I read the exploits of the SNP candidate for Edinburgh South’s anonymous online alter ego with absolute incredulity. Whilst Ms Sturgeon has been rebranding the SNP as a “progressive” party, Mr Hay has been comparing the majority of his potential constituents to Nazi collaborators simply because they disagree with him. Unbelievable.
Worse than this, however, is his willingness to infer senior citizens who question his views are senile by suggesting some can “barely remember their names”. Mr Hay would do well to remember how much we rely on senior citizens in the workplace, charities and as carers. Without them, our great city would grind to a halt. Furthermore, many of Edinburgh’s senior citizens either contributed directly to the war against Nazism or put their shoulder to the wheel to rebuild Britain after the war. We all, including Mr Hay, owe them a debt of gratitude.
At First Minister’s Questions Ms Sturgeon defended Mr Hay’s right to stand as an SNP candidate, but was clear that Edinburgh South would have the final say at the ballot box on his suitability as an MP. I agree with her on both points – I will be voting for a candidate who is committed to helping everyone in Edinburgh South, not one who denigrates the people in our society who deserve our respect most.
Dr Scott Arthur 