations of the debate, claiming that the real discussions will take place off air.

"The referendum debate isn't confined to TV studios. It is taking place in conversations between friends and family across Scotland.

"The biggest debate is taking place on the doorsteps, around kitchen tables and in workplaces across the country.

"And the more people talk about what leaving the UK would mean for our schools and hospitals, the more they are saying no thanks to separation."

The danger of the debates, as proven by the 2010 election, is that the policies are lost amid the personalities of the participants. Mr Salmond potentially holds the winning hand in this case. His bombastic and larger than life approach may appeal more to swing voters than Mr Darling's more academic reasoned arguments. Whatever the pro's and con's debated it could all come down to how well they are put across, rather than the actual merits of, the facts and opinions which persuade voters. With recent polls putting the difference between two camps in single digits the only thing certain for tonight is that both campaigns still have everything to play for.

The games are over but Scotland's race goes on

As the cheers subsided and the music went quiet the 2014 Commonwealth Games were brought to a close.

While it may be the final for the athletes it seems like it may have been just the reinvigorating starting pistol the pro-independence movement was looking for ahead of September's referendum. After the incredible displays of athleticism, the pomp and ceremony and the demonstration that amid much concern otherwise they could pull it off Scottish Nationalism is riding high. 

This has been the problem with the Scottish National Party's campaign from the start though. It has been about flash in the pan soundbites, putting on a good show for the spectators, without really thinking too much about what will happen in the long term.

Now the games are over the future of the new arenas and stadiums is far from certain. Plans have been made and promises given but experience has taught us that until the deal is done there is still much which can go wrong.

The same applies for Alex Salmond's campaign. Hitting out at the Better Together Campaign as being too negative makes for a brilliant spectacle, and may just be right. Without being able to give a positive long term argument to counter it though Mr Salmond is left floundering.

A key debate has been about whether staying in, or leaving, the Union will make the Scots better off. It is a complex debate which relies on numerous economic factors. What proportion of the United Kingdom debt will Scotland be responsible for? Will it be based on per capita income, proportion of funds allocated from Westminster or one of a number of other ways which are being debated? 

Neither side can categorically say and this means that no-one will truly know until long after the votes have been counted which side will come out on top.

Another bone of contention has been the pound. On one side there is Mr Salmond claiming that no matter what politicians in Westminster say Scotland will remain in the sterling union. On the other hand there are Prime Minister and leader of the Conservatives David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg, Labour leader Ed Milliband, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osbourne, Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and a multitude of Bank of England and City economists saying it will never happen. 

If Mr Salmond is to succeed in his quest he is going to have to do more than rely on vague promises and forcing to people to watch Braveheart and listen to Flower of Scotland until their ears pop.

As has been evidenced in Cyprus and Crimea amongst others the right to self determination is both a strong motivator and a complex issue. It takes serious debate and a clear recognition of all the arguments. That hasn't really started to happen in Scotland and time is running out for it to do so. 

The Commonwealth games have shown that the country can pull of something spectacular when required. What is yet to be seen is if it can handle the more time consuming and necessary day to day mundanity of being an independent state.