Far better, then, that Goldie should bite the bullet and join a rainbow coalition with the Nats and Greens. This would provide the Scottish Tories with a meaningful role. Not only would they be in power, but they would be the guardians of the Union, threatening to bring down the coalition if any attempt were made at wrecking Scotland's traditional partnership within the UK. Of course, the Tories would have to agree to the referendum on independence, but they would do so on the condition that they would use their ministerial positions and influence to campaign for a No vote. Also, they would insist such a referendum could only be con-sultative. There could never be a Referendum Bill, as constitutional affairs are reserved. Indeed, even the funding of a consultative referendum could be challenged in the courts.
Guardians of the union by agreeing to a (challengeable, consultative) referendum? It doesn't seem plausible. And what about other Tory policies? Pro-nuclear, more prisons, more PFI? Not really appealing to the SNP or the Greens, are they?
Never mind, I am sure that we will read much dafter notions before May.
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