Could Alex scupper Gordy's day?

The ink is not yet dry on the EU constitution reform treaty and parliamentary approval has not yet begun, but could Alex Salmond be about to throw a spanner in the works?

The SNP are holding their conference in Aviemore and may decide to hold their own referendum on the treaty. They are unhappy about control over fisheries become an 'Exclusive Competence' of the EU. Competence being a strange word to use when talking about the Common Fisheries Policy.

For the SNP this is one of their 'red lines' and is one of the areas which were devolved to the Scottish Parliament in the original devolution act. So will they decide to go for a referendum? I suspect they will, and not only to protect Scottish fishermen. It will be another popular position they can take and create another fissure along the Scotland/England union. (Forgetting, of course, the SNP's enthusiasm for the EU project as a whole).

If they do go for a referendum the likelihood will be that they will win it. Where will this leave the treaty and devolution? GB could try to ignore it, or he may feel compelled to go for a full UK referendum. Maybe this could end up in the courts (which court though?).

Interesting times ahead.

Squiffy.