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  By a Newsnet reporter
 
The anti-independence alliance between the No parties has been shattered after senior Lib Dem and Tory figures spoke out about problems facing the campaign.
 
Scottish Tory Chairman Richard Keen attacked Labour’s Devolution Commission proposals, branding them as a failed and “horrible compromise” between the party’s split MPs and MSPs that was “incoherent, unworkable and confused”.

He has also accused Labour of being “thoroughly complacent” and taking voters for granted.

Responding to Keen’s remarks, a Scottish Labour spokesman told the Sunday Herald: “Richard Keen’s insights into Scottish politics are like Bernard Manning’s tips on flower arranging. It’s surprising he offers any at all, but ultimately we all know he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie has admitted the No campaign had “a wobble” six weeks ago, with problems with “resources, message discipline and striking the right balance between the positive and negative”.

The Scottish Lib Dem leader revealed that one canvass estimate in Rosyth had found Yes ahead by 60-40.

Commenting, SNP MSP Joan McAlpine said:

“Richard Keen’s comments – and Labour’s response to them – make it clear that the consensus of convenience the No parties would have us believe exists is nothing more than a panicked attempt to try to stop Scotland voting Yes – but it won’t work.

“As Richard Keen points out, Labour MPs and MSPs cannot agree amongst themselves and are split down the middle on further powers – it is impossible to believe they can agree anything at all with the Tories and the Lib Dems.

“Meanwhile, Willie Rennie’s admission of a ‘wobble’ in the ever-negative No camp reveals the panic at the heart of the campaign.

“But last week’s attempt to look united on the issue of further powers was little more than a photo opportunity which failed to name one single power that would come to Scotland.

“The fact is that only a Yes vote can guarantee the powers Scotland needs to thrive and work toward closing the gap between rich and poor.”

The Better Together has already had to relaunch in the wake of polling that showed Yes closing the gap on their rivals.  The anti-independence campaign, criticised for adopting a negative approach, adopted a new ‘No Thanks’ slogan.

The three Unionist parties have also struggled to unite behind more powers for the Scottish Parliament in the event of a No vote.  A recent ‘declaration’ of more powers was branded worthless by Yes opponents who pointed out similar promises had been made in the past, and were broken.

Comments  

 
# jjmac 2014-06-22 22:20
I think that Alistair Darling getting a standing ovation at last year’s Tory conference would be enough to put the switherers on to a yes vote.
If not…… God help us.
 
 
# Talorgan 2014-06-22 23:19
Rosyth isn’t the only place on 60%.

:]
 
 
# Fungus 2014-06-22 23:26
We’re winning, our time is coming.
 
 
# Breeks 2014-06-23 06:57
We can spend the next 12 weeks arguing the relevant merits of Westminster made Trabants, or simply make a different choice and drive away in September with an environmentally sound, ultra modern, mint condition, zero mileage supercar which is made in Scotland and already belongs to us.
 
 
# Jo Bloggs 2014-06-23 09:50
“The anti-independence campaign, criticised for adopting a negative approach, adopted a new ‘No Thanks’ slogan.”

And that’s them being positive, is it?
 
 
# Muscleguy 2014-06-23 12:05
In the photo they all seem to have their hands together in prayer or supplication. Rather appropriate considering the polls and the canvassing results.

Also RIC is contacting and converting people who will never feature on a poll due to the selection and contact methods used. These people, many of whom have never voted before, will be our secret shock troops.

On September 18 the figures to look at will come before the votes are counted. If the turnout in the schemes and estates is high then we will win. The sheer numbers make that certain. This is partly why RIC is working so hard there. The other part is because this is their country too and they should not be disenfranchised as usual by being made to think there is no point in them voting.
 
 
# Talorgan 2014-06-23 20:37
Quoting Muscleguy:
Also RIC is contacting and converting people who will never feature on a poll due to the selection and contact methods used. These people, many of whom have never voted before, will be our secret shock troops.


Yes

There is a legend that the “Sma folk” turned the tables on 1314 06 24 simply by appearing. I hope that the “Forgotten folk” do the same on 2014 09 18.
 
 
# bringiton 2014-06-23 15:02
You cannot be a one nation party and support meaningful devolution at the same time unless you are telling porkies.
 
 
# Marian 2014-06-23 20:23
Project Fear are not trying to win over converts to a NO vote.

What more evidence do Scots need other than the fact that they are doing nothing to provide any of the powers that the people of Scotland want Holyrood to have.

What Project Fear are really doing is trying to hold on to the 53% the polls say they have.

The Project Fear lies about Pensions and the NHS in this appalling propaganda flyer are directed at the 53% to keep them scared stiff.
 
 
# gus1940 2014-06-24 05:47
O/T

Yesterday’s announcement of the planned HS3 between Manchewster and Leeds is surely a gift for YES.

I know that Glasgow based BT will continue with their rapidly disintegrating campaign but is this not a sign that The Westminster Coalition (at least the Tory part) have seen the writing on the wall and have thrown in the towel.
 

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