Out of Touch

The Scottish Parliament has been called some colourful names - down the years - by its supporters and detractors alike.

Billy Connolly once famously described Holyrood - as a 'pretendy' parliament - in the days before devolution.

More recently, First Minister Alex Salmond, said that Holyrood - is a 'pocket money' parliament - because of the funding arrangements - which mean that the Westminster Parliament in London holds all the purse strings.

But whatever else the Scottish Parliament is - it's clearly out of touch and badly so - because yesterday by a majority of 85 votes to 16 - MSPs voted against Margo MacDonald's End of Life Assistance Bill.

Yet only a week ago an opinion poll in The Herald newspaper - claimed that 80% of Scots were in favour of the proposal to decriminalise 'assisted suicide' - in specific and controlled circumstances.

Just 12% said they did not agree - in the poll commissioned by the Green Party - whose two MSPs both voted in favour of Margo's bill.

Whether the true level of support amongst the general public really is 80% - is very much beside the point.

Because the crux of the matter is freedom of choice - and the right not to be deemed a criminal - for exercising that choice.

So it's not about majorities - large or small - but about the right of individuals to make such decisions for themselves.

Free from the moral and religious sensibilities of other Scots - who may disagree.

I hope Margo gets returned to Holyrood in next year's elections - the country needs more MSPs like Margo - because she is in touch with the views and life experiences of ordinary people.

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