Following the recent passing of former first minister Alex Salmond, a prominent figure in the Alba party, Chris McEleny, has urged the nation to push for Scottish independence in honor of Salmond’s legacy. While there have been suggestions to rename the Queensferry Crossing or name streets after Salmond, McEleny believes the best way to honor him is to make his dream of independence a reality.
McEleny noted that since Salmond’s passing, there has been a resurgence in discussions about Scotland’s future as people reflect on his accomplishments and influence on the country. He predicts that the next poll on independence could see record support for the Yes campaign, with more people now viewing independence positively than in the past decade.
Rather than focusing on symbolic gestures like renaming landmarks, McEleny emphasizes the importance of continuing Salmond’s work towards independence. He highlights the tangible impact of Salmond’s policies, such as free university tuition and prescriptions, as evidence of his dedication to improving Scotland.
Salmond’s body was brought back to Scotland with a guard of honor and a tribute led by the Yes Bikers. McEleny traveled to Ohrid, where Salmond was speaking about independence before his death, to offer support to colleagues and friends during this difficult time.
Looking ahead, McEleny believes that Salmond’s legacy will inspire more people to support independence, especially those who may have been undecided in the past. He anticipates that the next independence poll will show a significant increase in support for Yes, as more individuals recognize Salmond’s contributions to Scotland.
Salmond’s commitment to standing up for all members of society, including those who historically did not support independence, is another aspect of his legacy that McEleny admires. He notes that Salmond continued to champion causes like the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners, demonstrating his dedication to fighting for the rights of all individuals.
As the Alba party navigates the aftermath of Salmond’s passing, McEleny stresses the importance of carrying on Salmond’s vision for independence. He believes that realizing Salmond’s dream of independence is the most fitting way to honor his memory and ensure that his legacy lives on in the pursuit of a better future for Scotland.
