Policy Director Ross Martin on the independence referendum.

"Discussions about the wording of the independence referendum reveal how far removed the parties have become from public opinion on future governance

The debate over the number and content of the options that should appear on the ballot paper for the referendum on the future governance arrangements of Scotland is enlightening.

It displays the inner thoughts of our political class for unintended public consumption, at a time when the parties are only beginning to position themselves for what is shaping up to be a critical moment for our constitution.

It also, however, demonstrates how far removed from public opinion many politicians have become since the broad political consensus that delivered devolution at the turn of the millennium.

We, the people, have moved on, as survey after opinion poll has clearly demonstrated. Our so called “settled will” has developed into a new “devolution default” position, which effectively demands that the Scotland Act be turned on its head".

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