A MESSAGE FROM GLASGOW

From ALBA candidate Michelle Ferns.

So, it is now just two weeks until the most significant Election in Scotland since 2014. For Scottish Independence supporters it is an exciting time. It is hard to believe it is still only four weeks since the creation and launch of the ALBA Party.

Alba have burst onto the scene and as our manifesto suggests we’ve already managed to “shake things up.” Most notably forcing the issue of a plan to put Independence back to the top of the political agenda. Not just ALBA but all of the pro Indy parties now need to engage on the constitutional question. The Alba Party have ensured that this election is now about independence. We have injected a dash of colour and positivity into what was shaping up to be a rather boring election.

It has been very difficult to reach out to people in the normal way. Glaswegians love a gab and I’ve yet to meet one who didn’t have strong opinions on absolutely everything. Some of the challenges have been unavoidable because of the lockdown rules and the continuing need to keep people safe. Some however, have been entirely orchestrated. The complete blackout by the MSM of Alba’s message and how a supermajority is the key lever to deliver Independence and subsequently the full powers needed for social and economic recovery is a disgrace. Despite this, we’ve been out and about in Glasgow this week. Delivering boards, leaflets and posters to people all over the city, east to west and north to south. We’ve been talking to people who are absolutely energised by the confident and clear plan for how Independence can be delivered by a supermajority in the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish people know they have to vote for it by voting Alba on the list. Our engagement with voters in Glasgow has been overwhelmingly positive despite what some rival commentators on social media say.

I have been out on a rickshaw in Glasgow city centre and being unapologetic about the strong message that Scotland needs independence and it needs it now! Predictably most of the negative comments are pedantic snobbery about the correct pronunciation of Alba. Well here’s a wee hint. They might find the following offensive. I don’t pronounce Paris “Paree” either, nor do I say Barthelona or Add see das when referring to a particular sports brand. This is how a lot of people in the city and I speak. For me, anything else would be an affectation. I refuse to cringe. I refuse to change. It would be very refreshing if some of that outrage over pronunciation was felt and expressed over child poverty in the city, or the upcoming crisis in the labour market, and the devastating impact that it will have on families in Glasgow. No outrage either about the closing down of libraries and community centres across the city with no coherent plan to deliver alternatives.

I guess the things people get outraged about are different. I am very clear on what my priorities are, the citizens of Glasgow and Scotland. Our manifesto is one that I am very proud to stand on. It represents a vision for Scotland and Glasgow that is entirely realistic and possible. It shows a path to an independent Scotland. It reminds me of the city I hope to represent in the Scottish Parliament, bold, fearless and confident. Assured in our future and in our ability and talent to shape that future in a way thats fairer for everyone.
Despite the hurdles that we will have to inevitably face, I urge you all on May 6th to Vote for a Super Majority, Vote For Independence. Vote for Scotland. Vote for ALBA on the list.