Cameronian Unionism

A cynic might say David Cameron has an interest in a strong SNP. After all, a meaningful Tory revival in Scotland seems as far away as ever (though it would be closer if the SNP withered away) and this being so, the Tories have an interest in seeing the nationalists win Labour seats at the next election. In that limited sense then, to vote for the SNP is, in one respect, to express the preference that Cameron, not Gordon Brown be Prime Minister. And, of course, there are plenty of nationalists who think that a Tory victory at Westminster will be Scotland’s opportunity. (More on this later). Perhaps. So, a temporary alliance of convenience? Well, only up to a point.

As I say, that’s the cynical view of Cameron’s comments in Scotland on Thursday. I think there’s more to it than that. Campaigning in Fife, Cameron took a commendably broad-minded view of the Union.