The SNP is preparing to field, not only parliamentary candidates who have only just joined (there is a long history of that, and it can be tactically useful), but even parliamentary candidates who are not party members at all.
How is this remotely saleable within the SNP? And what control do Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond imagine that they might be able to exercise over such MPs, once they had been elected?
Whilst I can see the attraction of this idea in terms of demonstrating a very wide appeal beyond party membership, this is a bit harsh on hardcore activists who have campaigned for years, perhaps hoping for their own opportunities to stand in favourable political times.
ReplyDeleteNow the SNP will clearly win many seats, the overlooked few (or many) may be right (as some UKIP activists have found e.g. Clacton) that they will be overlooked. Political advancement does not always reward activists in any parties, yet they are expected to pound the streets and work the grassroots to help others. Little wonder activism is on a steady decline.
Recent recruits, including recent defectors, and people from outside politics can certainly have their place. But people do resent their fast-tracking.
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