That is the shortest and sweetest sentence I can imagine writing. Even now the thought sends a shiver of delight through my tired body.
And even though I am physically exhausted, even just seeing this picture brings a new wave of elation:
A victory on this scale brings enormous responsibility and having just heard Alex Salmond speaking to the new SNP Parliamentary Group - and hearing their response - I know that sense of responsibility and duty is uppermost in people's minds. We have earned an unprecedented level of trust and support and we must respond in the same way: with unprecedented commitment, passion and hard-work.
I felt enormously proud speaking to some of our new MSPs. Despite the undoubted joy of the occasion and the initial shared words of celebration and congratulation, conversation quickly moved on to the important things: their constituents and what they want to achieve in these next five years.
The result is humbling, and seeing the response of our new team is humbling too. I took this picture earlier today of the new group being greeted by Alex Salmond. It captures a rather special moment for all of us and is without doubt my picture of the week and indeed my picture of the campaign.
24 hours ago I was standing in Prestonfield House waiting for the First Minister to deliver his excellent speech. Here's a picture I took as the media were gathering, about an hour before Alex Salmond's arrival.
The images from that afternoon will remain with me for the rest of my days.
So why did the SNP win? I blogged on polling day on the reasons people were giving us their vote. And at its most basic I do believe our campaign, which sought to inspire, did inspire. We set out a vision of hope, confidence in our nation and optimism for the future - a vision delivered by a dedicated, competent and effective team. And in contrast the other parties spent so much time trying to attack or to frighten they spent too little on their own vision thing. As is always the case, each party had uniquely good proposals, but I don't recall any of them being pushed seriously. More effort was put into telling people why we were (supposedly) so bad than into saying why they were better. Labour's offers were all about first the Tories, then the SNP and then about a future independence decision. They gave no strong reason why people would vote for them.
I've written a lot about positive campaigning over these past few months. Hope has beaten fear. Optimism has defeated pessimism. And that thought, in itself, brings a fresh smile to my face.
This election has been historic in many ways. It has broken the mould of Scottish politics as we knew it. And my personal wish is that the next time Scotland's parties go to the voters asking for the privilege to represent them in parliament or as Scotland's government, they all do so on the basis of what they will do, how they will inspire and how they will take Scotland forward. That might make things more difficult for the SNP, but it will make things better for Scotland.
As a positive Labour supporter I guess I have to congratulate you on your spin winning the day. Guess I should also buy shares in Nation Builder. I look forward to how you will spin the outcome of the Independence Referendum in five years time.’ The Medium is the Massage’
ReplyDeleteIt was a good day for Scotland, and a good day for this ex-Labour voter who felt tired of being told by Southern English voices what was good for us.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephen,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say as an ex-pat Scot (Brussels based) that I really appreciated your blog over the last weeks as it has given insight into the campaign that I'd have loved to have been personally involved in.
I also realise you have taken time to write it while doing a million other things. I think you are one of the (unsung) heroes of the campaign by reading between the lines.
Well done, enjoy, get some sleep :-)
Alasdair Reid
I would also like to congratulate you on the fantastic victory, of which the social media played a significant role. I am delighted that people have chosen to aspire to something better. Together, with hard work, we CAN make Scotland a better place, and we WILL make Scotland a better place.
ReplyDeleteI must highlight though, that this victory is not the end. A battle has been won, but the war will wage furiously on. We must stay focused and prepare for the battles ahead.
Congrats to all the team and all the online heroes who have been relentlessly rectifying the unionist media misinformation.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.newsnetscotland.com/scottish-news/2384-newsnet-scotland-the-origins.html
Thanks from all of us.
Stephen
ReplyDeleteI hope you are right that this result truly does reflect the Scottish people's desire for an aspirational and optimistic approach to government, and not just a self-interested response to the shiniest set of manifesto giveaways.
Surely nothing is worse for our country that the tribal, 'you say black, I say white' kind of politics that we've seen too much of in recent years. I hope the SNP will make it as easy as possible for the other Parties, in reforming themselves in the wake of defeat, to cooperate and collaborate on issues when it is in the country's interests to do so. Part of the responsibility of power that you refer to above.
I've really enjoyed your thoughtful and reflective blog. Best wishes for the rest of your studies.