Another week, more of the same in Scottish politics. Headlines continue to be dominated by the troubles that the SNP face - a party that is fracturing, that is struggling to find auditors to fulfil basic legal requirements, that is falling apart at the seams.

New First Minister Humza Yousaf has decided that in the midst of this chaos, he’s going to refocus attention on Independence. Independence no matter the cost, no matter the consequences.

Despite having a new minister for Independence, they are pushing ahead with this latest ‘campaign’ without any answers to the key questions. Bread and butter issues that people care about are being dismissed and ignored by the nationalists as technicalities to be sorted out afterwards.

That old, tired trick might have worked for Nicola Sturgeon every time she faced difficult circumstances. But it’s not working for Humza Yousaf. His attempts to wish away the very serious problems that his Party is in just isn’t working.

Glasgow citizens are still feeling the effects of a cost of living crisis. Bills are still through the roof, and while they might be slowing down a bit, they’re still rising. Families are still finding themselves going hungry at night. The National Health Service is still under pressure and people are losing their lives because of it.

But the solution that the SNP propose is independence. Even when the problem is one made in Scotland, by Government incompetence or neglect, the response is invariably the same.

At every difficult juncture, and with every difficult choice, their answer is that it would be better under independence. Everything is framed in that constitutional fight.

Look at the current constitutional fight that we are being dragged through, on Gender Recognition Reform. A constitutional crisis that is being caused by two Governments that refused to work together in good faith. The real questions won’t be answered in the courts, and this constitutional fight won’t build consensus or public support for a way forward.

How much must be sacrificed on the altar of their narrow nationalism? How many people must suffer when Government could step in and intervene. How many people must be left behind while the Government hides behind the mantra of Independence?

The people of this City deserve so much more than this. They deserve better than a resort to lazy and simplistic mantras.

However, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my good friend Ian Ashcroft, who suddenly passed away last Tuesday.

He was a huge figure and character in Junior football across the West of Scotland. He played for Irvine Meadow, Arthurlie and Pollok.

I was fortunate to play with Ian, and spent some of the best years of my life with Ian both on and off the park.

His passing is a big shock to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.