The Scottish International

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Election Day Looming: The Final Push

Edney, State of Ingram

The 2010 Scottish Presidential elections are quickly coming to a close giving all the candidates until thursday to give the people that final push. Liberal leader and Preisdent Lloyd Donnelly, who had a considerable lead in the polls last week, quickly dropped almost overnight after his rant about introducing a new harmonized tax for The Scotlands during last wednesday's televised debate. "Introducing any kind of tax during election season is a sure-fire way to lose said election." Says political analyst Ellen McPherson. But despite media ridicule, the President seems confident that he can win another term as President with atleast a minority government in the House of Commons.

But the man that everyone is talking about now is Republican party leader Philip O'Hara - a fierce anti-communist and fiscal conservative who has stopped at nothing to tear down President Donnelly and his party as the head of the opposition. O'Hara's views on the new tax, the environment and the economy (not to mention military spending) has helped his popularity and his appeal to voters as he is now looming in majority territory with a 46% lead over the other candidates. "It seems like The Scotlands will have a change in leadership after all." continues Mrs. McPherson. "The Scots like a strong personality and let's face it, President Donnelly's laissez-faire attitude towards the economic crisis didn't sit right with anyone in Parliament - not even his own party."

Here are the current standings:

* Republican Party 46%
* Liberal Party 31%
* Social-Democratic Union 11%
* Scottish Nationalist Party 7%
* Progressivist Party 5%

 

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Foreign Office

We wish the parties good luck and hope that these elections take place without incidence.

 

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Republicans Gain Considerable Lead

When asked three weeks ago by The Highland Herald if he is confident in securing the title of Scottish President, Republican party leader Philip O'Hara didn't seem so certain about the electoral outcome. But today, with a considerable lead of 48% in a popularity poll, Mr. O'Hara has already been talking about possible nominees for his cabinet.

The Republicans have been gradually gaining support across The Scotlands either in awe of what the candidate is promising, or simply because they want to replace the current President who has been deemed a 'lame-duck' President. President Donnelly has lost a large amount of support - surprisingly even in the state of Ingram which has voted and been governed by the Liberals for years. This Liberal slump came about after President Donnelly failed to act on last year's economic crisis. Yesterday in Edney, President Donnelly took another hard blow below the political belt after the minister of transportation Anna Mackenzie was arrested by the Scottish Guard for tax evasion. The Republican opposition immediatly jumped on the story claiming that the President "Grows more and more irresponsible each term." Because of this embarassment on the Liberal Party, they have lost most of their support, not to the Republicans, but to the Social-Democrats led by Presidential candidate Marion Griffin.

Here are the current standings:

* Republican Party 48%
* Liberal Party 26%
* Social-Democratic Union 14%
* Scottish Nationalist Party 7%
* Progressive Party 5%

*Elections are to be held on thursday

 

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O'Hara and Republicans Win with a Majority

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With the 2010 Presidential elections in The Scotlands now over, it is quite clear as to whom the Scots themselves wanted as their leader, and that leader now holds the title of President O'Hara across the nation. The Republicans won a majority government in the Scottish Parliament with a landslide lead of 177 out of 295 seats. Not only was this a landslide win, but also the greatest victory ever accomplished by the Republican Party in Scottish history. "Today you have all made your choice, and dare I say you've made the right one." said President O'Hara during his victory speech. "With a new mandate now formed by you, the people, you have chosen a clean and effective government whose intentions to gouge the people of their jobs and livelihoods are completely out of the question." The crowd cheered in the capital city of Edney as the President finished his speech by using an off-coloured, yet very Scottish term when describing his chief opponent, former President Donnelly being pushed out of office, "It's about bloody time!"

With Lloyd Donnelly's popularity at an all-time low and a general distrust in him by his own party as leader, elections for a new party leader in next months Liberal Convention '10 is now inevitable. "It's time to pass down the Liberal torch to someone with more of a vision for this great country than I have. The people have spoken, and I have heard their cried of disappointment." Donnelly spoke during his own speech in Newport. With the Libs out of order and the Republicans flying high, one can only imagine what sort of changes are to come to The Scotlands. With a large amount of trust invested in O'Hara by the people, let's hope they are changes for the better of the democratic states. All we await for now is President O'Hara's cabinet as well as the always controversial budget which is a sure-fire way to ignite political debate in Edney.

 

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Foreign Office

We congratulate the Republican Party on winning the elections. We hope to work with their government in the future. Its our hope that Belmont and Scotland move closer together and strengthen bilateral ties.

 

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O'Hara Cabinet Approved by Senate

Edney, State of Ingram

With the cooperation of the Scottish Guard, the Scottish Senate has approved President O'Hara's cabinet - making it official late this afternoon. Key ministers include former Republican Party leader Malcolm MacQuarry now serving as Minister of foreign Affairs and a surprising pick, Edmund Gillies as Minister of Defense. That came to a shock especially after Gillies' public distaste for President O'Hara. Republicans are sceptical about the move, but political analysts say that keeping your enemies closer may be a smarter political tactic for O'Hara's cabinet. Former Kingston Governor Brian Moore is now serving alongside O'Hara as Vice President and Amelia Coulter, a highly commended Scottish female political activist, was appointed as Speaker of the House of Commons.

Here is the new cabinet:

- Minister of Foreign Affairs: Malcolm MacQuarry
- Minister of Finance: Douglas Cambpell
- Minister of Defense: Edmund Gillies
- Minister of the Interior: Kristie Carroll
- Minister of the Environment: Bethia Anderson
- Minister of Commerce: Colin Ferguson
- Minister of Unions and Labour: Gordon MacLachlan
- Minister of Health: Thea Kestrel
- Minister of Urban Development: James Paisley
- Minister of Transportation: Kyle Erskine
- Minister of Education: Eva MacNicol
- Minister of Veteran Affairs: Kirk Monroe
- Minister of the Scottish Guard: Stuart MacTavish

Campaigning Begins in Drydan

Glendale, State of Drydan

Social-Democrat backbencher Derrell Burns is launching a scathing critique of the bloated bureaucracy in Drydan and the high debt rate of his home state - igniting the state's next Governor elections. The usually densly Liberal state of Drydan is being taken by storm by Burns and the Social-Democrats giving Margaret McPherson (Liberal) a run for her seat which she has successfully held on to since 1998.

"The last thing Drydan needs right now is to raise property taxes, and that's exactly what you're going to get if the people of this great state re-elect Mrs. McPherson as their governor." Slammed Burns ealry this morning after the elections were called. McPherson has yet to make a public response, but has already launched various attack adds against Burns and Winston Peterson, the Republican candidate for the title of governor. "Over 1,200 jobs lost in Drydan, over 500 homes forclosed in the last year, when will it end?" Asked Peterson - completely ignoring the question on property taxes. Elections are to be held in three weeks from today giving the candidates a chance to either convince the public that a change is needed or to convince them that tradition is sometimes best.

Mine Collapses in Rural Area: 12 Confirmed Dead

Loch MacFarlane, State of Nickelton

The small waterside town of Loch MacFarlane woke up to startling news that has quickly reached out and grabbed the attention of thousands across The Scotlands. The rural community known for its mining work force have already lost 12 men of their own to a deadly mine collapse involving a landsldie in the early hours of 5:53 am. Rescue crews and police immediatly arrived on the scene after the collapse and recovered the 12 men who have all already been identified. "We're expecting the death toll to rise by tomorrow and may even past the weekend." Says David MacIntosh, a local police lieutenant. "Fast, safe and effective measures are currently being taken to rescue those who may still be alive as well as recovery excavations for the expected diceased." The community in shambles still haven't lost hope and are remaining close to their neighbours who have lost loved ones in the accident. Though authorities are still unsure of the cause, it is already being blamed on the poor state of worker security and out-of-date safety equipment. Right now however, the only obective is to rescue those who may still be trapped below ground. President O'Hara has sent his hopes and prayers to the community while the Minsiter of Unions and Labour Gordon MacLachlan is scheduled to arrive in the community this saturday.

 

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President Announces First Foreign Trip

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President Philip O'Hara announcing his intentions to visit Batavië in Edney this afternoon

Edney, State of Ingram

With his cabinet in place and a majority government ready to get to work come monday, President Philip O'Hara took the time to carefully decide and announce which nation he has chosen to pay a visit to for his first foreign, and strictly diplomatic, visit. When the scheduled 2:00 o'clock press conference with President O'Hara and Vice-President Moore ended at 2:47pm, O'Hara confirmed that Batavië will be his first foreign visit.

"I think it's a very appropriate choice considering Batavië's turning over a new leaf into democracy." Said President O'Hara. "I will be landing in Vlaanderen tomorrow morning from Newton Airport right here in Edney where I will be greeted by Prime Minister Alex de Jonghe. From there we will be discussing the strengthening of economic ties between our nations as well as new projects of linking both our nations now that the communist regime is over to the northwest. Questions will surely be taken when I return to The Scotlands."

The choice seemed natural, but wasn't expected by many Scots. "I thoguht for sure the President would visit Anglia or Montelimar because of the bordering state on the mainland -- even the American Union was a possibility due to the demographic percentage of Scottish-Americans, but he surprised us all." Said political analyst Herbert Wright about the surprising choice. "Out of all the choices however, choosing Batavië is a sign that says 'Yes, The Scotlands do recognise the new republic and we hope to help and invest in its development.'"

 

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The President's flight leaving Edney this evening

As promised, President Philip O'Hara left for Batavia today where he landed in good spirits being greeted by Batavian Prime Minister Alex de Jonghe despite the wet and slightly chilly climate. President O'Hara, followed by First Lady Deborah O'Hara, elites of the Batavian government as well as members of The Scottish Guard, did some sight-seeing and posed for a few photo-ops among eachother in the capital of Vlaanderen.

The summit between both leaders was set to begin this evening but technical difficulties forced the televised meeting to be canceled and pushed back until tomorrow. For the time being, the President will have to enjoy his short trip and entrust the running of the Scotlands in the hands of Vice-President Moore.

 

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Foreign Office

Upon finishing his trip of Batavie, Premier Shahrazad Martinique would like to invite President O'Hara to Belmont to discuss bilateral ties and to continue our good ties.

 

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The President would be happy to travel to Belmont in order to strengthen our diplomatic ties.

 

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Batavië Tour Wraps Up

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President O'Hara during the meeting

Scottish President Philip O'Hara was all smiles and laughs during his visit to Vlaanderen, but all good things must come to an end as is the case for the President's first foreign diplomatic trip. "This is truly a cultural city with a friendly populace." said first lady Deborah O'Hara, "I will certainly be coming back alongside my husband on the next one."

Though progress was being made up north, the Liberal opposition slammed the President for spending all his time out of the country so close after his election as head of state. "I thought his slogan had something to do with a responsible government? It seems to me that the responsible thing to do is actually be in Parliament." stated Liberal Howard Wayne. But the Republicans defended their leader by claiming that another responsible action taken by the President is strenghtening ailing relations with our northern neighbours.

The Scots seem pleased with the meeting despite the opposition's opinions. Important issues were discussed and something productive came out of the talks. Roads and railways will be built with the cooperation of a Scottish company and Batavian workers. Older roads that were abandonned by the former leftist government up north will be updated as well and it is said that something will be done about border security on both sides. With the second meeting for the creation of a Northern Council underway, the President is confident that the former ill-feelings towards Batavians in the Scottish homeland will diminish.

The President is set to go to Westminster in the American Union to adress their nation's congress and there have also been talks about traveling to Belmont in order to establish better bilateral ties. However, the dates have yet to be set.