Scottish nationalists lay groundwork for second independence referendum

A poll published on The Times website on Saturday showed another potential threat to the future of the UK, with 51% of Northern Irish voters saying they favored a referendum about their future within the next five years, compared to 44% who oppose it.

Support for a United Ireland stands at 42% according to the polls, versus 47% who object to Northern Ireland leaving the UK.

Time for a referendum on a referendum?

As for Scotland, have the SNP come up with a reasonable answer on what currency they will use in the event of independence? I remember watching the debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling before the last referendum and Salmond’s fumbling on this question was obvious．

Very interesting. We're watching closely how things will develop there.

I remember asking a foreign student in Michigan in 1960 seemingly from Britain, "Are you British?" She howled back, "British?! I am Scottish.” So Scotland's yearning for independence seems not a recent phenomenon but deeply rooted in history.

Salmond’s fumbling on this question was obvious

Was it? His idea was that Scotland would continue to use the pound for a transitional period. Then a separate currency, but initially pegged to the UK pound. Then take it from there - completely separate currency, Euro, whatever, depending on circumstances. It seemed reasonable to me. One reason that a plan can't be fixed in advance is that it would depend on the rUK's willingness to cooperate. The UK government has said the currency issue would be a big problem for an independent Scotland, but they would, wouldn't they? It's their attitude following independence that will affect how things move ahead.

This guy had some interesting currency plans (amongst other ideas) at the last referendum (contains strong language):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRIQL4lvIqU