Confusion among the Lib Dems
9 April 2011
Former veteran MSP for Ross, Skye and Inverness West from 1999 till March 2011 John Farquhar Munro has sent a letter of support to Alex Salmond for a second term as First Minister of Scotland.
The SNP website carries the text of his letter of support which states “I am delighted to support Alex Salmond for a second term for First Minister of Scotland.” It goes on: “I consider Alex Salmond is the only one who can lead us through the next session of Parliament.”
However the Lib Dem website under the heading “John Farquhar Munro - statement” quotes Mr Munro saying: “In a race between Iain Gray and Alex Salmond, then I’d clearly choose Alex Salmond. I will not be voting SNP in May. I have already been and will continue to campaign for Alan Macrae. I will be voting for Alan Macrae who will be an excellent MSP for Highlands. I also will be encouraging voters across the Highlands and Islands to vote for their Liberal Democrat candidate.”
What this means to the ordinary voter is about as enlightening as Lib Dem policy on tuition fees: one thing in Scotland and another in England.
The BBC website makes the connection that “Mr Munro’s comments came after the Scottish Liberal Democrats lost their top candidate in Central Scotland, after he criticised the party.” The voter might well wonder what is going on in the high command of the Lib Dems.