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Sceptical Scot

Asking Questions. Seeking Answers.

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Paul Cairney

About Paul Cairney

Paul Cairney is Professor of Politics and Public Policy at Stirling University after starting his academic career in Aberdeen.

Scottish voters rewrite a well-worn script

June 11, 2017 by Paul Cairney Leave a Comment

“If we remain fixated on the constitution and neglect to debate properly the record of the Scottish (and UK) government, why would people vote for anyone except the SNP and, to a lesser extent, the Scottish Conservatives?”

Never a good time to call #indyref2 but…

February 28, 2017 by Paul Cairney 4 Comments

“So, why should leaders of the SNP be exempt from a bout of passion, especially if loads of their supporters are keen, see it as a last opportunity for decades, and hope that they can change some minds during the next campaign?”

SG holistic education policy: success or failure?

December 18, 2016 by Paul Cairney Leave a Comment

“In terms of the effect of attainment strategies on future university entry, we can say that the SG expects substantial results from schools in 10 years and from its expanded childcare provision (to vulnerable 2 year olds) in 15 years. As described, this does not seem like a holistic or joined-up policy anymore, because it involves a gap, between the effect of one policy on another, so large that it seems unreasonable to link the two together.”

Keep troops happy – and powder dry

October 15, 2016 by Paul Cairney Leave a Comment

“It sounds simple to hold back a referendum until enough people tell you they’ll vote Yes. The complication is that many people don’t know what their choice will be until they can make sense of recent events.”

A toothless Holyrood gains a molar

September 1, 2016 by Paul Cairney Leave a Comment

“The implicit argument that the Scottish Parliament would be just as crap in an independent Scotland as it is now and almost no-one cares is poor. Or, to put it in terms of the standard of partisan debate on twitter: shitey whataboutery might make you feel good in a tweet, but it won’t win you any votes in the next referendum.” Nicola listened: an update!

Brexit makes independence inevitable…

July 1, 2016 by Paul Cairney 1 Comment

Post-EUref and the vote fo0r Brexit the case for a No vote in a second Scottish referendum has, ironically, got stronger but it’s more than likely that Scots will now vote Yes. Here’s why!

Forget identity politics but #Indyref2 is coming

May 11, 2016 by Paul Cairney Leave a Comment

The “Ulsterisation” of Scottish politics is overblown. Identity politics may matter but leadership and competence matter a lot more. That’s why the SNP and Tories are Holyrood’s big beasts – and Labour lost its way yet again.

Heart and soul: Scotland and Sturgeon

November 20, 2015 by Paul Cairney Leave a Comment

Scotland’s First Minister loves Cilla, Kate Bush and Simon Le Bon. But, while a year after replacing Alex Salmond her high standing is unassailed, what has her government really achieved – and what does she want to do with her power?

Five little known truths about Scottish politics

July 30, 2015 by Paul Cairney Leave a Comment

Scots are said to be more left-wing than the English but there are plenty of other myths – and surprising truths – about our politics. Here are five of them examined.

Five political problems with Full Fiscal Autonomy

May 11, 2015 by Paul Cairney Leave a Comment

The newly elected Conservative Government may be considering full fiscal autonomy for Scotland in a struggle for power with the resurgent SNP. Prof Paul Cairney says it may backfire and fatally undermine the Union.

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Welcome to Sceptical Scot, Scotland’s premier non-tribal forum for passionate, informed debate. Sceptical Scot is for all who care about Scotland’s future, regardless of how they vote: for party, independence or union, EU or Brexit. We aim to provide an arena that is both broader and deeper than current online/print offers with a rich diet of well-researched, polemical, thought-provoking writing. Read more » about About Sceptical Scot

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