Symbolic gestures

The problem with (in)sincere symbolic gestures is that when the gestures stop, people can read all sorts into the action.

Witness this press release from 2006:

SNP MP Angus MacNeil will be flying the St George's Cross tomorrow (Friday) from his office in Stornoway on what is the last working day before St. George's Day. Mr MacNeil said:

"I'm doing this as a mark of respect for our nearest neighbours, England, and the many English people now living in our constituency who voted SNP."

The flag flew again in 2007 and in 2008 but not this year.

Which prompts the question of whether....

• He has lost respect for the English
• He no longer respects the achievements of the English
  
• He couldn't be bothered
• It was just a cheap publicity stunt
  

Answers written in warm beer on a cricket bat, please....