Labour meltdown in Scotland

I think that this SNP billboard ad is very effective and simple. It defines the difference between their priorities for Government, and Labour who wish to invest billions in renewing the trident nuclear programme.

It seems that Labour are in meltdown in Scotland, what with Labour considering to move operations to develop Trident from it's Scottish base to Devon due to mounting opposition in the country to new nuclear arms, and following the latest revelation that Labour in Scotland have used high ranking party officials posing as members of the public in their party political broadcast!

I've been watching some of the BBC Scotland election coverage when I find the time, and I must say it's quite exciting, especially given that the SNP are doing so well in all the polls. Independence is obviously a hot election topic. We will know soon after May the 3rd whether the SNP's hopes of initiating a referendum on the issue will become a reality.

Aileen Campbell- young SNP candidate

Please check out this myspace website for my friend, Aileen Campbell who is standing for the SNP in the Clydesdale Constituency. She's another young candidate who is working really hard to encourage young people to take part in the political process.
I wish Aileen all the best of luck for the election in May! I'm sure there will be updates of progress from now until May.....

Labour members in Scotland 'gagged' from discussing Iraq war.

This is a very interesting press release issued from the SNP about the Labour Party in Scotland.
Seems as if they are trying to gag Labour members from having an opinion on very important issues like the Iraq war, and that small debate called Trident!
Is this a sign of desperation on Labour in Scotland's part to try and avoid contentious debates in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections, by any chance?

LABOUR MEMBERS BANNED FROM DISCUSSING IRAQ WAR

Commenting on a report that Labour Party members have received a letter from
the party's general secretary banning them from discussing the Iraq war,
Trident or any other reserved issues in the run-up to the Scottish
Parliament elections the SNP's Deputy Leader, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, said:

"While Trident missiles are based in Scotland and Scottish soldiers are in
Iraq it is astounding that Labour thinks they can stop people talking about
them.

"These are issues that affect people in Scotland and voters deserve to know
what parties say on these important issues. The SNP will not shy away from
telling the people of Scotland that billions would be better spent on
Scotland's public services rather than nuclear missiles; and we will not shy
away from a debate on the Iraq morass like Tony Blair.

"That Labour leaders want to shut down debate on them shows their campaign
is falling apart in Scotland. They know they are unpopular on these issues
and that it is the SNP which is putting forward a positive case for a fresh
approach."

ENDS

'Lord Cashpoint' arrested again. When will it be Tony's turn?

It looks as though the cash for peerages situation is set to provide another electoral blow for New Labour as Labour's Chief Fundraiser, Lord Levy is arrested again today. He was first arrested last year in connection with claims honours had been sold in exchange for party donations. Four people have been arrested so far, and over 90 have been taken in for questioning. Even Tony Blair's Chief of Staff has been talking to the Police.

It all appears to be getting increasingly serious, and it will probably culminate in the questioning of Tony Blair, although he currently refuses to engage in any discussions with the media on this issue. It's thought that Downing Street deleted important emails regarding cash for peerages when the investigation started, and this could be a reason why Lord Levy has been arrested again.

The SNP and Plaid have worked together to bring this issue to the forefront of the political agenda. It's only a matter of time before this whole saga reaches a climax, and it could have severe electoral repercussions for New Labour in the forthcoming Scottish and Welsh elections.

'What's Hain harping on about now?!'

All I have to say about Peter Hain's comments today on the break up of the Union is that it is a clear sign of the Labour Party panicking in the run up to both the Scottish Parliament election and the Welsh Assembly election in May. This statement has much to do with Gordon Brown's agenda of seeking to scare their 'supporters' to vote in reaction to the growing prospect of an SNP victory in Scotland, and a subsequent referendum on Independence. This would be disastrous for the Scottish number 10 wannabe.

Frankly, Labour's strategy is all over the place. Now that they know that they can no longer patronize the people of Wales with the 'vote Plaid get Tory' scenario, they have nowhere to go. To attack Plaid on the Independence issue is hardly new or inspiring- Rhodri Morgan doesn't even consider it the top priority for the forthcoming Assembly election!

With the mess Labour has made since being in power- from the cash for honours inquiry, the Iraq War and Home Office saga, I am sure that such matters will factor more so in the minds of the voters than that of a rambling, negative Peter Hain.