Scottish Referendums

The Final Day's Campaigning

On the last day of campaigning today, politicians of all hues were out canvassing for votes. The Yes/Yes partnership held a press conference in Edinburgh using the opportunity to cut a specially designed, saltire coloured, cake. The Conservative's Constitutional Affairs spokesman, Michael Ancram, had an uneasy walk through the streets of Edinburgh while his party leader, William Hague, posed by the banks of Loch Lomond.

The Yes campaign looks set to get the vote they want, although there are doubts over the second question. Despite the almost party/wedding type atmosphere of today's press conference there were warnings against complacency. Alex Salmond, believes that the price is too high for things to be taken for granted now: "Obviously there's no grounds for complacency. We've got to motivate people to get into the polling stations. We have an opportunity of restoring to Scotland our first democratic parliament for almost 300 years. I think that is worth getting down to the polling station for and voting to take Scotland forward."

wallace

Wallace: 'good co-operation'

It may be what some call an 'uneasy alliance' but the three Yes party leaders in Scotland have shown an unprecedented united front on the devolution vote. Unlike the election earlier this year, there was no backstabbing and scoring of political points. The Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, Jim Wallace was visibly delighted that the campaign had come this far: "I don't believe that this happened on the eve of the 1979 referendum, with the three parties coming together. What you actually see here today is being repeated in constituencies where there has been......good co-operation among the parties in getting the message across."

ancram

A voter performs an Ancram by-pass

Michael Ancram gamely sought to stop the Yes bandwagon in the centre of Edinburgh. Few seemed to be convinced. On his walkabout he was forced to make jokes as the cameras managed to film the more hostile encounters.

Near calmer waters at Loch Lomond side, and trying to steer anybody or anything in the other direction was William Hague. The Tory Party leader believes many are undecided on taxation: "If people vote for a parliament and the House of Commons vote for a Scottish parliament, there will be one and people will get one. Everyone has to understand the possible consequences of that. Consequences of higher taxes in Scotland, the disadvantages Scotland would suffer in future - these things have to be borne in mind now...... Is this going to be better for Scotland?".

Many people believe the Yes/Yes vote is already in the bag for the pro-devolutionists. In the final hours before polling, those who want such an outcome are urging against complacency.