Interview with James Shiels, Councillor for Carntogher

Pearl of Tyburn:  I’m now going to speak with Councillor James Shiels from Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Mr. Shiels, how are you?

James Shiels:  Fine, thanks.

P.T.:  Could you tell me a bit about your family background?

J.S.:   My forefathers were Presbyterians with Scottish roots, and as tenant farmers on a tiny bit of land near Carmtogher Mountain they tilled the ground in order to survive. It was a hard life, and when the industrial revolution came they, like many others in the area, took a chance for a better life and at the end of the 19th century moved here to Upperlands to find work in the Linen Mill.

Working six days a week for little pay, in a heavily class based society, they endured some of the most difficult and tumultuous periods in Ulster's history - the Home Rule period and the Great War - yet managed to remain hopeful that life could get better for everyone in our community regardless of their creed or class.

It's thanks to the risks they took, in pursuit for a better way of life that has meant that I, a working class lad from a little linen village, could become the unionist councillor for the entire area of Carntogher.

P.T.:  What political party are you affiliated with, and what identities do you see yourself as having?

J.S.:  I was recently elected as the sole Unionist Councillor for Carntogher DEA in the new Mid Ulster Council. As a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) I'm part of the largest unionist party in Mid Ulster, and at 24 I am one of the youngest elected politicians in Northern Ireland.

I am also heavily involved with Loyal Orders and am a committed Christian. On a nationality front I am unashamedly an Ulsterman, and proud of my British identity.

P.T.:  What are your thoughts on the Scottish independence movement and referendum?

J.S.:  I am totally opposed to Scottish independence as I believe that we really are better together in a United Kingdom because without our Scottish neighbours we (the UK) would be a smaller nation, with a smaller economy and a diminished standing on the world stage. That means less power, less influence and less voice in the key discussions concerning our people in the European Parliament.

P.T.:  How do you think the Scots themselves might be affected by this?

J.S.:  For the Scots themselves, questions must be asked in regards to how their country will function if they choose independence. Will they get to keep Sterling, or choose the Euro? What effect will that have on their ratepayers and businesses? What will happen to UK military and naval bases on Scottish soil? Etc, etc.

These are the sorts of questions that need answering, and when they are, I am sure the good people of Scotland will realise that they, and indeed all of us, are better remaining together as part of a strong United Kingdom.

P.T.:  How would you compare and contrast Scottish Nationalists with Irish Nationalists?

J.S.:  Scottish nationalism is primarily civic, and has focused quite rightly on their goal of an Independent Scotland. Irish nationalism on the other hand is ethnic and has time and again been hijacked by both religious and republican groups. This had lead to a situation where in Scotland independence is an open issue, but here in Northern Ireland it is a polarizing issue totally opposed by the majority of people.

P.T.:  Thanks so much for your time, Councillor Shiels.

J.S.:  A pleasure.

Interview with Rory Stewart, Westminster MP for Penrith and the Borders

Pearl of Tyburn: I have the privilege of speaking with Rory Stewart, Westminster MP for Penrith and the Borders. Mr. Stewart, could you please tell us what your British identity means to you, and why you believe it should be preserved?

Rory Stewart:  We are a result of shared institutions, languages and articles. The United Kingdom is the definition of what our nation is about. We are a nation that stands together in the face of adversity and hardship, we should not shy away now. Scotland is a vital part of our nation and needs to remain just that.

We have been working to preserve the UK for over 300 years; if broken up, it would be a very hard place to imagine. Our complexity, that feeling of being Scottish or English but also British, is one we should embrace and cherish. We need to stay together to continue being a strong and successful nation in this ever changing world.

Interview with G. Wright, Resident of Glasgow

Pearl of Tyburn:  I’ll now be speaking Mr. G. Wright of Glasgow. How are you, Mr. Wright?

G. Wright:  Well, thanks.

P.T.:  Could you please explain what your British identity means to you?    

G. W.:  For me, a Scotsman, to be British is to enjoy a unique and special identity.  Most people only have one culture and one history; but we British are lucky to have a share in several other cultures, as well as our own.  I love all things Scottish, but I'd still prefer a Dry Gin to a Whisky, a Shakespeare over a Burns and a St Thomas More over a John Knox.  And despite these things being English in origin - they have become very much part of my culture - thanks to the UK.  This is part of the beauty of the UK - as to be British is to be enriched in this way.

   

P.T.:  What is an analogy that you might use to describe the Union?

   

G.W.:  Our very successful Union is like a family, in that the Nations are close and affectionate of one another, but also distinct in identity and at times rivals.  There is nothing quite like the UK, and - should the worst happen in September, God forbid - there never will be anything quite like it again. For it is more than just a bland Union of Nations - like the EU - it goes way beyond that, via having unity of language and a shared and lively history too.  The Peoples of the UK Nations are not simply mere 'partners', but kith and kin. To be British is to be part of a family.

P.T.:  Do you ever feel like your British identity takes away from or diminishes your Scottish identity in any way?

G.W.:  Unlike some, I do not feel like my British Identity is an unwelcome "bolt on" to my Scottish Identity.  For me, it is a complimentary aspect - not a rival one. Like two luxurious room in a large Mansion. The rooms are not competitors, but each is wonderful and interesting on its own merits. You can flit from one to another, or place them alongside one another. It is fascinating to see how they compliment one another.

   

P.T.:  What do you feel it is to be British, on an international level?

G.W.:  To be British is to belong to a Nation which has done more than any other, over centuries, to shape the modern World.  I think this is shown by the enduring successor of the Empire, the British Commonwealth.  That the vast majority of former Empire States choose to remain part of this family of friends today, is a testament to how the bonds of brotherhood and friendship have ultimately prevailed over conquest and domination.  These friendships are the real legacy of the Empire. 

P.T.:  What did you think of the Commonwealth Games recently held in Glasgow?

G.W.:  The recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow were a lesson in how blessed we are to be British, to enjoy links and friendship with so many different People and Nations from across the globe.  And the enrichment of Britain, through contact with these friends, was clearly visible - not least by the welcome presence of Men from the Gurka Rifles, at the security points! It may not fashionable to boast of Empire in the modern era, but the size of the British Empire was impressive by any standards. I believe that, one day, historians will talk of the British, the way they talk about the Romans today. And so to be British is to be International. 

P.T.:  How would you answer some of the negative charges made against the British identity by separatists?

G.W.:  Some separatist extremists try to extrapolate neo-fascism from a simple pride in, or admiration of, British identity and the United Kingdom. But in spite of this, many people continue to be proud of their British identities. We are not especially vocal about it - that would be quite un-British indeed - but that doesn't mean its not there. We have just as much to be proud of as Britons, as we do as Scots. One cannot blame keen fans of British culture for admiring the more romantic aspects of an exceptionally rich tapestry of history, as others do with the Romans, etc. As a Scottish Briton myself, I cannot help but share their sympathies!

P.T.:  What do you think has contributed to the antipathy towards the British identity on the part of many Scots?    

G.W.:  Sadly, many Scots today define themselves by what they decide to dislike - be it the English, or the Catholics – instead of appreciating the fullness of their heritage and important historical events. Many Scots think resenting these groups is what it means to be Scottish - it’s very sad. This kind of negative, or inverse identity is a phenomenon I have not encountered elsewhere.

I think in part this "negative identity" explains the verses in The Flower of Scotland which attempt to create a sensation of loss or grievance - rather than pride in our own nation, our anthem is all about whom we dislike and how hard-done-by we feel. The end result of all this is an ignorant and divided society. Most people have no real sense of themselves and are simply unthinking clients of cheap, imported pop culture. And that which is thought of as being genuinely Scottish (kilts etc) is in the main a modern and contrived caricature of an identity. 

P.T.:  What do you think of the claim that the British army used Scottish soldiers as cannon fodder?

G.W.:  The type of Scot who can seemingly see nothing but ill-will and exploitation in the United Kingdom strikes a chord of frustration with me. I hate the "cannon fodder" argument you often hear, about Scots in the British Army. It’s just not true. On the contrary, Scots Regiments have always been an important and illustrious part of the British Army. The Royal Scots were the oldest British Army Unit, till they became sadly defunct. Now it is the Coldstream Guards. And where is Coldstream? That’s right, Scotland! I also strongly dislike the bogus notion that Scotland is an English colony, rather than a partner of the English. It’s just absurd. 

P.T.:  If Scotland were to become independent, what do you think the Scottish people could expect?

G.W.:  I think people would get a shock in an independent Scotland. We would have no G8 seat, no permanent UN Security Council seat, no permanent UN veto, no major EU influence, no major global influence, no nuclear deterrent, no conventional military power, no fiscal control over our own currency, etc. As part of the UK, we currently have all of that. I don't think our coffers would be able to support the large number of public sector jobs the country depends on.

Before recent cuts started 1 in 4 employed by the State in Scotland, compared to 1 in 5 UK wide. And this is before all the extra ones needed if independent. Let’s not forget the many Scots communities, often isolated, who depend heavily on local British bases and military installations to drive their economies. All that would be gone if we split from the UK.

P.T.: What’s your opinion on the currency debate?

G.W.:  Control of our currency is another major issue that ceding throws up. We have to either take the euro (assuming we even got into the EU - not guaranteed) and let the EU control our currency, (that's going really well for Greece right now), or we keep the pound and let the Bank of England control our currency. The Bank of England currently controls our currency, but does so while taking us and our economic circumstances into account (along with the rest of the UK).

Post independence, they would still be in full control, but the Scottish economy would not feature in their considerations whatsoever, as they no longer have any duty to us. This then has grave implications for anything our Government would try to do: fiscal plans, the economy etc. Why would sane person, who was not intoxicated or under duress, freely vote to give up fiscal control of their own currency? If people think seriously, they can only credibly vote no, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens almost "by accident"! 

P.T.:  Can you please give me your closing thoughts, and what you see as the heart of the referendum?

G.W.:  Ultimately, the name of the "no" campaign - Better Together - sums it all up.  Were it not for the UK and its centuries of history, none of the constituent parts could ever have expected to have such an eventful history, or range of experiences and opportunities.    We know from the work place that working together achieves more, and so it is with the UK too. To be British is to have broad horizons.

This whole referendum comes down one major question: do Scots want to be part of a nation which helps to shape the world (The UK), or do they want to be part of a nation which is shaped by the world? No Scotsman worth his salt would choose the latter! Here's to a prosperous + proud Scotland within a happy + strong UK!

P.T.:  Thank you very much for your taking part in this project.

G.W.:  Sure, no problem.

Interview with Damien Davies, Unionist Activist

Pearl of Tyburn:  Tonight we’ll be speaking with Damien Davies, Unionist Activist. Hello, Mr. Davies.

Damien Davies:  Hello.

P.T.:  Could you elaborate about your background and what identities you might see yourself as having, culturally, nationally, religiously, and otherwise?

D.D.:  I am a 31-year-old British Person who happens to live in North West England, Runcorn, 9 miles downstream from Liverpool. Religiously, Church of England, although have Broad Catholic Leanings but to not regularly practice.

I have always regarded myself British first (as it is more inclusive) and English second, although was born in Scotland to Parents of Welsh. I consider England to be one of the Historic Countries in The United Kingdom of Great Britain (a state as it were), but The United Kingdom to be my country. England, Wales and Scotland are all internal regions of the UK, but they make up a whole.

P.T.:  Where in Scotland were you born? Do you feel Celtic at all in your mix of identities, and what do you think about the issue of Celtic language preservation, such as Welsh?

D.D.:  I was born in Edinburgh, raised in England and have Welsh/Irish Decent. I have no affinity for Celtic identity even with my Scottish/Irish and Welsh background, but I do believe that traditional Celtic languages should be preserved as much as possible.

P.T.:  What are your feelings with regard to the Scottish independence referendum?

D.D.:  It is an affront to everything The United Kingdom represents and is absolutely heartbreaking to me.

P.T.:  What do you see the UK as representing, to you and to the world?

D.D.:  I see the collective diversity and comradeship of this Island as our biggest asset and not a weakness that the separatists would have Scotland believe. Look around the world, 50 percent of inventions; the locomotive, the telephone, television, World Wide Web and the automobile, etc. etc. All are British innovation within the Union.

For good or ill, the Greatest Empire the world has seen which turned English into the 2nd or 3rd most spoken language in the world, just logistically for us is splendid. The colours of the Red-white and blue of our flag are in most overseas territories and former colonies.

P.T.:  What would you say about the post-imperial slump that seems to have affected many Brits psychologically?

D.D.:  It has not affected me in the slightest; the United Kingdom does not owe me, a typical working class man in the North of England, anything. Frankly the people it has affected need to get over themselves

P.T.:  Do you think that countries owe their people anything? What do you think the role of patriotism plays, and what do you think people owe their country?

D.D.:  I do feel that the Country or State owes the Taxpayer a lot, good defence, reasonable priced housing to buy and a chance to make a pound, gainful employment as it were. For this, the Country is owed our allegiance in turn. That’s patriotism.

P.T:  What about the supposed historical arguments brought up by separatists?

D.D.:  Historical Battles of the indigenous peoples of Britain is old hat, 400 years old hat. The British built this Union with British hands is a much more immediate reality than fighting for something that you have no personal stake in.

I would not fight for that cause, I would fight for the cause to preserve the Greatest Social, Political and Economic Union the world has ever known. Twice in the last Century our forebears gave their lives for defend our freedoms. That is worth a lot more than the separatists can conceive.

P.T.:  What symbol of Britain stands out most in your mind? What do you think would happen to the Union Jack should Scotland break away?

D.D.:  For me, it is the Symbol of Britannia. She is embossed on the Train Bridge in Runcorn so get a daily reminder of the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Union Jack will be no more if the separatists get their way.

P.T.:  What are your thoughts about the Saxon vs. Celtic analogies and the way that Ireland and Scotland are often compared?

D.D.:  Ireland is not Great Britain; the Irish Troubles are largely over with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Bringing that in the debate would just antagonize the whole peace process in Northern Ireland, who resoundingly decided they were British. Let that be an end to that issue. This is about the Constitutional Future of Great Britain, not Scotland as the separatists would like to make out.

P.T.:  What are your thoughts on Federalization and the home rule bodies in the UK? Also are you a part of any political party?

D.D.:  I vote, but am not affiliated with any political party. I do not agree with federalization and home rule bodies, but that is neither here nor there because it is here. I can elaborate on that, if you wish.

P.T:  Please do.

D.D:  Federalization works best with Large Areas of expansive land which is sparsely populated relative to size, Great Britain or the UK could fit inside Texas, just one of the 50 States in the USA.

So the conceit with Devolution in the UK is that Scotland and Wales are NOT British but Scottish and Welsh respectively. This is a problem as it teaches Scots and Welsh to regard themselves as something other than British

P.T.:  Under the circumstances of home rule existing in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, do you think England should have a home rule body?

D.D:  In theory that is a sound idea; at the minute the UK pays for English MP's in the UK Parliament and for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland too, but now three of the home nations have two sets of MP's so basically there in a job share with each other but with no reduced hours or wages. So we are all paying more cash for more politicians, which there are too many of already.

P.T.:  What do you think about the SNP argument about Tory Rule that they hope will help advocate independence among mostly anti-Tory Scots?

D.D.:  Scotland is the only Country in the United Kingdom which has ever returned over 50% of votes to the Tories, in addition when the UK General Election rolls around we vote as ONE in the Unified Great Britain, the "us" and "them" mentality is merely a confection drummed up by the SNP, which I deplore. Tories have more MSPs in Holyrood than the SNP have in Westminster also, and yet the SNP have a mandate to Break-up-Britain...

P.T.:  What's your opinion of Alex Salmond?

D.D.:  I cannot repeat it but there is a lot of expletive deleted in there. It is telling that the SNP were against the National Minimum Wage in 1997 and Devolution in 1997 also, against more powers of the Edinburgh Agreement in 2012 and supported the dreaded Margaret Thatcher’s rise to power in the 1970's. She was known as milk snatcher in England too. It seems as if this party’s primary function is to antagonize and provoke.

P.T.:  What do you think of Alistair Darling? What is your opinion on the debates that took place between him and Salmond?

D.D.:  Alistair Darling is a decent chap, but Salmond is an utter disgrace. The debates were okay, but Darling was way too nice.

P.T.:  What do you think is the best way to defeat Salmond?

D.D.:  VOTE NO! Hopefully there will be a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Mr. Salmond.

P.T.:  What methods do you think the Unionist campaign should use to bolster than no vote?

D.D.: I am offended it is actually been raised as a question. That's how much of a no-brainer the United Kingdom is to me. I feel as an Ideal, if the United Kingdom can say that we can achieve so much more together than apart, lots of Countries come and go, new Countries formed and regimes fall, not in Britain?

Because we have a tried, tested, true and stable form of Liberal Democracy, which is something other parts of the world can only dream of. This should be a source of pride that we can engage in this debate without violence and some out the other side stronger for it. And to be fair, if our United Kingdom is everything us Unionists think and believe it is we have nothing to worry about :) Better Together, always were.

P.T.:  What do you think about arguments turning the whole thing on its head, saying "smaller better", "weaker better", etc.?

D.D.:  I would say that collectively the United Kingdom has the 5th Largest Economy in the world and the second largest in the EU, but are the 80th largest Country in terms of Size, why would anybody wish to diminish this? I cannot abide the mentality which would see the separatists metaphorically cut of one of my healthy legs.

P.T.:  How do you feel personally affected by the concept of the British culture being split apart and ultimately dissolved as we know it?

As a British person, Nessie is part of my culture, as is the bagpipe and tartan. The separatists with to take this away from me. Imagine if there was a British Government voted in at the last general election trying to cut away Scotland, what would Scots call the rest of the United Kingdom?

P.T.:  Dirty rats, snakes-in-the-grass, etc.?

D.D.:  My sentiments exactly. My personal view is that the SNP got in on a protest vote against the Tories and Lib Dems climbing in the bed with them.

P.T.:  What's your opinion on the sterling issue?

D.D.:  Pound Sterling was the English Currency before the Acts of Union; the exchange of the Pound Scots to Sterling was 12 Pound Scots to 1 Pound Sterling, so no wonder the separatists want to keep it, but it would need to be the English currency as not to get all playground but it was England's first. I would not support an official currency union, have already written to my MP about that.

P.T.:  Again regarding Ireland, how would you respond to the nationalist assertation, "Well, lots of young nations struggled at first, like ROI, but got back on their feet...etc. etc."?

 D.D.:  Ireland is in the EUROZONE, how is that going again?

P.T.:  What are some of your personal interests/hobbies and what do you see for your future, of yourself and the UK?

D.D.:  I enjoy creative writing and write a lot of plays and screenplays in my spare time. I also enjoy photography, do a lot of hunting and angling, and am into movies in a big way.

Basically United Kingdom has been here for over 300 years and based on the success story of our Union I want the next 3,000 years, just sad that I will not be here to see it...our decedents will make us all proud to secure our Union and retain our Britishness.

P.T.:  Thanks, Mr. Davies. Thanks for everything.

D.D.:  No problem.

  

Interview with Donna Edmunds, Councillor for Lewes, Sussex

Pearl of Tyburn:  Tonight we have Ms. Donna Edmunds from Sussex, England. Thank you for taking the time out for this.

Donna Edmunds: You're welcome.

P.T.:  Could you elaborate a little about your background and work?

D.E.:  Yes. I have a degree in Zoology, and after graduating spent a number of years trying out different careers. Eventually, in 2009 I got a job at the European Parliament with an MEP, doing research and other bits and pieces - writing blogs for him and helping to organise a conference, that sort of thing

I spent 18 months in Brussels, then a year in London working for an MP, then I stopped work to have my daughter, but have run a few projects on the side voluntarily since then. I'm also a councilor on my local District Council

P.T.:  Identity wise, do you see yourself having any particular national/cultural/religious identities? And do you consider yourself predominately English or British?

D.E.:  I consider myself to be equally British and English. My mother is an immigrant (she was born in Ukraine), so I also identify a little with people from an immigrant background - we have Russian dolls in the house, my mother and grandmother speak Russian to each other etc. But I've always felt very English/British, and not at all Russian or Ukrainian.

To me, being both English and British isn't a contradiction. I live in Sussex, which is on the South coast of England, as it's the same thing to me as saying "I'm English and Southern". England feels like a region of Britain that I identify with. So I don't see Scotland as a foreign country, but nor do I feel in any way Scottish (because I'm not!)

P.T.:  So what is your reaction to The Scottish Independence Referendum?

D.E.:  Well, I feel a little sad that there are people in Scotland who feel so strongly about independence that they would campaign so vigorously for a referendum. When I think about our history as a joined nation, I feel just as proud of achievements of Scottish people as I do of people from Yorkshire or Devon or Wales. We're all British, no matter where on the island we live. But if they want independence, that's up to them.

Having said that, if we English got a vote on Scottish independence in September, I'd be tempted to vote for Independence. But maybe I wouldn't actually vote that way when it came down to it. I don't know.

P.T.:  What issues make you lean that way?

D.E.:  At the moment the way devolution has taken place means that the Scottish get much more Government money spent on them than the English do. For example, if you're a Scottish student studying at a Scottish university you don't have to pay fees, whereas an English student studying at the same university does have to pay. That doesn't seem very fair to me.

Also, the politicians in Scotland are very socialist. A (slightly mean) part of me thinks "let them have a go at socialism and see how it works out. They'll come back soon enough when the money runs out" But it's not a very noble way of viewing the whole thing, which is why I say that my emotional attachment to Scotland would probably prevail in the end.

P.T.:  Do you think there is a way of making government assistance programs fairer in all parts of the UK?

D.E.:  Not without reversing devolution. The problem is that all tax money is collected centrally, but then Scottish and Welsh parliamentarians get to set the rules on how they spend their money. It's no wonder that they keep giving their people freebies - all they have to do is demand more from Whitehall.

P.T.:  What do you think of the "historical" connections some Scottish nationalists have tried to make with Bannockburn, the Jacobites, etc.?

D.E.:  I think it's inevitable that they'll use history in that way to make their case. If their goal is to paint Scotland as having been conquered, so that they can claim to be setting Scotland free again, any historical imagery that brings that case to life will be used. I think it's up to those who don’t' want to see Scotland split from GB to do likewise, by highlighting our rich shared military and social history. And of course it must be pointed out that Scotland was never conquered, but the two countries were brought together under James.

P.T.:  Speaking of military, what sort of challenges do you think an independent Scotland would face without the armed forces and general international clout of the UK?

D.E.:  Militarily I don't think they'd face huge problems as a country. I can't see any other country wanting to invade Scotland any time soon. But there's no doubt that they would have a vastly reduced standing on the world stage, and would be unable to play a leading role in major strategic maneuvers - which of course they might be quite happy with, to be honest. The wars that Britain has joined over the last couple of decades haven't been very popular. They are talking about joining the EU though, so they'll have representation in Europe at least.

As for the military specifically, again, some of the Scottish regiments are highly regarded and have illustrious histories within the British army. Would they be dissolved? Would English people serving within them be asked to leave? Disentangling the affairs of the two nations would take quite some doing.

P.T.:  What do you think of Alex Salmond vs. Alistair Darling?

D.E.: Alex Salmond is a very accomplished politician. To even get as far as securing a referendum takes quite some doing. He's clearly charismatic and good at persuading people to back his cause.

Darling, by contrast, is a very workmanlike figure. Even as Chancellor of the Exchequer, which is the highest ranking minister in the Cabinet, he was completely forgettable. I guess they chose him to front the campaign because he's Scottish and has held high office, but he's hardly the most inspirational of people. The whole 'No' campaign has been a bit lackluster, to be honest. So much so that it has occurred to me that they might be trying to lose!

P.T.:  What suggestions would you give to Better Together to improve things?

D.E.:  I think they need to paint a more positive picture of the Union in general, and appeal more to emotions. A lot of the debate is over whether people would be £200 richer or poorer if Scotland went independent. Well, you're talking about overturning 300 years of history and splitting countless families across two countries.

The nature of the debate should be more inspiring than how much money you'll have in your pocket in the short term. A little bit more discussion about how, by working together as fellow countrymen, Scots and Englishmen have accomplished all sorts of major achievements

P.T.:  Many of the people I have interviewed have said the exact same thing. How do you think that can be driven home to Better Together?

D.E.:  I'm not sure, really. It's not as if those sorts of things aren't being said out loud in our media, after all. A lot of people have commented on the uninspiring nature of the campaign. I think one of the problems is that it's not very fashionable to be patriotic at the moment. If you start talking about how Great Britain is people assume you're a bit of a bigot or racist. So perhaps they just feel embarrassed to be making that kind of appeal to emotion.

P.T.:  How do you think it might become more fashionable to be patriotic?

D.E.:  Oh, well, that's a big question! I think if UKIP, which is unashamedly patriotic, do well in the elections next year people might feel more comfortable expressing patriotic viewpoints. On the other hand, those who oppose UKIP have done so loudly and viciously, that people might feel more than ever that they couldn't say anything publically, even if they do vote UKIP at the ballot box.

It's mostly the fashionable London elite and the middle classes who find patriotism distasteful. How do you turn their opinions around? Can you? Who knows?!

This is why I say I wonder whether they really have their hearts in this campaign to keep Britain united.

P.T.:  Can you give me a little summary of UKIP policies?

D.E.:  First and foremost, we want Britain to leave the EU and become a sovereign nation again. We'd like to see Britain start to trade more freely with the rest of the world, and in particular restrengthen ties with the Commonwealth.

At home, we're a classical liberal party, so low taxes, small government, quite socially liberal. Although we have come under a lot of fire recently for saying that we'd like immigration to be better managed and for the total overall number of immigrants entering the country each year to be brought down, which isn't strictly speaking libertarian.

P.T.:  The UKIP did very well in the EU election, didn't it?

D.E.:  Came first.

P.T.:  What kind of power does that give the party?

D.E.:  None really. It makes it a little harder for the other parties to ignore us. For example Nigel Farage (the leader) has said that he will insist on being included in leaders’ debates at the next election. But it doesn't give us any electoral power.

P.T.:  Do you think pulling out of the EU would strengthen unity in the UK?

D.E.:  That's a good question. I don't know really, since devolution has given Scotland and Wales a more separate identity than they had before. I guess a case could be made for Britain being a sovereign nation once again and everyone pulling together to make it succeed. But I don't know how well that would go down in Scotland.

P.T.:  To wrap things up, what do you see in the future for your political career and personally?

D.E.: Well, I recently stood in the European Parliamentary elections in the South East, and missed out on getting a seat - but I am 'first reserve' on the list if anyone drops out, so I'm hoping that at least one of our four South East MEPs will be elected to Westminster next May as I'll pick up their MEP seat.

Other than that, I've just applied for a job heading up the Get Britain Out campaign, which as the name implies is an anti-EU campaign. So I'm sure lots more campaigning and blogging and that sort of thing. And personally, hopefully staying living in Sussex as my daughter really likes our local nursery. Although I wouldn't turn down a job offer in the States!

P.T.:  Do you have any special interests/hobbies?

D.E.:  I do a bit of horseback riding. This is going to sound very sad, but politics is my hobby as well as my career, so I read a lot of political books and magazines - when I get the time. Mostly I'm kept busy being a mother and taking part in campaigns.

P.T.: Hey, it's nice you love what you do!

D.E.: Yeah! I'm very lucky.

P.T.: Thanks so much for taking the time out to do it!

D.E.: You're very welcome. I hope it's useful

Interview with Euan McTurk, Resident of Glasgow

Pearl of Tyburn:  This afternoon I’ll be speaking with Mr. Euan McTurk, Unionist activist. Hello, Mr. McTurk.

Euan McTurk:  Hello.

P.T.:  So could you tell me a little bit about your self, your background, and identities?

E.M.:  I'd prefer not to tell you too much about myself, to be honest. The position I and a lot of other Scottish Unionists are in at this time forces hide our real identities because of the culture of intimidation that has been promoted by the nationalists.

P.T.:  Please speak broadly, then, only as much as you feel comfortable telling.

E.M.:  I'm a born and bred Scot, with Scottish roots going back generations. I consider myself to be Scottish, British and European, the order of which depends on the circumstances!

With regards to religion, I would have to go back at least three generations to find any churchgoers in our family. I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about it to be honest, if I did I could probably identify both Catholics and Protestants. However as above, I don't associate myself with either. I consider myself an atheist.

P.T.:  Are you a member of any one of the major political parties?

E.M.:  Yes. The Labour Party. Have been for over 20 years.

P.T.:  Can you say whether you live in north or south of Scotland? As in Highlands or Lowlands?

E.M.:  The West! Glasgow.

P.T.:  "The Rose-Red City as Old as Time...."

E.M.:  Yes. Smells like it too some mornings....

P.T.:  Ah, city life! Give me the country any day!

E.M.:  Or, in the context of what we’re going to be talking about, give me MY country any day!

P.T.:  Yes, and to that point, what is your reaction to The Scottish Independence Referendum?

E.M.:  I see it as an utter distraction from the proper business of Government. The Scottish Parliament currently has one of the lightest legislative programmes going since it was established, all while the nationalists try not to "upset the apple cart" while pursuing their constitutional objectives.

This means that some of the real things that they are charged with delivering on, such as child poverty, such as employment, such as the delivery of public services, are all being neglected. Which they then turn around as justification for pursuing constitutional change!!

P.T.:  As a Labour member, what would you say about the SNP trying to make people nervous about Tory rule in order to advocate independence?

E.M.:  I'm more nervous about the SNP. I don't agree with most Tory policies, but a two-party system needs two parties to work. Labour comes in and improves the offer for the poorest in society, the Tories come in and create the conditions for business to generate the wealth that can be used to support the delivery of services. Each has its place in the electoral cycle.

The SNP are like the cuckoos of the electoral system, preying on whatever policy they think will attract support to their constitutional objectives, but not actually believing in any of them. They are a broad-church of opinion whereby the only thing that they have in common is their chip-on-the-shoulder nationalism. As you might have guessed, I detest them!

P.T.:  What's your opinion of Alex Salmond? And what do you think are his main weakness?

E.M.:  Salmond is a dangerous man who has been in power for too long and now thinks he is untouchable. He is holding his party together on the promise of separation. When that is denied to them on 18 September I would expect the SNP to start a civil war of recrimination, and he will be the first casualty.

P.T.:  What do you think of the Unionist campaign thus far? What about Alistair Darling?

E.M.:  They always had a hard sell. Life is never going to be perfect and people will always have something to complain about. The challenge has always been about selling what we have - warts and all - vs. the rose-tinted pipe dream that promises everything and anything. Gullible people are always going to be taken in by the latter. Alastair Darling is doing an OK job, although he's not the most dynamic. He shouldn't be underestimated, though.

P.T.:  What do you think about historical arguments for and against, regarding historical events like Bannockburn, the Jacobites, etc.?

E.M.:  This is 2014, not 1314. The purpose of history as I see it is to learn from our mistakes, not dwell on them. The Jacobite cause is an example of history being corrupted in that it is often presented as a Scots - English dispute, whereas it was a religiously and politically generated struggle with Scots fighting on both sides. Bonnie Prince Charlie died a drunk riddled with syphilis. He would have made some Leader!

P.T..:  Do you believe there is any place for romantic historical in national consciousness? Do you think Bannockburn's 700^th anniversary should be celebrated at all as a representation of something?

E.M.:  I might have taken a mild interest in the Bannockburn anniversary one time, but the fact that this referendum has been designed to coincide with it has put me off. Bannockburn is a word in a text book that took place 700 years ago and was about an English Lord who wanted to be a Scottish King (Bruce) and who spilled the blood of the common man to achieve his aims. It is a quaint aside and has no bearing on what matters most today - jobs, prosperity and equality.

P.T.:  What historical characters and events, do you think all Scottish Brits should be particularly proud?

E.M.:  I think that's a personal choice for each and every one of us. We've got lots to choose from. As before, history for me is about learning from our mistakes, I'm not one for dwelling on it and certainly not one for hero-worshipping figures from the past, most of whom have been painted one way or the other depending on who was holding the brush!

P.T.:  Do you have any that particularly interest you? And aside from hero-worshipping, any that you admire in some way or another?

E.M.:  Not really. I have a measure of admiration for lots of people, but I can't think of any who are flawless. Whatever they did, it's done and they'll play no further part. The future is in our hands now.

P.T.:  Could you elaborate on the issues of "jobs, prosperity, and equality" in the UK as opposed to a hypothetical independent Scotland?

E.M.:  We currently live and work in a growing economy, one that is the 6th biggest in the world and that can justifiably be described as one of the fastest growing Western economies. That has positive implications for jobs and prosperity. Anything the SNP has to offer is a finger in the wind by comparison. On equality, nationalism essentially has discrimination at its heart.

P.T.:  How do you think the relationship between Britain/Scotland would change with other nations (such as my own USA) would change after hypothetical independence?

E.M.:  It wouldn't be any better. The remainder of the UK would suffer the consequences, too, and would be justifiably upset at having to experience hardships as a result of our selfishness. Negotiations would not be easy. Obama and Clinton have already said that it would be better if the UK stayed together, and they are right.

I can't see us ejecting Trident from Faslane as being appealing to our NATO allies. Scotland would have a minimal defence force and would therefore be unable to join the USA on world peace-keeping duties, etc. As such, we would just be yet another small nation amongst many, and there would be no basis for any sort of "special relationship" with the States.

P.T.:  What do you think about environmentalism and the nuclear issue the SNP seem to have quite some antipathy for?

E.M.:  Environmentalism is a global issue and a perfect example of an issue that nationalism cannot sort. The SNPs stance on nuclear, like many of their stances, lacks common sense and is simply intended to appeal to as many people as possible while bringing them over to their way of thinking on the constitution. Nuclear power deserves serious consideration if we are to keep the lights on.

P.T.:  What do you think the UK represents to the world and to you personally? How would that be lost through independence?

E.M.:  We are one of, if not THE, oldest political and economic union in the world. We have had our shot at being a Superpower, we have one of the world's largest financial centres in the city of London, our armed forces are amongst the most highly regarded in the world, and our culture expressed in terms of our history and comedy attracts visitors in large number. We have a lot going for us, and separation puts it all at risk. As the phrase goes, we are Better Together, weaker apart.

P.T.:  In the end, what do you think the outcome of this referendum is likely to be?

E.M.:  We're on course for a NO Vote. The latest poll published today shows NO leading by 60:40, and that has been fairly consistent for at least the last 2 years. Barring something unexpected, that's roughly where I would expect the result to land in September.

P.T.:  What do you plan on doing as the referendum draws closer?

E.M.:  More of what I've been doing so far! Campaigning, leafleting, posting on social media, that sort of thing.

P.T.:  In addition to your political activism, do you have any hobbies or interests you wouldn't mind listing?

E.M.:  Fishing, snorkeling and sky-diving. And caber tossing. And walking in to people who are texting on their phones on the pavement (sidewalk). I particularly like doing that.

P.T.:  Thanks for all the help with the interview!

E.M.:  No worries.

Interview with Dominic Hardwick, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Manchester City Council

Pearl of Tyburn: Coming to us from Manchester, England, we have Mr. Dominic Hardwick, one of this year’s Liberal Democrat Candidates for Manchester City Council. Good evening, Mr. Hardwick.

Dominic Hardwicke: And to you.

P.T.:  What national identities do you see yourself as having? And do you have any ethnic/religious identities to speak of?

D.H.:  Nationally, I see myself as British first. My ancestry is predominantly Anglo-Saxon, but I can trace Celtic, Viking, Irish, French and Jewish roots in my family tree. I would not say that I wasn't English, and I would describe myself as English; but I consider myself a Briton first and foremost.

Ethnically I am an English Catholic. My father was baptized as a Catholic and comes from a Catholic family. My mother was baptized into the Church of England. I was left to make my own decisions about faith and reach my own conclusions, and I came to the conclusion that there must be a god, and I found wisdom in the teachings of Christianity.

I can't believe that a mortal man (i.e. the Pope) is infallible, so I'm not Catholic; I dislike the sexism inherent in the Eastern Orthodox churches; I think that certain oriental sects are weird; American evangelical movements scare me; Jehovah's witnesses seem illogical; I find Mormonism illogical; and I dislike the rejection of ritual and mysticism by more puritanical churches. Therefore I identify as an Anglican Christian.

P.T.:  How did you first become active in politics, within the Liberal Democrat Party in particular?

D.H.:  Well, my parents always voted and were socialists, relishing in the 1997 victory of the Labour government. However, we had a great local Lib Dem councilor called John Leech, who they also voted for. Labour did its level best to earn the contempt of my parents over the years - first they abolished the feeder school system meaning that rather than going to a decent local state school, I was offered schools that were further away and more difficult to get to.

Fortunately, as I was intelligent enough, I was able to pass the entrance exams for my local private school, which is one of the best in the country. But we still resented what Labour had done, especially as our local Labour MP was unaffected by the change because he could afford to put his son through the same private school that I went to.

Then there was the Iraq war, NHS changes and tuition fees, so we got sick of Labour and started supporting John Leech, who was elected in the 2005 general election with the largest swing in the country. My mother was deeply involved in the local residents' association, and so was John, being an interested and involved local councilor and then MP, and so invited us to be his first guests around Parliament.

I started to like the Lib Dems and him, and helped him campaign in the next general election; by which time I had joined university. I joined the Lib Dems at University, and met Henry, who persuaded me of the merits of unionism. I began helping my local Lib Dem councilors by delivering a round of leaflets for them, and got involved in student politics too, campaigning successfully to be elected to the student council in two elections

I enjoyed canvassing, and so I asked my local councilors if I could help them with that. So due to my commitment, I became one of their core activists. I then did two internships with Lib Dem MPs (one of them a government minister) and started helping out in a winnable ward without which had not done much campaigning. I was then selected as a candidate last summer, and ran for the position of Lib Dem councilor this May.

P.T.:  What reasons do you have for being an active Unionist?

D.H.:  Many, but here are my top five:

1) Together England and Scotland are greater than the sum of their parts, we are more prosperous and powerful for our union, and division would make us poorer and weaker.

2) Unity is an essential underpinning of acceptance and understanding of other people. Separatism would make us naturally hostile, and would develop a narrative in Scotland that defined the Scots as being against the English, just as happened in Ireland.

3) We have years of shared history and culture, and we are both richer socially for it. People have fought and died to protect these United Kingdoms, and it would be a slight on their legacy and sacrifice to destroy what they preserved.

4) Nationalism is an evil, corrosive force that lies behind many of the wrongs of the world, we must do everything we can to fight it by integrating our nations and states.

5) A unified set of laws, customs and government systems is cheaper to administer and provides a level playing field for competition between companies. Removing this by separating would make both Britain and Scotland less attractive to businesses and investors.

P.T.:  How do you think most English people, especially in Manchester and the north, view the upcoming Scottish Independence Referendum?

D.H.:  I'd say that very few people understand what drives it, and without understanding, most people wouldn't really have a firm opinion on it. Lots of people understand it only with reference to British and English politics, so seeing it as an issue of right vs. left, or monarchism vs. republicanism.

P.T.:  Do you think UK general opinion will affect Scottish opinion, in lieu of how Canadian opinion effected Quebec during their last independence referendum?

D.H.:  I don't know. I see how it could be effective, but I also see how it could - if manifested in certain forms – be a hindrance. For example, in one of the US presidential elections where George Bush Jr. was the republican candidate, the Guardian (a left-wing UK newspaper) organized a letter-writing operation asking people to send letters to voters in a swing state asking them to vote Gore/Kerry. It had the opposite effect as the voters railed against external interference.

P.T.:  Granted. But that was about electing a candidate, not a referendum regarding the unity of the country.

D.H.:  Indeed, which is why I say I'm not sure.

P.T.:  What do you think about Better Together?

D.H.:  It's a much needed campaign expressing the views of the softly-spoken majority. As a campaign, it seems either weak or powerful but disjointed. Either the campaign group is weak and unitary and not getting its voice across while louder, independent voices stand up for the union, or the campaign is strong and multi-pronged, relying on outside voices to provide its strength.

P.T.:  Which one do you think is more likely? And what would you suggest they should do to present a stronger front?

D.H.: I'm too cynical to be able to tell. I think it might be the latter, but I dread that it may be the former. To present a stronger front, Alistair Darling may need to put himself about more. If he were an MSP that could be helpful....maybe.

P.T.:  What do you think of his personality as it comes across in comparison to Alex Salmond's?

D.H.:  I honestly haven't heard that much of him live. I'm kinda fixated on his eyebrows...

P.T.:  Okay. I guess darling doesn't have an eye-brush comb in his make-up kit?

D.H.:  Yeah, that and the fact that they are black while his hair is white.

P.T.:  The “No” Camp hasn’t really produced any singularly young and dynamic character as of late, have they?

D.H.:  No, but that might be a good thing. Younger politicians are often seen as factory-farmed soulless automata.

P.T.:  And what are guys like Alasdair Darling and Alex Salmond seen as?

D.H.:  More trustworthy because they are older and have held high office without courting scandal. Salmond less so because he's a fatuous nincompoop.

P.T.:  What do you think about Scottish Nats who say, "We are just like Ireland! We the oppressed Celtic peoples of the earth, who were conquered by the Sassenachs....yadda yadda yadda....."

D.H.:  It's pointless, destructive, self-pitying whining by people who seem to be suffering from inferiority complexes trying to cast themselves as victims to give justification to their nasty, petty, small-minded and ultimately xenophobic/racist world view. I really do have very little time for nationalists.

P.T.:  What are your thoughts on “Yes” supporters insisting that Scotland would be “better off weak”? Some of them actually say out loud: "We'd be better off weak; we wouldn't have to fight wars, etc."

D.H.:  Codswallop. Scotland would be irrelevant if weak. They would lack protection as they wouldn't be able to be a part of NATO without contributing to the defense of NATO.

Furthermore, I would argue that we have a duty to people beyond the borders of our country, and deliberately weakening ourselves to get out of our duty to remove genocidal tyrants and protecting the weak against the strong is repugnant cowardice and vile selfishness.

Also, only a fool would say that we had forever banished the scourge of major wars. Every time a major war has broken out, it has been after a period of peace in which people had convinced themselves that war would not return.

P.T.:  What do you think of Scotland and the pound?

D.H.:  If Scotland becomes independent, it can't remain in a currency union with the UK. The UK would have no reason to allow its monetary policy to be in part dictated by a country 1/10 its size.

It could continue to use the pound in the same way that Zimbabwe uses the dollar, but that wouldn't work for long term fiscal stability. It couldn't move to the Euro because the EU would not have an independent Scotland as a member. An independent Scotland would need its own currency.

P.T.:  As a Liberal Democrat, how would you answer the "anti-Tory-ism" that seems to be rampant in Scotland and used as an excuse to seek independence?

D.H.:  Be anti-Tory, that's fine - I don't particularly like them myself. However, trying to use the fact that somebody disagrees with the government of the day as a reason for them to vote for independence is just dishonest of the SNP. Salmond is trying so hard to cast the referendum as a Scotland vs. the Tories thing, and it is repulsive that he is trying to cheapen such an important question.

It's also an issue of trying to make people throw the take their ball and go home if something doesn't go their way. Finally, until 1997 the Tories were a major force in Scottish politics, and many senior Tory politicians are Scots themselves (historically this is true as well). David Cameron is of Scottish ancestry, Lord Strathclyde is pretty evidently a Scot. So too are Michael Gove and Sir Malcolm Rifkind; and so too were Harold MacMilland and Alec Douglas-Hulme.

The anti-Tory argument is also a logical fallacy. If Scotland goes independent, there will be governments with which the majority of Scots disagree, and which they think to be cruel, unjust or incompetent. Being part of the UK or independent will make no difference to that.

P.T.:  I think the same logic applies in the area of governmental budget cuts. If anything, they will have to deal with more of them, not less, if they go independent, since there will be less money on hand in general.

D.H.:  Exactly.

P.T.:  What do you think about this referendum trying to connect with the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn, and how would you answer the charge of “corruption” regarding the Act of Union in 1707?

D.H.:  Well it's a nice coincidence for the Nats that it's the anniversary of some mediaeval battle between England and Scotland where people fought over which line of distant aristocrats would rule them.

But I think that it's a more significant coincidence that it's the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the bloodiest conflict in human history. The outbreak of the war to end all wars, where Britons from across the isles fought and died together not for England, or Scotland, or Ireland - but for Britain.

P.T.:  Also, 2015 marks the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, which is another landmark for British unity.

Speaking of Ireland’s involvement in British military history, as a Liberal Democrat, what do you think of the situation in Northern Ireland?

D.H.:  It's sad that the region is divided politically by religion. I'd like to see the major parties contesting elections there and competing the sectarian parties out of existence.

P.T.:  What do you think of the concept of Ireland being divided in general, especially as it applies to your disapproval of The British Isles being divided?

D.H.:  It's the sad consequence of horrendous mismanagement by a series of vain kings and protectionist governments. Ireland would be better off in the union and should still be better off in the union, but a combination of ignorant racism by other Britons, Protestant kings refusing to grant rights to Catholic Irishmen, and protectionist governments letting the Irish starve during the potato famine rather than repeal the corn laws led to the inevitable ill-feeling and revolt. Those wounds will take a long time to heal, but I hope that they heal and that we reconcile.

P.T.:  What is your opinion on the monarchy, and how do you think it affects unity and the Union?

D.H.:  I am a monarchist. I believe that constitutional monarchy is the best form of government available to a country. I think that monarchy makes many people more likely to vote to keep the union, hence why Salmond is saying that Scotland would keep the queen if independent. However, you still get the odd person who will owe fealty to the Jacobite claimant, "the king over the water".

P.T.:  While I may not agree entirely that constitutional monarchies are “the best form of government available”, I am also a constitutional monarchist in as much as it works well for Britain. Would you ever like to see the queen speak out in favor of the union?

D.H.:  I would like her to speak out in favour of the union, but in her usual understated way.

P.T.:  She did so at her Silver Jubilee, yes?

D.H.:  She may have repeated this at her Diamond Jubilee. I remember that recently she said that she remembers the importance of the fact that she became queen of a united kingdom or something.

P.T.:  If so, more power to her!

What do you think about federalism and “greater powers” for the individual nations in the UK?

D.H.:  I think that federalism is good, but I'd break up nations in a federal system at all costs. So I'd like to see maybe a parliament for southern Scotland and a parliament for the Highlands and Islands with no overall Scottish Parliament. That gives people autonomy locally but may help control separatism. As for “greater powers”, I think they would be fine so long as those powers don't lead to inequality between regions or different laws between regions.

P.T.:  How do you think this referendum is affecting people emotionally, on all spectrums of the debate?

D.H.:  On emotions, it will buoy some people immeasurably for Scotland to be independent - their dreams will be true and their self-esteem and pride in their nation will make them giddy with euphoria. They will (before the referendum) be filled with excitement and anticipation, believing that their time has come.

On the other side, people will be filled with patriotic fervour and a desire to defend their queen and country against separation. They will be grim and determined or giddy with excitement at a chance to defend Britain. Then there will be those who think that the time is not right for a referendum - those who would want to see independence but who think that the timing will make it impossible.

And there will be those who will see the timing as too good, or the mood too hostile for the union, and they will be pessimistic about the future. Some might despair that they can't do enough (or anything) to aid their cause.

P.T.:  What about people with trans-border connections like families, jobs, etc.?

D.H.:  I think that they will all live in fear of the consequences of independence, because it would create a tangible barrier between nations.

P.T.:  Should Yes win, what do you think will happen to the British identity throughout British Isles? Should No win, do you think more people will begin to see themselves as having dual identities?

D.H.:  Should Yes win, the British identity will decline even further - English people will be inclined to stop seeing themselves as British as they won't have a common nationality with the Scots anymore. The Welsh national identity will likely become stronger, and the only people who will still feel British will be ideological unionists.

Should No win, then I'm not sure what changes will happen to identities. I think that, perhaps we will see a strengthening of British identity in Scotland as people will start to reflect how their nation voted.

P.T.:  In general, do you think a general lack of patriotism towards Britain has a lot to do with the way the referendum was able to be launched with any hope of success at all? What do you think the best way is to restore a healthy sense of patriotism to the land?

D.H.:  Yes, I'd say so. In Britain, patriotism is often viewed as vulgar by most people, especially the intellectual elite. As a result, it is unfashionable to be pro-Britain, and in our post-colonial state, it is easy to feel shame about our national identity. It is easier and more fashionable to have a sense of national pride when you can paint your nation as being a bullied victim. People root for underdogs. Also, self-deprecation is part of the British identity.

To restore a healthy sense of patriotism, the country needs to do things of which it can be unashamedly proud - such as hosting successful international events - e.g. the Olympics or Association Football World Cup. Or successful foreign interventions such as Libya or Kosovo.

P.T.:  And somehow, I can't help but add, to become secure within themselves and their past. At the end of the day, who do you predict will win this referendum?

D.H.:  The Unionists, because we have right on our side. I believe most people have voted SNP because it is a popular party that has governed moderately well, not because they want independence. All of the arguments fall on the side of the unionists, and I believe most people in Scotland want to remain in the union.

P.T.:  What do you think of the rise in the polls for the Nats? Does this at all concern you?

D.H.:  No. Individual polls change nothing and indicate little on their own - I know this from bitter experience as a Lib Dem. Significant trends are worth notifying, but not individual polls. People will often say all sorts of things to opinion polls about how they'll vote, and then go and vote completely differently. I only see polls as being broadly indicative if taken as a broad group over a broad period of time.

P.T.:  To wrap things up, what do you foresee for your future, personally and politically?

D.H.:  Future: I hope to one day find a long-term partner and raise a family with her.

I would like success in my business career so that I can have more money than I could ever use on myself and my family - I would like to be a philanthropist, so that I can give away my money to help other people.

I want to be a local councilor so that I can fix my town and my city. I want to achieve real political change for the country in terms of introducing voting reform and other reforms to transport. As the referendum heats up, I will most likely be watching on nervously, unable to help. I would like to perhaps campaign up north a bit, and I probably will in the week or two before the referendum. (The Lib Dem conference is in Glasgow on the week of the referendum).

P.T.:  How about your interests and hobbies?

D.H.:  I'm into computer gaming, history, role-playing games (e.g. Dungeons and Dragons), war-gaming. I'm also into competitive debating, watch Rugby, and have for many years been a martial artist. I spent years doing Judo and Karate.

P.T.:  Well, I wish you all the best, personally and politically. Thank you for doing this interview with me, Mr. Hardwick.

D.H.: You’re welcome. Goodnight!