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Scots in Dubai upbeat about polls in homeland

DUBAI — Scots in Dubai have expressed mixed reactions and opinions about the much-talked-about Scottish parliamentary elections which will be held today. Though some sounded disillusioned, many hoped that the elections would bring in a party that will give priority to the interests of the Scottish nation — be it the Labour or the Scottish National Party.

Jonathan Castle, a Scot expatriate living in Dubai, says, “I would be delighted to see any party in power that puts the interests of the Scottish nation and its people above its own petty squabbling and political posturing.”

He adds that he welcomes any party that is modest enough to admit mistakes and humble enough to listen to the people. “A party, in short, worthy of representing the people of Scotland and capable of acting with integrity on their behalf,” he observes.

The clamour for independence has only been getting louder since the creation of Great Britain in 1707 when the Scottish and the English Parliaments were merged. Independence is a moot point and many endorse both views. "Even though I may be far away from the motherland, I believe that my family and friends back home deserve good leaders," says Castle, adding that Scotland should be independent only if a party lives up to the expectations of its people.

However, there are those who still want Scotland to be a part of Great Britain. "I would like Scotland to be a part of Britain with a Scottish parliament in place," says a Scot expat, who did not want to be named.

Another expat, Glenys Meyerhoff, strongly believes that it is up to the people living in Scotland to decide if they want to be independent or not. "I have been out of my country for 15 years and I have heard both sides. I think it is up to the people living there to decide," she opines.

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