The Politician

For anyone who doesn't know, in September this year, Scotland will hold a referendum to decide whether we should become an independent country, separate from the UK. Campaigning is gathering pace, and today George Galloway MP came to Falkirk to speak in favour of the "no" campaign (i.e. campaigning to stay in the UK).

Mr Galloway spoke eloquently and passionately about why Scotland is part of the UK, and even if I do not agree with many of his starting positions my own analysis brings me to similar conclusions. His mastery of the Q + A session, his wit and sharpness of response, his ability to excite with speech and language show how has been able to stay in politics for so many years, even after being expelled by his own party.

He is in the midst of a tour of Scotland, holding two public meetings per week to put his point across. I hope more politicians will hold such public meetings - politics are so much more immediate and real when you can speak to, and ask questions of, the politicians, rather than simply watcing them on TV.