Democratic Left Scotland
Number ten
10 Constitution Street
DUNDEE DD1 1LL
Number ten
10 Constitution Street
DUNDEE DD1 1LL
LEFTANDRIGHT? SCOTSANDWELSH!
February Contents
Eurig Scandrett Sketches from a small world. When will it all end?
Scotland and the Union by Ewen A Cameron
Smashing the cistern: Irvine Welsh by Willy Maley
A new view from local government ' by Maggie Chapman.
Keywords: Left and Right by Davie Purdy
'Has Cameron killed the BNP? by Adam Ramsay
Christmas - celebration or survival by Maggie Lunan
Diary: party time by The Hat
EDITORIAL
Perspectives No 16, winter 2007-08
• Letters and contributions (which we may edit) are welcome and should be sent to the editor-contact details alongside.
Perspectives is published four times a year by Democratic Left Scotland, Number Ten, 10 Constitution Road, Dundee DD1 1LL. Tel: 01382 819641 e: s.fairweather703@btinternet.com www.democraticleftscotland.org.uk Editor: Sean Feeny Articles in Perspectives are copyright. Requests to reproduce any part of the magazine should be addressed to the editor. Copy deadline for the next issue is Friday 29th February 2008. For further information on Perspectives (including advertising rates), or to submit articles or letters, please contact: The Editor, Perspectives, Democratic Left Scotland, Number Ten, 10 Constitution Road, Dundee DD1 1LL e: dlsperspectives@talk21 .corn Printed by Hampden Advertising Ltd 73 Robertson Street Glasgow G2 8QD
As we noted in the last issue of Perspectives, 2007 was a hugely symbolic year for the SNP to become the Scottish government, 300 years after the Act of Union. Again in this issue we explore the impact of 1707, with historian Ewen A. Cameron examining various interpretations of the history of Scotland since the Union. While he makes the point that historians are "notoriously bad at peering into the future," he nonetheless underlines the conclusion of his piece by arguing that "Whatever happens to the Union it is vital that we do not fabricate a sense of denial about deep-seated and long-standing Scottish enthusiasm for it."
Moving up to date, Willy Maley presents an analysis of the work of a major contributor to contemporary Scots literary culture, Irvine Welsh, concentrating particularly on his short stories, which best illustrate the unconventional radicalism which permeates his work. This is contrasted particularly with another great Scots writer, James Kelman, whose work, Willy argues, is succeeded and usurped by Welsh, who offers "a more subtle challenge to the state and the status quo than the more con-ventional radicalism represented by Kelman."
Continuing with part two of the series on key words, David Purdy examines the concepts of left and right. In a continuing period of pessimism for many on the left, this article helps to map out some of the ground that needs to be gained to tilt the balance away from the currently dominant and pervasive neo-liberal political dis-course.
Returning to last year's Scottish parliament elections, we lamented the decline of the smaller parties. The Scottish Greens saw their rep-resentation cut from six to two MSPs. However, the adoption of multiple member wards and STV in the council elections on the same day saw the Greens take seats in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Maggie Chapman, who now rep-resents Edinburgh's Leith Walk ward, reflects on the role of councils as agents for change.
Adam Ramsay examines the phenomenon of the BNP's rise in the 2006 English council elections, a rise that stalled the following year. He points out that mainstream politicians should react to the BNP in a way that undermines them rather than playing to their agenda.
In a post-seasonal contribution, Maggie Lunan writes about ALTERnativity, a project against consumer Christmas. Lastly, a diary contribution from "The Hat" lifts the lid on the problem of birthday party guest lists.
www.democraticleftscotland.org.uk
2 WINTER 2007-08 PERSPECTIVES
DARFUR - A new organisation set up in Edinburgh.
Women in Darfur do all the work - in the home, in the fields, fetch the water and the wood for the fire, bring up the children - BUT THE MEN MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS. Delete and substitute this website address with www.darfurtraining.org.uk for information.
Women in Darfur do all the work -