The SNP’s new pensions spokesman has admitted the party must convince older voters if it is to ever win independence.
Speaking on the Sunday Post’s politics podcast MP Ian Blackford also defended his election campaign after his tactics were criticised following the death of Charles Kennedy.
Blackford won the Ross, Skye and Lochaber seat from Kennedy last month.
But after the popular former Lib Dem leader was found dead just weeks after the election attention focussed on the behaviour of so-called cybernats who posted vile material about Kennedy and his alcohol addiction online.
Said Blackford: “It’s important we have respect in our political debate and I condemn anyone who engages in behaviour that is unacceptable.
“My campaign had two themes the promises in the SNP manifesto and my desire to represent the constituency.
“I admit in that context that I highlighted the voting record of Charles over three campaigns and that was an entirely legitimate thing to do.
“It was not in any way an attack on Charles who I’d known for a long time and who I had a lot of respect for.”
After polling has shown that older voters proved vital in swinging last year’s independence referendum for No, with many concerned about the safety of their pensions should the UK split.
Blackford admitted: “We’ve got to spend more time explaining to pensioners that independence is best for them and their children and grandchildren.”
Listen to the podcast:
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe