Nicola and Jeremy are both calling for a kinder, gentler politics. Is anyone listening?

A few weeks ago, Jeremy Corbyn called for a kinder, gentler politics, following an outbreak of red on red unpleasantness. Whilst those of us of a Liberal Democrat persuasion have become used to the sometimes inane criticism of a small minority of 'class warriors' amongst Labour ranks, the general tone from the Opposition benches in Parliament, and especially some of their candidates, hardly established a tone conducive to peace, love and understanding. It was instructive to see how some of them felt when the anger was suddenly directed towards them.

Now, as Tim Farron noted in his excellent speech at the East of England Conference on Saturday (and actually, I genuinely enjoyed it), Jeremy Corbyn seems like a thoroughly decent chap. He doesn't seem to abuse his opponents, even as he attacks their policies. Whether or not he can remain as composed given the abuse he is taking from the sometimes rabid media is another question but, so far, so good.

And now, Nicola Sturgeon has seen fit to issue a similar call aimed at some of the more 'enthusiastic' Cybernats, following an outbreak of astonishing unpleasantness following the Scottish rugby team's heartbreaking defeat against Australia. It seemed that, to some of the more extreme Cybernats, you had no right to support Scotland if you didn't support independence, and they were busy abusing any potential victims they could locate. Funny really, as I've always been of the view that sport is a means of bringing nations together...

Now I do understand the passions that nationhood, and the desire to be free, engender. I had a fairly relaxed attitude over the possibility of Scottish independence, given my belief in the self-determination of peoples. However, regardless of the outcome, everybody has to rub along afterwards - a point which seems to be lost on the ultras, whose apparent aim is to drive dissenters out of Scottish politics altogether.

One of the interesting things about Labour and the SNP is their general discipline. Because they are collectivist in a way that liberals and conservatives aren't, they have an ability to stay on message, even if their suspicion of individualism makes their messaging a bit too monotone in nature. It can be impressive to watch, even where you disagree with it, or indeed, are the target. So, one might hope that, if the Leader speaks, the followers may act.

Given the toxicity of modern politics, one can but hope... and remember that none of us should ever lose sight of the fact that our opponents are human too.