Its my final blog before Christmas, but don't worry I will be posting my predictions for 2008 before the year ends, and I have come to the conclusion that the Scottish political scene has gone stark raving bonkers. To quote my good friend, Alex Dingwall, "I know this is the panto season but this is ridiculous!
In what has become a tumultuous year in Scottish politics, even my breath was taken away with the news that Ruth Black, Scotland's only Solidarity Councillor, and a Councillor in the Westminster Boundary of Glasgow South West, has defected to the British Labour Party (Scotland Region). I have deliberately not posted my thoughts on this for a few days so I could give a measured analysis, but my gut instincts are the same as they were when I heard the news.
To switch from Solidarity to New Labour is just unbelievable. To switch to a Party responsible for the Iraq war, and to be an elected representative in a Council ward where leading Anti-war Campaigner, Rose Gentle resides defies belief. To switch to a Party that is arguably the staunchest in its defence of the UK is beyond description. To switch to a Party that is up to its neck in sleaze due to donations from multi millionaires is unimaginable. To become a member of a group which is choosing new models of service delivery, i.e. privatising some of its services, is an outrage. A switch from the Hard left to the Centre Right in one fell swoop.
The excuse that it is the equalities agenda that is the reason for this conversion is mind numbingly naive. It is the SNP who were the loudest voice for the equalities agenda for many years, and still are, particularly in Glasgow where Councillor Alex Dingwall is a staunch defender, having exposed Council policies such as having to "out" yourself to attend the Councils Gay and Lesbian forum. Ruth Black knows this.
The only sensible conclusion is that this is a career move rather than a road to Damascus conversion. A conversion similar to Palpatine seducing Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Sith. Unfortunately for Ruth, I fear she will now be a figure of fun in political circles.
Interestingly, Ruth Black would not have been a Councillor had the SNP put forward 2 candidates in the Craigton ward. Instead the people of Craigton now have to suffer 3 New Labour Councillors at least to 2011, or perhaps 2012. A very long time to wait to deliver a verdict. The voters of Craigton I am sure will not forget.
Elsewhere, New Labour are in denial that they broke the law, the Lib Dems pretend that they are the honest brokers, when no-one is less honest or less broke, and sleazy with it as the First Minister reminded us this week. The Tories well simply barking.
The panto season is in full flow.....
24 December 2007
19 December 2007
THE EXPRESS TRAIN.....
To Independence!
Yes the news that the Scottish Daily Express readership back Independence in big numbers is another signal that support for the noblest of causes is gaining momentum.
This news is on top of this months earlier poll by the Sunday Herald which showed an increase in support.
Confidence is growing in the SNP Government, and thus support for further powers and Independence increases.
Only the most arch unionist could ignore these facts.
It is up to all SNP activists in the New Year to build on this and take our message to those who have still to be convinced.
16 December 2007
SOMEBODY'S GOING TO EMERGENCY, SOMEBODY'S GOING TO JAIL
I could not resist using this title from a very good West Wing episode, as it transpires that whilst I was out leafleting in Old Craigton, just a mile down the road, the police were searching Tommy Sheridan's home, whilst Tommy was being charged with perjury.
From my point of view, and knowing many figures within the Trade union movement who were members of the SSP, and now split into more factions than Monty Python's Life of Brian, it is clear that one side is lying, and one side isn't. Whether Tommy is the victim of an elaborate witch hunt, from an unholy alliance of Trots and the establishment remains to be seen, but no doubt Tommy's supporters will see him as a modern day Harry Perkins.
What is undisputed, it that the voters warmed to Solidarity more than the remaining SSP, indeed as the SNP candidate for Pollok earlier this year, Tommy lost out by a very close margin, because too many voters had marked Solidarity and Alex Salmond for First Minister on the same side of the ballot paper and left the other side blank. It is why Glasgow Pollok SNP believe the Constituency result was closer than the official record. If Tommy had been elected, would the Police have reacted sooner? This will be one of the questions that the electors in Pollok and elsewhere will be asking.
All in all, a very unedifying affair which has consigned the hard left to no parliamentary representation for a generation.
However, the rest of our opponents in Scotland are also in a mess. New Labour led by Wendy, allegedly a descendant of Ebenezer Scrooge, has nothing positive to say, and is still presiding over a basket case at Holyrood, where the word sleaze and New Labour are commonly stated in the same sentence. Its only a matter of time before Mr.Sheridan's house guests make there way over to Paisley. Perhaps they will also stop off at the home of a Renfrewshire Councillor along the way.
The Lib Dems meanwhile have the tactical nous of Berti Vogts, i.e. tactics are a peppermint!, and the reaction of the press in the North East apparently make awful reading for them. Not content with cuddlying up to Wendy and were noticeable by their silence when Donorgate hit the headlines, they have made an incredible fuss over Donald Trump's application to build a golf complex in Aberdeenshire, and made some rather silly comments along the way. To suggest that Alex Salmond as a Constituency MSP should not have attended a meeting with Trump's representatives would have been a failure of duty for any Parliamentarian given that this proposal is the most important one affecting the Gordon constituency for many years. They must be really bitter at their gubbing in the elections in May, and with Nicol Stephen holding a marginal constituency his attacks look like the desperate actions of a desperate man.
Surely Mr.Trump himself has the best message for Nicol, and one that will be delivered in due course - YOU'RE FIRED!
From my point of view, and knowing many figures within the Trade union movement who were members of the SSP, and now split into more factions than Monty Python's Life of Brian, it is clear that one side is lying, and one side isn't. Whether Tommy is the victim of an elaborate witch hunt, from an unholy alliance of Trots and the establishment remains to be seen, but no doubt Tommy's supporters will see him as a modern day Harry Perkins.
What is undisputed, it that the voters warmed to Solidarity more than the remaining SSP, indeed as the SNP candidate for Pollok earlier this year, Tommy lost out by a very close margin, because too many voters had marked Solidarity and Alex Salmond for First Minister on the same side of the ballot paper and left the other side blank. It is why Glasgow Pollok SNP believe the Constituency result was closer than the official record. If Tommy had been elected, would the Police have reacted sooner? This will be one of the questions that the electors in Pollok and elsewhere will be asking.
All in all, a very unedifying affair which has consigned the hard left to no parliamentary representation for a generation.
However, the rest of our opponents in Scotland are also in a mess. New Labour led by Wendy, allegedly a descendant of Ebenezer Scrooge, has nothing positive to say, and is still presiding over a basket case at Holyrood, where the word sleaze and New Labour are commonly stated in the same sentence. Its only a matter of time before Mr.Sheridan's house guests make there way over to Paisley. Perhaps they will also stop off at the home of a Renfrewshire Councillor along the way.
The Lib Dems meanwhile have the tactical nous of Berti Vogts, i.e. tactics are a peppermint!, and the reaction of the press in the North East apparently make awful reading for them. Not content with cuddlying up to Wendy and were noticeable by their silence when Donorgate hit the headlines, they have made an incredible fuss over Donald Trump's application to build a golf complex in Aberdeenshire, and made some rather silly comments along the way. To suggest that Alex Salmond as a Constituency MSP should not have attended a meeting with Trump's representatives would have been a failure of duty for any Parliamentarian given that this proposal is the most important one affecting the Gordon constituency for many years. They must be really bitter at their gubbing in the elections in May, and with Nicol Stephen holding a marginal constituency his attacks look like the desperate actions of a desperate man.
Surely Mr.Trump himself has the best message for Nicol, and one that will be delivered in due course - YOU'RE FIRED!
09 December 2007
TRADE UNIONS BASHED BECAUSE OF ILLEGAL DONORS
Having attended the SNP Trade Union Group AGM yesterday, it is clear that the Trade Union movement in general recognises that the Scottish Government shares their values.
I have spoken to a number of Senior Trade union figures in Scotland in recent weeks, who all comment on how the SNP Government is doing, how it looks in charge, and how it is allowing Trade Unions access to shape policy, and to address concerns. They all comment on the difference from the previous New Labour led regime.
In parallel, the Westminster Government is attempting to use Trade Unions funding as a sacrificial lamb for the whole illegal donors scandal.
It is clear that any reshaping of funding policy will include restricting the amounts Trade unions can use to fund any political party. Earlier this year, the FBU and RMT used monies to fund SNP candidates. On the whole however, most still use funds for Labour candidates. For those of us who are employed in the Public Sector, these funding arrangements are akin to giving petrol money to an arsonist who wants to torch your home!
It is however scandalous that the Trade Unions become the fall guy for millionaires either shipping money to a political party illegally, or because a political party accepted donations from a millionaire they knew to be wrong.
However, any attempt to address Trade Union funding for any political party must address concerns over transparency.
Either the law or the Trade Unions must address the nonsense that many members do not even know that they are funding a political party. Many unions automatically allocate members to a political fund without their knowledge, and it is much more difficult to withdraw from the fund than it is to join it. UNISON, however has a different mechanism where members are given some level of choice to either join a general or affiliated fund. Even though this gives some flexibility, UNISON were caught out at a previous conference where it was admitted that members who had shown no preference or who had simply left it blank were allocated a fund without their knowledge.
Some Trade Unions have decided to set up a political fund to support individual candidates across the political spectrum, and these are decided by a panel within the union. I suspect that this will be the way most trade unions will utilise funding in future. It must make clear that candidates are being funded because the candidate supports the Unions policies.
All in all, the Trade Unions should not be used as a political pawn because of others stupidity or illegality. They must however, be more transparent to avoid criticism from the right wing media, who take any opportunity to bash the trade union movement, and the majority must seriously look at its curious relationship with a political party who sold out on the principles of the Trade union movement years ago.
I have spoken to a number of Senior Trade union figures in Scotland in recent weeks, who all comment on how the SNP Government is doing, how it looks in charge, and how it is allowing Trade Unions access to shape policy, and to address concerns. They all comment on the difference from the previous New Labour led regime.
In parallel, the Westminster Government is attempting to use Trade Unions funding as a sacrificial lamb for the whole illegal donors scandal.
It is clear that any reshaping of funding policy will include restricting the amounts Trade unions can use to fund any political party. Earlier this year, the FBU and RMT used monies to fund SNP candidates. On the whole however, most still use funds for Labour candidates. For those of us who are employed in the Public Sector, these funding arrangements are akin to giving petrol money to an arsonist who wants to torch your home!
It is however scandalous that the Trade Unions become the fall guy for millionaires either shipping money to a political party illegally, or because a political party accepted donations from a millionaire they knew to be wrong.
However, any attempt to address Trade Union funding for any political party must address concerns over transparency.
Either the law or the Trade Unions must address the nonsense that many members do not even know that they are funding a political party. Many unions automatically allocate members to a political fund without their knowledge, and it is much more difficult to withdraw from the fund than it is to join it. UNISON, however has a different mechanism where members are given some level of choice to either join a general or affiliated fund. Even though this gives some flexibility, UNISON were caught out at a previous conference where it was admitted that members who had shown no preference or who had simply left it blank were allocated a fund without their knowledge.
Some Trade Unions have decided to set up a political fund to support individual candidates across the political spectrum, and these are decided by a panel within the union. I suspect that this will be the way most trade unions will utilise funding in future. It must make clear that candidates are being funded because the candidate supports the Unions policies.
All in all, the Trade Unions should not be used as a political pawn because of others stupidity or illegality. They must however, be more transparent to avoid criticism from the right wing media, who take any opportunity to bash the trade union movement, and the majority must seriously look at its curious relationship with a political party who sold out on the principles of the Trade union movement years ago.
04 December 2007
WAITING FOR THE INEVITABLE
I have resisted the temptation to blog as i wait for the inevitable, however for the last few days we have been kept on tenterhooks, waiting and waiting, and waiting. Its like watching an episode of Jerry Springer, pure Car Crash TV but enough to keep you talking and watching.
I, of course refer to the current state of the British Labour Party (Scotland Region)!
We are awaiting on the following events;
(1) Wee Wendy's inevitable resignation.
(2) The inevitable by-election in Cathcart.
(3) The inevitable public infighting within BLP (Scotland Region).
As per a typical episode of Jerry Springer, there will be the punch ups, love ins, and an abundance of controversy.
Its only a matter of time,
Its Inevitable.
As Jerry Springer would say..........
Take care of yourselves ....
and each other!
I, of course refer to the current state of the British Labour Party (Scotland Region)!
We are awaiting on the following events;
(1) Wee Wendy's inevitable resignation.
(2) The inevitable by-election in Cathcart.
(3) The inevitable public infighting within BLP (Scotland Region).
As per a typical episode of Jerry Springer, there will be the punch ups, love ins, and an abundance of controversy.
Its only a matter of time,
Its Inevitable.
As Jerry Springer would say..........
Take care of yourselves ....
and each other!
30 November 2007
NEW LABOUR FACE THE MUSIC......
Hard on the heels of my last blog, this image was sent to me and I could not resist posting it for your enjoyment.
Who could have predicted how fast New Labour reach out for the double barrelled shotgun and place it straight on the feet.
The ghost of donations past comes calling, but unlike Mr.Scrooge, this story doesn't look as if it is heading for a happy ending!
Who knows how many will be casualties by Christmas morning.
The disgraceful hiding of illegal donations typify how that this current Westminster government have been in power for too long. The perception of arrogance will not go away. How Brown must have wished he called that election in October!
The ghost of donations present has today haunted the British Labour Party in Scotland, with Charlie Gordon falling on his sword. For BLP (Scotland Region), there are many issues which have been uncovered. Firstly, the lack of talent within their Holyrood group is exposed, when your campaign manager cannot get the simple things right. You would think a quick check of the rules would be a basic requisite for one of your team, but no, not for Wendy.
Secondly, why was there such a rush for a Campaign fund when it was obvious there would be no challenge to Wendy for the leadership.
Thirdly, there appears to be a suspicious link between some members of Labour with this Mr.Green. It is no secret that Charlie Gordon wanted to build Silverburn, once Glasgow lost Braehead from its boundary.
Lastly, and more crucially, this latest crisis has exposed the levels of subsidy the "Scottish" party really receives, as exposed by no less a figure than Major Joyce. It would appear that a proportion of Mr.Abrahams money was given to the Scottish party for the Holyrood elections. The "Scottish Labour Party" accounts are full of descriptions of items which refer to being "paid by the Labour Party", however, curiously the level of subsidy is never mentioned!
Last year, comrade nationalist party Plaid Cymru, successfully removed the Welsh Labour Party as an accounting unit, and thus were able to remove Welsh Labour on the ballot paper, the reason? the level of subsidy from the UK Labour Party.
Whatever else is uncovered over the next few weeks, we should not lose sight of the fact that the Scottish Labour Party is a sham, and must be removed. The electoral commission has a duty and responsibility to investigate this matter as well as the others.
Perhaps that will be the visit for the ghost of donations future............
26 November 2007
THERE MAY BE TROUBLE AHEAD.......
The implosion of New Labour, and the British Labour Party (Scotland Region) continues apace, and above is my suggestion for a new anthem to replace the Red Flag, an inappropriate song for a political party that has privatised more Public Services than Thatcher and Major.
Only months ago we were promised that when the Westminster Election (2007 postponed) will finally be called, the key theme from New Labour would be competence. In this regard, on both sides of the border, they have failed with distinction.
From losing the personal details of millions to having employment shorter than many call centre workers for its own spin doctors, you can only wonder how long the potatoes would run out if New Labour/BLP (Scotland Region) were running a chippy!
Like the Liberal Democrats, they are now prone to errors on a daily basis.
In Scotland of course, they look even more tired than they did when they formed the Executive, and the daily "broken promise" press release appears more like a broken record. For a political party shy of only 1 seat in the Scottish Parliament, you would expect better, however, BLP (Scotland Region) reach unparalleled depths of ineptitude.
There's a crisis at its core, and I am now beginning to wonder whether comparisons with Lloyd Georges Government are more apt. Consider this, a political party elected by a huge mandate but in the process sold its core beliefs to hold onto power, only in time to be swept away as the voter showed its contempt, ended in the wilderness.
Competence or the lack thereof will be their undoing.
In time as the song says they will face the music................
Only months ago we were promised that when the Westminster Election (2007 postponed) will finally be called, the key theme from New Labour would be competence. In this regard, on both sides of the border, they have failed with distinction.
From losing the personal details of millions to having employment shorter than many call centre workers for its own spin doctors, you can only wonder how long the potatoes would run out if New Labour/BLP (Scotland Region) were running a chippy!
Like the Liberal Democrats, they are now prone to errors on a daily basis.
In Scotland of course, they look even more tired than they did when they formed the Executive, and the daily "broken promise" press release appears more like a broken record. For a political party shy of only 1 seat in the Scottish Parliament, you would expect better, however, BLP (Scotland Region) reach unparalleled depths of ineptitude.
There's a crisis at its core, and I am now beginning to wonder whether comparisons with Lloyd Georges Government are more apt. Consider this, a political party elected by a huge mandate but in the process sold its core beliefs to hold onto power, only in time to be swept away as the voter showed its contempt, ended in the wilderness.
Competence or the lack thereof will be their undoing.
In time as the song says they will face the music................
15 November 2007
PROGRESS FOR SCOTLAND
Progress is for me the key theme as John Swinney released Scotland's budget over the next three years, in contrast to the New Labour benches whose negativity towards Scotland reaches unparalleled levels.
A phased programme towards free prescriptions, reductions in class sizes, removing health inequalities within Scotland via investment, increased police on our streets, increased free nursery provision, and a freeze on the unfair, regressive, Council Tax are for me, the main highlights which will please hard working families across the nation.
Given that the SNP faced the tightest spending round since devolution, we were able to show that a Government with a clear purpose, focus and ambition, can still produce good governance. Just imagine how good this budget would have been in an Independent Scotland.
Whilst the pledge to eradicate student debt has had to be shelved, for now, it is clear that we have the talent to produce good government and to take the country forward. With more powers, so much more can be done.
As a local government worker and trade unionist, I am delighted that Councils will have more freedom to concentrate on its priorities, which can only enhance local democracy and increase accountability.
Of course with all this good news, you would think that our opponents would welcome such a progressive package for our Country.
Instead, they still wallow in their negativity. Indeed, I am pretty sure that if our MSP's were playing opposition political speak bingo, those with the words "broken promise" would have the greatest chance of shouting house! It is clear that the opposition find themselves less and less relevant and out of touch with the peoples priorities.
The SNP committed itself to progress for Scotland..........
Our achievements in the next four years will see that commitment realised.
A phased programme towards free prescriptions, reductions in class sizes, removing health inequalities within Scotland via investment, increased police on our streets, increased free nursery provision, and a freeze on the unfair, regressive, Council Tax are for me, the main highlights which will please hard working families across the nation.
Given that the SNP faced the tightest spending round since devolution, we were able to show that a Government with a clear purpose, focus and ambition, can still produce good governance. Just imagine how good this budget would have been in an Independent Scotland.
Whilst the pledge to eradicate student debt has had to be shelved, for now, it is clear that we have the talent to produce good government and to take the country forward. With more powers, so much more can be done.
As a local government worker and trade unionist, I am delighted that Councils will have more freedom to concentrate on its priorities, which can only enhance local democracy and increase accountability.
Of course with all this good news, you would think that our opponents would welcome such a progressive package for our Country.
Instead, they still wallow in their negativity. Indeed, I am pretty sure that if our MSP's were playing opposition political speak bingo, those with the words "broken promise" would have the greatest chance of shouting house! It is clear that the opposition find themselves less and less relevant and out of touch with the peoples priorities.
The SNP committed itself to progress for Scotland..........
Our achievements in the next four years will see that commitment realised.
09 November 2007
HOST CITY
A fantastic day for Glasgow and Scotland, as the Commonwealth Games Federation voted to give the Dear Green Place the right to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games (hopefully in an Independent Scotland and SNP Controlled Glasgow City Council but that's a debate for another time).
The atmosphere around the city was electric after the decision was announced, and it was particularly funny to see my own boss on television jumping up and down on National Television, who was there as part of the Bid team contingent.
We were supposed to all have access to our PC's at work, only for most of us this didn't happen, except for the very lucky modern apprentice who was quickly surrounded by the rest of us watching the announcement, Only for the BBC to completely muck this up - had a chuckle at a very smug looking John MacKay on Scotland Today tonight saying that STV were the only channel showing the event live. Anyways, once we heard the news....cue pandemonium across Glasgow....
Special praise for everyone involved, and i know many of my fellow Glasgow City employees who worked extremely hard to bring this about, and priase too for all the politicians who worked together.
Maybe this will stop Transport Scotland from ripping apart proposals to split the NADICS/CITRAC functions into 4 separate entities, given that Managers within this service helped put together the Traffic Management arrangements for the Sydney Olympics a few years ago, but common sense never really stops quango's from making idiotic decisions. More of this later.
A tremendous day, perhaps even a tremendous month.
We all now wait for next Saturday to see if another special occasion can give Scotland a victorious result.......
02 November 2007
THINKING BIG
At long last my Conference blog due to being laid low with the post Conference heavy cold. Thinking Big was the key to the First Ministers address to the Conference, laying out quite clearly the difference between the SNP and our Unionist opponents.
The buoyant mood of the Conference was simply contagious, and it is clear that activists from all over the country wish to build on our success from the elections in May.
The conference started for me oddly enough with a telephone call at 7.45 am from the evening times regarding suspensions which had been handed out to some employees who work for Glasgow's Parking service, and i spent most of that day on the telephone to Trade Union Colleagues trying ascertain if the issue had been settled. If I could say more about this I would, however, someones actions that day, I will have to address elsewhere.
Saturday saw me preparing for a meeting with a Government Minister, and regrettably missed the fringe meeting with the NUJ.
I was pleased that the Party has decided too campaign on the issue of Post Office closures, A subject I have referred to in this blog in the past.
The SNP Government has made a very good start, restoring free education, the phased withdrawal of prescription charges, Bringing accountability back to Government by cutting the number of quango's, commitment to completing the M8 motorway are just a few of the things so far that will a huge difference to people's lives.
This in contrast to the BLP (Scotland Region) benches at Holyrood who's sole tactic at the moment is to confuse the voter over the SNP's commitments. A term lasts 4 years guys....
Thinking Big gets thins done, and reaps rewards. Here's hoping Glasgow's Commonwealth Games bid thinks big in Sri Lanka next week .......
The buoyant mood of the Conference was simply contagious, and it is clear that activists from all over the country wish to build on our success from the elections in May.
The conference started for me oddly enough with a telephone call at 7.45 am from the evening times regarding suspensions which had been handed out to some employees who work for Glasgow's Parking service, and i spent most of that day on the telephone to Trade Union Colleagues trying ascertain if the issue had been settled. If I could say more about this I would, however, someones actions that day, I will have to address elsewhere.
Saturday saw me preparing for a meeting with a Government Minister, and regrettably missed the fringe meeting with the NUJ.
I was pleased that the Party has decided too campaign on the issue of Post Office closures, A subject I have referred to in this blog in the past.
The SNP Government has made a very good start, restoring free education, the phased withdrawal of prescription charges, Bringing accountability back to Government by cutting the number of quango's, commitment to completing the M8 motorway are just a few of the things so far that will a huge difference to people's lives.
This in contrast to the BLP (Scotland Region) benches at Holyrood who's sole tactic at the moment is to confuse the voter over the SNP's commitments. A term lasts 4 years guys....
Thinking Big gets thins done, and reaps rewards. Here's hoping Glasgow's Commonwealth Games bid thinks big in Sri Lanka next week .......
21 October 2007
AN INTERNATIONAL AGENDA
One of the key differences between the SNP and our Unionist opponents is International issues.
I was delighted today with the news that Alex Salmond has written to other countries who signed up to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, intimating the opposition of the Scottish Government to the replacement of Trident, and to seek observer status at future discussions.
This news comes on the eve of the Scottish Government summit on Trident.
Repeated polls in Scotland show a clear majority are opposed to Nuclear weapons, and this is backed up by votes in the Scottish Parliament, and the majority of Scottish MP's voted against the replacement of Trident in March.
The response from BLP Scotland Region today was lamentable. Firstly, we had Wendy Alexander who refused to answer repeated questions on her views on the issue, the predictable response from David Cairns, Minister of Scotland Office in a state, who argues that the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government should not discuss any issues that are reserved to Westminster. He also describes the clear majority who are opposed to the replacement of Trident as the "loony left", which will be news to my opponent for the Westminster election, one Ian Davidson. BLP Scotland Region leaders will never learn.
Astonishingly, we have the official response from a Scotland Office spokesperson who suggests that seeking an alliance with Iran and South Korea is unpardonable folly. Politicians in Seoul will no doubt be scratching their heads at what they have done to cause offence to the British Government. This faux pas, demonstrates the ignorance of Westminster when it comes to International issues.
The fib dems, who only months before the election argued that Trident was an issue that should be debated and discussed in the Scottish Parliament, show their usual double dealing by agreeing with wee Wendy and David Cairns.
International issues emphasise the core beliefs of the SNP as an outward looking, friendly nation, built on helping the international world with peacekeeping, overseas aid for those countries who need it to feed their children and remove the scourge of poverty, and a world based on justice and respectful of international law. One based on democracy not bullying. Indeed the SNP philosophy on International issues is a coherent part of the Independence message.
In stark contrast, New Labour continue with illegal wars, giving military aid to nations lie Colombia, the most dangerous place in the world to be a Trade Unionist, and wish to spend £25 billion of our money on weapons of mass destruction.
The SNP has a duty and responsibility to oppose nuclear weapons as the clear settled will of the Scottish people.
Civic nationalism and Internationalism go hand in hand, with Independence we can help make the world seem so much better.
17 October 2007
THE DIFFERENCE 2 YEARS MAKES
Whilst the men in grey beards, cords and sandals were telling Ming Campbell his time was up, yours truly was celebrating his well attended adoption night in Glasgow South West, and thanks to those who made attended and put in their hard earned cash into the campaign coffers, listening to Nicola Sturgeon tells us quite rightly, how upbeat and positive the country is since the Scottish Elections in May.
For the last few days, I have been thinking about the dramatic reversal of fortunes of both the SNP and the Lib Dems. 2 years ago the Lib Dems were telling us that they were poised to become the second largest party in Scottish politics, and how they would take on the SNP. Having endured a very successful Westminster campaign, the media in Scotland were promoting this vision for all its worth. The press wrote off the SNP's chances for the 2007 election - fools!
So whats changed?
At that time, I and many others thought that the Lib Dems had over-achieved, and that their Westminster results were down to extended media coverage, mainly at our expense, and the Kennedy factor. Jim Wallace's decision to step down appeared to me to be a signal that things could not get better
Since then, the Lib Dems have made a series of catastrophic blunders. Firstly, the manner of the ousting of Charles Kennedy was disgraceful, and certainly viewed that way here in Scotland. This exposed how nasty and vile the Lib Dems can be. Another was Ming Campbell's suggestion to privatise some if not all of the Post Office, which lost a lot of support from Left minded voters who turned to the Lib Dems as a protest to the Iraq War.
Here in Scotland, the Lib Dems refusal to countenance any arrangement with the SNP before and after the Holyrood elections has relegated them to voice in the wilderness status in the Scottish Parliament. A fact underpinned in a recent YouGov survey of Lib Dem voters who see Alex Salmond as a stronger leader than Nicol Stephen.
The SNP meanwhile built on the 2005 elections, an election effectively fought in the targetting of seats which was successful deployed to maximum effect this year.
The value of being the lead partner in Government will ensure continued and increased support, as the you cannae win factor has disappeared forever, a fact our opponents cannot deny.
Like Scotland's football team 2 years ago, the SNP are going from strength to strength. Lib Dems meanwhile will take years to get out of their current plight, a fact emphasised in East Dunbartonshire, going from 1st to 4th.
For the next 2 years, one can only imagine what self inflicted damage the Lib Dems can do to themselves.
For the last few days, I have been thinking about the dramatic reversal of fortunes of both the SNP and the Lib Dems. 2 years ago the Lib Dems were telling us that they were poised to become the second largest party in Scottish politics, and how they would take on the SNP. Having endured a very successful Westminster campaign, the media in Scotland were promoting this vision for all its worth. The press wrote off the SNP's chances for the 2007 election - fools!
So whats changed?
At that time, I and many others thought that the Lib Dems had over-achieved, and that their Westminster results were down to extended media coverage, mainly at our expense, and the Kennedy factor. Jim Wallace's decision to step down appeared to me to be a signal that things could not get better
Since then, the Lib Dems have made a series of catastrophic blunders. Firstly, the manner of the ousting of Charles Kennedy was disgraceful, and certainly viewed that way here in Scotland. This exposed how nasty and vile the Lib Dems can be. Another was Ming Campbell's suggestion to privatise some if not all of the Post Office, which lost a lot of support from Left minded voters who turned to the Lib Dems as a protest to the Iraq War.
Here in Scotland, the Lib Dems refusal to countenance any arrangement with the SNP before and after the Holyrood elections has relegated them to voice in the wilderness status in the Scottish Parliament. A fact underpinned in a recent YouGov survey of Lib Dem voters who see Alex Salmond as a stronger leader than Nicol Stephen.
The SNP meanwhile built on the 2005 elections, an election effectively fought in the targetting of seats which was successful deployed to maximum effect this year.
The value of being the lead partner in Government will ensure continued and increased support, as the you cannae win factor has disappeared forever, a fact our opponents cannot deny.
Like Scotland's football team 2 years ago, the SNP are going from strength to strength. Lib Dems meanwhile will take years to get out of their current plight, a fact emphasised in East Dunbartonshire, going from 1st to 4th.
For the next 2 years, one can only imagine what self inflicted damage the Lib Dems can do to themselves.
10 October 2007
THE COMPREHENSIVE STINGY REVIEW!
And so they bite back again! Stingy was the first word that came into my mind once I saw the details of the Comprehensive Spending Review, as the New Labour Westminster Government decides to punish Scotland again for having the temerity to vote SNP.
You would think a Chancellor who represents an Edinburgh constituency would have more sensitivity, but no. An increase of 0.5% is deemed sufficient for Scotland's needs.
The arguments for Scotland to keep all the taxes it raises become stronger.
Interestingly, this is at the expense of spending commitments such as the London Olympics, which Scots are being asked to effectively subsidise.
Having just called off an election because of opinion poll ratings, it seems New Labour are convinced that the best way to govern is to impersonate an ostrich, burying its head in the sand in the face of an economic downturn, while trying to pretend it is not stealing Tory ideas.
The people of Scotland deserved to give their verdict next month. When they do it will be grim reading for New Labour. I am confident that Scotland's Government will continue to bring about a better society, despite the stinginess of those who hold power at Westminster.
You would think a Chancellor who represents an Edinburgh constituency would have more sensitivity, but no. An increase of 0.5% is deemed sufficient for Scotland's needs.
The arguments for Scotland to keep all the taxes it raises become stronger.
Interestingly, this is at the expense of spending commitments such as the London Olympics, which Scots are being asked to effectively subsidise.
Having just called off an election because of opinion poll ratings, it seems New Labour are convinced that the best way to govern is to impersonate an ostrich, burying its head in the sand in the face of an economic downturn, while trying to pretend it is not stealing Tory ideas.
The people of Scotland deserved to give their verdict next month. When they do it will be grim reading for New Labour. I am confident that Scotland's Government will continue to bring about a better society, despite the stinginess of those who hold power at Westminster.
07 October 2007
AND THERE WAS I STANDING AT THE CHURCH!
Well I can now officially inform you all that I have been selected as a Westminster Candidate for Glasgow South West! An election we all thought was coming. Well its cancelled! and the comparisons between Brown and James Callaghan become more and more apt, for today is the day that New Labour lost the next Westminster election.
The reasons for this analysis are many. Firstly Brown now looks completely weak. Having allowed his trusted and most Senior advisers to talk up an election which even on Thursday looked like a racing certainty, only to cancel on the whim of a few opinion polls, will cause him long lasting damage.
Stupidly, Brown decided to make this announcement to one of his favoured journalists, and interestingly, the most withering criticism of Brown has come from employees of the Murdoch empire, namely Adam Boulton and Trevor Kavanagh. Has Brown lost potential millions from the Dirty Digger?
Ironically the gamble of calling an early election to kill off the Tories, has backfired spectacularly, and Cameron looks assured and surefooted, which even 4 days ago was a laughable concept.
With opinion polls showing a strong SNP vote, currently predicted to double from the results in 2005, things can only get better. With BLP Scotland Region doing a very impressive impersonation of the Tories after 1997, expect that support to grow stronger.
Never more has the choice in Scotland been more starker, a progressive political force demanding more powers for Scotland, or a weak, dithering, whinging opposition who look completely lost and crave for power, for powers sake.
Brown will not recover from today's extraordinary announcement.
I guess Ian Davidson will have to wait for his verdict too!
The reasons for this analysis are many. Firstly Brown now looks completely weak. Having allowed his trusted and most Senior advisers to talk up an election which even on Thursday looked like a racing certainty, only to cancel on the whim of a few opinion polls, will cause him long lasting damage.
Stupidly, Brown decided to make this announcement to one of his favoured journalists, and interestingly, the most withering criticism of Brown has come from employees of the Murdoch empire, namely Adam Boulton and Trevor Kavanagh. Has Brown lost potential millions from the Dirty Digger?
Ironically the gamble of calling an early election to kill off the Tories, has backfired spectacularly, and Cameron looks assured and surefooted, which even 4 days ago was a laughable concept.
With opinion polls showing a strong SNP vote, currently predicted to double from the results in 2005, things can only get better. With BLP Scotland Region doing a very impressive impersonation of the Tories after 1997, expect that support to grow stronger.
Never more has the choice in Scotland been more starker, a progressive political force demanding more powers for Scotland, or a weak, dithering, whinging opposition who look completely lost and crave for power, for powers sake.
Brown will not recover from today's extraordinary announcement.
I guess Ian Davidson will have to wait for his verdict too!
06 October 2007
TIME TO BE DECISIVE GORDON!
A quality of leadership is to be decisive, a quality that Gordon Brown now needs to show this weekend.
The constant speculation on an impending Westminster Election continues to grow, and it does not seem to be downplayed by any Senior member of the Westminster Government.
The arguments for fixed term parliaments are obvious, and I believe have grown stronger due to this debacle.
However, my instinct says he now has no other option than to call the election. Not to call one, on the basis that the Tories are closing the gap in opinion polls, will make him look indecisive, a charge that will plague him for the rest of his term, and will keep him on the backfoot, which would have seemed ludicrous only a few weeks ago, but entirely of his own doing. I also believe making a statement crushing speculation is now too late.
Make up your mind Gordon! It's Time to call it!
The constant speculation on an impending Westminster Election continues to grow, and it does not seem to be downplayed by any Senior member of the Westminster Government.
The arguments for fixed term parliaments are obvious, and I believe have grown stronger due to this debacle.
However, my instinct says he now has no other option than to call the election. Not to call one, on the basis that the Tories are closing the gap in opinion polls, will make him look indecisive, a charge that will plague him for the rest of his term, and will keep him on the backfoot, which would have seemed ludicrous only a few weeks ago, but entirely of his own doing. I also believe making a statement crushing speculation is now too late.
Make up your mind Gordon! It's Time to call it!
30 September 2007
NEW LABOUR AND PAY DEAL HYPOCRISY
Another week on tenterhooks in the great will he, wont he saga that is becoming the proposed date for the next Westminster election.
Apart from Monday's disgraceful performance from Wendy, and Brown's speech which wouldn't look out of place at this week's gathering in Blackpool, Blackpool a place dear readers where yours truly emerged victorious at a bonnie baby contest some years ago!, my attention was struck at the behaviour of the Trade Union establishment at the Labour Party conference.
You would expect that this conference would have been the ideal opportunity to flex muscles and gain some support. Instead on the whole they remain tight lipped, not upsetting the apple cart.
New Labour must continually be exposed for its lack of commitment to the Trade Union movement. This year they wish to cut civil service numbers by 100,000 ,which will result in Industrial Action from PCS, are allowing a bitter dispute to fester in Royal Mail, a company where the Westminster government are the biggest share holder, where the CWU quite rightly are fighting to protect jobs, pay and pension provision, and on the whole are expecting public sector workers to accept below inflation pay increases.
This of course in stark contrast to the behaviour of New Labour MSP's - BLP Scotland Region - who are now coming across to the public at large as a comical sect who have completely lost the plot, to the extent that had they emerged victorious in May, we no doubt would have a ministry for silly walks!
First we had the bizarre rantings of one George Foulkes, and now we have the rantings of Pauline McNeill, both arguing for more money and allowances. The latter demanding more money as "I have to write my own speeches".
Dearie me! Its such a difficult life having to think for yourself Pauline! Yet another sign that those poor wee souls have still to cope with life in opposition.
Perhaps an advertisment along these lines might just help them out;
WANTED!
Speechwriter required for MSP. Must provide speeches which sound like the rantings of a banshee, a capacity to ensure that the employer makes a complete fool of themselves on National Live Television, and a requirement to emphasise the ungraciousness of the employer is essential.
Apply to any BLP Scotland Region MSP
Scottish Parliament
The sad fact is that while workers in the country are expected by New Labour to tighten their belt, they expect their politicians earning more that 50k to get more. A modern day British Gas if you will.
Hopefully GB will make the announcement soon, so that we can expose this hypocrisy to its fullest.
Apart from Monday's disgraceful performance from Wendy, and Brown's speech which wouldn't look out of place at this week's gathering in Blackpool, Blackpool a place dear readers where yours truly emerged victorious at a bonnie baby contest some years ago!, my attention was struck at the behaviour of the Trade Union establishment at the Labour Party conference.
You would expect that this conference would have been the ideal opportunity to flex muscles and gain some support. Instead on the whole they remain tight lipped, not upsetting the apple cart.
New Labour must continually be exposed for its lack of commitment to the Trade Union movement. This year they wish to cut civil service numbers by 100,000 ,which will result in Industrial Action from PCS, are allowing a bitter dispute to fester in Royal Mail, a company where the Westminster government are the biggest share holder, where the CWU quite rightly are fighting to protect jobs, pay and pension provision, and on the whole are expecting public sector workers to accept below inflation pay increases.
This of course in stark contrast to the behaviour of New Labour MSP's - BLP Scotland Region - who are now coming across to the public at large as a comical sect who have completely lost the plot, to the extent that had they emerged victorious in May, we no doubt would have a ministry for silly walks!
First we had the bizarre rantings of one George Foulkes, and now we have the rantings of Pauline McNeill, both arguing for more money and allowances. The latter demanding more money as "I have to write my own speeches".
Dearie me! Its such a difficult life having to think for yourself Pauline! Yet another sign that those poor wee souls have still to cope with life in opposition.
Perhaps an advertisment along these lines might just help them out;
WANTED!
Speechwriter required for MSP. Must provide speeches which sound like the rantings of a banshee, a capacity to ensure that the employer makes a complete fool of themselves on National Live Television, and a requirement to emphasise the ungraciousness of the employer is essential.
Apply to any BLP Scotland Region MSP
Scottish Parliament
The sad fact is that while workers in the country are expected by New Labour to tighten their belt, they expect their politicians earning more that 50k to get more. A modern day British Gas if you will.
Hopefully GB will make the announcement soon, so that we can expose this hypocrisy to its fullest.
24 September 2007
WENDY APOLOGISES - BUT NOT TO THE PEOPLE
In the house thanks to a Public Holiday generously given by my employer, and just before settling down to listen to see if GB will give any hint of an early election, and for what its worth I believe that it was an election speech, had the misfortune to listen to Wendy Alexander, in a section in the Conference programme dubbed "Scottish Report".
Wendy decided it is prudent to apologise to the British Labour Party for its defeat in the Scottish elections! How very arrogant!
It we fall this logic, it is their fault that they couldn't keep the Scottish people in line. HOW VERY UNDEMOCRATIC!
This strikes at the very heart of why BLP will be facing opposition for a very long time to come. No apology for Iraq, no apology for privatisation and leaving an awful budget legacy thanks to PFI deals, no apology for threatening NHS services in Scotland.
Given that she was the architect of the most negative campaign in Scottish political history, is it any wonder we get this attitude.
And then she surpassed even her own standards for being disingenuous.
One the one hand she argues that the SNP and Tories work together, - without backing it up with any substance, whilst on the other sees no shame in working with the Tories to scupper any plans for a referendum on Scotland's future.
All this hypocrisy in only 6 minutes.
As an aside I noticed George Foulkes and Dennis Skinner sitting next to each other, which brought this analogy in my head, one is an eccentric buffoon who cant be controlled and embarrasses the party with his every utterance, the other of course is the much respected Dennis Skinner!
I'm sure we will look forward to more double speak from our British opponents.
In what has been a bad week for them, one thing is clear...........
WENDY MUST STAY!
Wendy decided it is prudent to apologise to the British Labour Party for its defeat in the Scottish elections! How very arrogant!
It we fall this logic, it is their fault that they couldn't keep the Scottish people in line. HOW VERY UNDEMOCRATIC!
This strikes at the very heart of why BLP will be facing opposition for a very long time to come. No apology for Iraq, no apology for privatisation and leaving an awful budget legacy thanks to PFI deals, no apology for threatening NHS services in Scotland.
Given that she was the architect of the most negative campaign in Scottish political history, is it any wonder we get this attitude.
And then she surpassed even her own standards for being disingenuous.
One the one hand she argues that the SNP and Tories work together, - without backing it up with any substance, whilst on the other sees no shame in working with the Tories to scupper any plans for a referendum on Scotland's future.
All this hypocrisy in only 6 minutes.
As an aside I noticed George Foulkes and Dennis Skinner sitting next to each other, which brought this analogy in my head, one is an eccentric buffoon who cant be controlled and embarrasses the party with his every utterance, the other of course is the much respected Dennis Skinner!
I'm sure we will look forward to more double speak from our British opponents.
In what has been a bad week for them, one thing is clear...........
WENDY MUST STAY!
23 September 2007
WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?
A very interesting week in Scottish politics. In addition to this I have noticed some blogs who are utilising my State of Play blog to inspire their own efforts at merging football punditry with Scottish politics. Imitation and flattery and all that!
However, this weekend's events in particular bring my mind back to a conversation with one of our more seasoned activists at last years SNP conference in Perth. I had remarked to him that the conference was one of the best in terms of atmosphere, and the contagious positive and upbeat energy proved to be the launch pad for the most successful election in SNP history. The seasoned activist remarked to me that the best conference he could remember was the 1974 conference in Elgin, just weeks after Scotland had elected Scotland's XI.
The comparisons between this year and 1974 are becoming surreal.
The possibility of GB asking Brenda to call an early election gives the SNP a very real possibility to record another fantastic election result, and the 2nd in a year just like 1974. For Brown read Wilson wanting a mandate, for Heath there is the unpopular Cameron and Tory activist unrest.
Every SNP activist I speak to believes an early election will be good for us, and bad for the Tories and the Fib Dems.
BLP Scotland Region however, are having a terrible time, spurning the opportunity to rethink by being more and more negative, my predicted "dressing room unrest" caused by Wendy Alexander - quicker than even I expected though!, and allowing their eccentrics free publicity - for Foulkes sake keep talking George!
An early election gives the Scottish people a chance to elect MP's who will fight Scotland's corner, to give the Scottish Government increased support for the changes they wish to implement and to increase the pressure for more powers to be transferred, as well as add fresh impetus to the National Conversation.
Another chance for positive politics to defeat doom and gloom.
I guess we will all be on tenterhooks to see if GB will make his move in Bournemouth or just after the gathering of the dark side.
Go for it Gordie - We're ready, and history may just be on our side!
However, this weekend's events in particular bring my mind back to a conversation with one of our more seasoned activists at last years SNP conference in Perth. I had remarked to him that the conference was one of the best in terms of atmosphere, and the contagious positive and upbeat energy proved to be the launch pad for the most successful election in SNP history. The seasoned activist remarked to me that the best conference he could remember was the 1974 conference in Elgin, just weeks after Scotland had elected Scotland's XI.
The comparisons between this year and 1974 are becoming surreal.
The possibility of GB asking Brenda to call an early election gives the SNP a very real possibility to record another fantastic election result, and the 2nd in a year just like 1974. For Brown read Wilson wanting a mandate, for Heath there is the unpopular Cameron and Tory activist unrest.
Every SNP activist I speak to believes an early election will be good for us, and bad for the Tories and the Fib Dems.
BLP Scotland Region however, are having a terrible time, spurning the opportunity to rethink by being more and more negative, my predicted "dressing room unrest" caused by Wendy Alexander - quicker than even I expected though!, and allowing their eccentrics free publicity - for Foulkes sake keep talking George!
An early election gives the Scottish people a chance to elect MP's who will fight Scotland's corner, to give the Scottish Government increased support for the changes they wish to implement and to increase the pressure for more powers to be transferred, as well as add fresh impetus to the National Conversation.
Another chance for positive politics to defeat doom and gloom.
I guess we will all be on tenterhooks to see if GB will make his move in Bournemouth or just after the gathering of the dark side.
Go for it Gordie - We're ready, and history may just be on our side!
15 September 2007
THOSE MERGER RUMOURS........
Regular readers will know that i have suggested for sometime the merger of 2 unionist parties. This theory is of course on the premise that appear to agree with each other on many issues in their pursuit of anti-Scottish, centre right politics.One can only speculate as to what was discussed when these two icons of centre right, free market unionism met the other day.
Any guesses?
Was an oath to the dark side declared?
Undoubtedly we will see this image during the next Westminster elections.
STILL UNBEATEN!
Yes indeed! Scotland's International football team remain unbeaten under a SNP Government! One can only speculate at to the result of an Independence referendum had we decided to go for it on Thursday! Attaching a referendum on the back of a Scotland is however a very, very risky strategy.
It was absolutely fantastic to watch it in the pub. WHAT A NIGHT! The moment Faddy hit the ball their seemed like a few minutes of silence, which was probably only a second. It took just one person to shout YES! Cue mass hysteria.
A very enjoyable night indeed.
The key point however is that once again we appear to be able to produce high quality footballers, and that can only be good for the country. I believe that this is partly down to the re-emergence of an organised structure appearing at youth and school level. When i attended secondary school, there was not one school football team in the 5 years i was there, not that i would have made it mind you, although we certainly had a lot of talent on display at our 15 a side games either in the playground or at the local park when lunchtimes where 90 minutes! The aftermath of a very bitter teachers dispute put paid to any sports teams which did not emerge until i had left.
It looks like the dark days for our football team have been dispensed with too.
The fact that our international team is relatively young suggests we could be in for some very good times indeed. If Scotland were in any other group we would qualify for sure.
Every country needs a culture and sport outlet. Now is the time to re-inforce it. With Glasgow, potentially hosting the Commonwealth games, we need to make sure that we invest in proper sporting facilities for all, in all sports. Lets make sure we don't face those dark days again, when any Scottish performance was dreaded. Now is the time to ensure the dark days are in the history books.
Perhaps then we can attach a referendum to a Scottish match - World Cup Final anyone?
06 September 2007
THE STATE OF PLAY
Well the football season is now in full flow, and transferring football journalism to political prediction, lets look at the coming season now that the Parliament has reconvened!
SNP
A triumphant return for manager, Alex Salmond, similar to the managerial record of the Great Lambino (John Lambie), transforming a struggling team only a few seasons ago to champions this year, pipping their greatest rivals thanks to a last minute interception and strike from veteran Dave Thompson, on a memorable Friday afternoon.
And how they celebrated!
Salmond though is determined that they are not resting on their laurels, and has led from the front with sterling performances in Europe and against English Premiership opponents.
With Swinney and Sturgeon key players in the Public Sector engine room, fans can expect to see open and exciting play, also look for MacAskill to operating on both flanks outmanoeuvring the opposition from time to time.
Given the fact they now have the biggest squad in SNP history, look out for some new names to shine in this free flowing team.
SNP fans are also looking forward to upcoming Anglo Scottish Cup ties (or the Westminster election if you prefer!).
Prediction - To remain champions for another season.
BLP SCOTLAND REGION
A last minute managerial change, with W.Alexander expected to finally take the reins next month, having taken over from previous Manager McConnell, who resigned shortly before facing the dreaded vote of confidence after ending 50 years of glorious history. McConnell is compensated by being offered a coaching role in Africa. BLP fans are not expecting much from Temporary Coach Jamieson.
Still look to have never really recovered from their foreign operations policy, and must surely regret the takeover 6 years ago from eccentric American owner Dubya Bush.
With a failed takeover bid from a small co-operative called Campaign for Socialism, it looks like this team will be hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The appointment of Alexander is of course a huge risk. A hectoring style of player management, plus the inevitable language problems, may upset the dressing room, and may face criticism of failing to inspire the fans.
A lot depends on how Alexander utilises the transfer window, will there be big changes or will Alexander go for the tried and tested.
BLP need changes and it is doubtful if continuing with old attacker Zebeddee Foulkes will have the fans flocking back, amid harsh criticism of a boring and predictable offensive style of play. There must also be worries about defender Kerr, who keeps getting exposed and caught out of position, particularly in Live TV performances.
There could be a very difficult season in John Smith Stadium, but may hold their own in the Anglo Scottish.
Prediction - Looks like their bad run will continue, but should secure runners up spot holding off the Tories.
TORIES
Another uninspiring season, and they look a pale shadow of the team that reached the heights of the 1980's, when they encountered many European nights, plus a memorable adventure in South America. Now relegated to feeder club status from their English owners. Also this club is frustrated at having their coaching manual stolen by BLP in the mid nineties.
Manager Goldie is once again looking for another season of consolidation, and will look to ensure that their defensive style of play will pick up vital points during the course of the upcoming season.
Look out for celebrity fans like Gerald Warner to call for a return of the glory days when Thatcher and Forsyth were in charge, to make the headlines.
This team need a long term strategy, and must look to replace their old, dwindling fan base, and must make a better effort of attracting a younger fan to their newly called Cameron Modern Arena.
Some of course believe that a merger with BLP Scotland Region is inevitable given the close proximity of the clubs.
Prediction - Another season of mid table showing, but look out for those merger talks to take place in mid season.
LIB DEM
After last seasons disastrous end, the 4 year extension to beleaguered manager Nicol Stephen, surprised many. With a very unpopular and uncharismatic chairman in Minging Campbell, one wonders how team morale is affected. The expectation level for the Anglo Scottish cup ties is at rock bottom and may suffer more heavy defeats. Season ticket sales have hit their lowest level in many years, having been caught out proclaiming title contender status, only to be found wanting on match days.
An uninspiring manager, and an uninspiring team, could be extinct in the next few years if they are not careful.
Prediction - will be one of the candidates in the relegation dog fight.
GREENS
A disappointing end to a promising season and lost too many games that were there for the taking.
Although they have a smaller squad expect their big players Harper and Harvie to catch out the opposition on home turf, Environmental Issues Park.
Prediction - A respectable season for a team who know their level.
TROTS FC AND TROTARITY FC
Both clubs relegated to Junior status after a very public falling out between their Co-Manager coaching staff, and the splitting of TROT UNITED, which ended in a very bitter court battle. With more court battles expected, it looks clear that both sides are light years away from regaining senior status.
Prediction - OH DEAR!
Lets hope for another entertaining season!
SNP
A triumphant return for manager, Alex Salmond, similar to the managerial record of the Great Lambino (John Lambie), transforming a struggling team only a few seasons ago to champions this year, pipping their greatest rivals thanks to a last minute interception and strike from veteran Dave Thompson, on a memorable Friday afternoon.
And how they celebrated!
Salmond though is determined that they are not resting on their laurels, and has led from the front with sterling performances in Europe and against English Premiership opponents.
With Swinney and Sturgeon key players in the Public Sector engine room, fans can expect to see open and exciting play, also look for MacAskill to operating on both flanks outmanoeuvring the opposition from time to time.
Given the fact they now have the biggest squad in SNP history, look out for some new names to shine in this free flowing team.
SNP fans are also looking forward to upcoming Anglo Scottish Cup ties (or the Westminster election if you prefer!).
Prediction - To remain champions for another season.
BLP SCOTLAND REGION
A last minute managerial change, with W.Alexander expected to finally take the reins next month, having taken over from previous Manager McConnell, who resigned shortly before facing the dreaded vote of confidence after ending 50 years of glorious history. McConnell is compensated by being offered a coaching role in Africa. BLP fans are not expecting much from Temporary Coach Jamieson.
Still look to have never really recovered from their foreign operations policy, and must surely regret the takeover 6 years ago from eccentric American owner Dubya Bush.
With a failed takeover bid from a small co-operative called Campaign for Socialism, it looks like this team will be hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The appointment of Alexander is of course a huge risk. A hectoring style of player management, plus the inevitable language problems, may upset the dressing room, and may face criticism of failing to inspire the fans.
A lot depends on how Alexander utilises the transfer window, will there be big changes or will Alexander go for the tried and tested.
BLP need changes and it is doubtful if continuing with old attacker Zebeddee Foulkes will have the fans flocking back, amid harsh criticism of a boring and predictable offensive style of play. There must also be worries about defender Kerr, who keeps getting exposed and caught out of position, particularly in Live TV performances.
There could be a very difficult season in John Smith Stadium, but may hold their own in the Anglo Scottish.
Prediction - Looks like their bad run will continue, but should secure runners up spot holding off the Tories.
TORIES
Another uninspiring season, and they look a pale shadow of the team that reached the heights of the 1980's, when they encountered many European nights, plus a memorable adventure in South America. Now relegated to feeder club status from their English owners. Also this club is frustrated at having their coaching manual stolen by BLP in the mid nineties.
Manager Goldie is once again looking for another season of consolidation, and will look to ensure that their defensive style of play will pick up vital points during the course of the upcoming season.
Look out for celebrity fans like Gerald Warner to call for a return of the glory days when Thatcher and Forsyth were in charge, to make the headlines.
This team need a long term strategy, and must look to replace their old, dwindling fan base, and must make a better effort of attracting a younger fan to their newly called Cameron Modern Arena.
Some of course believe that a merger with BLP Scotland Region is inevitable given the close proximity of the clubs.
Prediction - Another season of mid table showing, but look out for those merger talks to take place in mid season.
LIB DEM
After last seasons disastrous end, the 4 year extension to beleaguered manager Nicol Stephen, surprised many. With a very unpopular and uncharismatic chairman in Minging Campbell, one wonders how team morale is affected. The expectation level for the Anglo Scottish cup ties is at rock bottom and may suffer more heavy defeats. Season ticket sales have hit their lowest level in many years, having been caught out proclaiming title contender status, only to be found wanting on match days.
An uninspiring manager, and an uninspiring team, could be extinct in the next few years if they are not careful.
Prediction - will be one of the candidates in the relegation dog fight.
GREENS
A disappointing end to a promising season and lost too many games that were there for the taking.
Although they have a smaller squad expect their big players Harper and Harvie to catch out the opposition on home turf, Environmental Issues Park.
Prediction - A respectable season for a team who know their level.
TROTS FC AND TROTARITY FC
Both clubs relegated to Junior status after a very public falling out between their Co-Manager coaching staff, and the splitting of TROT UNITED, which ended in a very bitter court battle. With more court battles expected, it looks clear that both sides are light years away from regaining senior status.
Prediction - OH DEAR!
Lets hope for another entertaining season!
28 August 2007
SELECTIONS
It wont have escaped anyone's notice that the current selection procedures are in place for the next/forthcoming Westminster elections.
Hopefully SNP selections will be a lot cleaner than those currently experienced by our opponents.
just a thought, Have the Labour Party selection procedures which gave them a right wing war monger called Tony Blair, given to a lesser degree, the current MP for East Lothian?!
Hopefully SNP selections will be a lot cleaner than those currently experienced by our opponents.
just a thought, Have the Labour Party selection procedures which gave them a right wing war monger called Tony Blair, given to a lesser degree, the current MP for East Lothian?!
THAT £5000 TAX BILL
Remember in May we got a lecture about a £5000 tax bill? Well now we know.
Thanks to Jamie Hepburn, a fellow jagophile as well as a good SNP MSP, who asked for the current costs, we discover that the cost of PPP/PFI contracts in Scotland are just shy of £5000 for every Scot, or £22.3 billion if you prefer.
As has been pointed out by the Herald today, some of these projects will be privately run after the payments are made, a bit like your mortgage lender insisting they still own your house after you've made all your payments.
This report is complemented by those commissioned by UNISON over the last few years as to the cost of these projects. The costs represent a serious challenge to any Scottish Government who will be unable to alter these figures as they are ring-fenced.
The good news of course began this week, with the announcement by Kenny MacAskill to drop plans for a £100 million private prison.
These figures show quite clearly the need to a more effective and efficient means of borrowing.
The need for Scottish Futures Trusts cannot now be more stark. The need for Scotland to control its macroeconomic policy becomes more profound
The British Labour Party (Scotland Region) must be brought to book for this scandal. Gordon Brown cannot escape this one either given that these projects were created under his stewardship of the economy.
Public Sector funding must be a major campaign issue for the next Westminster Election.
Thanks to Jamie Hepburn, a fellow jagophile as well as a good SNP MSP, who asked for the current costs, we discover that the cost of PPP/PFI contracts in Scotland are just shy of £5000 for every Scot, or £22.3 billion if you prefer.
As has been pointed out by the Herald today, some of these projects will be privately run after the payments are made, a bit like your mortgage lender insisting they still own your house after you've made all your payments.
This report is complemented by those commissioned by UNISON over the last few years as to the cost of these projects. The costs represent a serious challenge to any Scottish Government who will be unable to alter these figures as they are ring-fenced.
The good news of course began this week, with the announcement by Kenny MacAskill to drop plans for a £100 million private prison.
These figures show quite clearly the need to a more effective and efficient means of borrowing.
The need for Scottish Futures Trusts cannot now be more stark. The need for Scotland to control its macroeconomic policy becomes more profound
The British Labour Party (Scotland Region) must be brought to book for this scandal. Gordon Brown cannot escape this one either given that these projects were created under his stewardship of the economy.
Public Sector funding must be a major campaign issue for the next Westminster Election.
27 August 2007
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
A shockingly long time since my last blog, as I've been extremely busy with work, family and other engagements, as well as being very impressed with Ian McCall's reign at Glasgow's No.1 football team, yesterdays result notwithstanding, and the comparison with the performance of the SNP and the new silky soccer being witnessed at The Stadium of Dreams - Firhill, is something i am sure will become a regular feature on this blog.
My attention whilst browsing through the newspapers was drawn to another recurring theme, namely, The Unionist Alliance/Empire working together to do the SNP down.
It is reported that Nicol Stephen wishes to lead talks with the leaders of the Conservatives and BLP (Scotland Region) to discuss new powers for the Scottish Parliament and block any notion of discussing Independence. Interestingly, a New Labour spokesperson (pictured!) seems to suggest that discussion should take place regarding which powers should be transferred back to Westminster. No doubt this suggestion is to give their MP's something to do.
This looks very much how the political landscape of Scotland is shaping, with the Empire on one side wishing to exercise their dark arts, versus those of us who wish to see Scotland move on to better things.
On the one hand we have the National Conversation with a positive vision on our future, as against the National Talkdown, telling us how we couldn't survive without Westminster rule.
Perhaps their is now scope for some of the Unionist parties to merge given how much they appear to have in common with each other, as all 3 have centre right anti -Independence tendencies.
The next few months will be very interesting indeed.....
BRING IT ON!
15 August 2007
GAME ON
The National Conversation has begun! What promises to be one of the finest political debates perhaps in Scotland's history will go to the people, and roadshows and public meetings will be carried out over the next 3 years.
The case for more powers for the Scottish Parliament is unanswerable, the case for Scottish Independence grows by the day.
and what have we had from our political opponents? A joint statement denouncing the Scottish Government for carrying out this exercise! You couldn't make it up!
As always, when it comes to blocking the SNP, New Labour, The blue Tories, and the Fib Dems join together, perhaps they should merge?
Today we are expecting the resignation of Jack McConnell, to be shortly replaced by the Wendy House. The speculation that Wendy was taking command of the British Labour Party (Scotland Region) had such an effect on the Scottish people, they have given the SNP a 16% lead in a recent poll!
The debate in Scotland over the next 3 years is now poised to be a choice of greater powers, more progressive government, and of ambition, versus the hectoring, you're no good enough mantre of the Alexanders.
Just 2 words to every SNP activist out there for the next 3 years....
GAME ON!
The case for more powers for the Scottish Parliament is unanswerable, the case for Scottish Independence grows by the day.
and what have we had from our political opponents? A joint statement denouncing the Scottish Government for carrying out this exercise! You couldn't make it up!
As always, when it comes to blocking the SNP, New Labour, The blue Tories, and the Fib Dems join together, perhaps they should merge?
Today we are expecting the resignation of Jack McConnell, to be shortly replaced by the Wendy House. The speculation that Wendy was taking command of the British Labour Party (Scotland Region) had such an effect on the Scottish people, they have given the SNP a 16% lead in a recent poll!
The debate in Scotland over the next 3 years is now poised to be a choice of greater powers, more progressive government, and of ambition, versus the hectoring, you're no good enough mantre of the Alexanders.
Just 2 words to every SNP activist out there for the next 3 years....
GAME ON!
11 August 2007
TRADES UNIONS = POWER TO THE PEOPLE
My Internet access is now back up and running, after being down for almost a week, hence the lack of posts on the blogosphere.
It had been my intention for a while to comment on the recent dispute concerning Social Care Workers in Glasgow, but as the situation was changing and developing, I felt I should hold off. The Dispute ended on Friday, after a packed lunchtime meeting, after accepting an increased offer from the Council.
It is unusual for a group of workers to strike indefinitely these days, and the spirit and solidarity showed by the workers was inspirational.
The dispute of course, surrounds the ongoing saga of Single Status and Equal Pay. Whilst Glasgow City Council are not blameless, and have approached the issue in a cack handed manner, the real blame must lie with the previous Executive who ensured that Local Government was the only part of the Public Sector not to receive additional funding.
As reported previously the previous Executive handed back £1.5 BILLION back to the Westminster Government. The cost to fully fund Single Status across Scotland's 32 Councils is estimated at £500 million.
This Scottish Government needs to give Scotland's Councils the finances to address this legal headache.
Elsewhere of course, the NUJ have been successful in bringing The Herald Group back round the negotiating table, as have the CWU with the Post Office.
These events show that Trade Unions are needed more now than ever, to highlight bad employment practice anywhere, regardless of which part of the economy.
It had been my intention for a while to comment on the recent dispute concerning Social Care Workers in Glasgow, but as the situation was changing and developing, I felt I should hold off. The Dispute ended on Friday, after a packed lunchtime meeting, after accepting an increased offer from the Council.
It is unusual for a group of workers to strike indefinitely these days, and the spirit and solidarity showed by the workers was inspirational.
The dispute of course, surrounds the ongoing saga of Single Status and Equal Pay. Whilst Glasgow City Council are not blameless, and have approached the issue in a cack handed manner, the real blame must lie with the previous Executive who ensured that Local Government was the only part of the Public Sector not to receive additional funding.
As reported previously the previous Executive handed back £1.5 BILLION back to the Westminster Government. The cost to fully fund Single Status across Scotland's 32 Councils is estimated at £500 million.
This Scottish Government needs to give Scotland's Councils the finances to address this legal headache.
Elsewhere of course, the NUJ have been successful in bringing The Herald Group back round the negotiating table, as have the CWU with the Post Office.
These events show that Trade Unions are needed more now than ever, to highlight bad employment practice anywhere, regardless of which part of the economy.
01 August 2007
MORE NONSENSE FROM THE CBI
I could have been less polite with the title of this blog, but i am still completely amazed at the latest rant from the CBI, regarding a possible deal on pension provision for Local Government workers in Scotland.
A spokesperson for CBI Scotland, and incidentally who do they represent? how many Scottish Big Businesses are there now anyway? if you can name more than 5 you are doing well, responds in an article that the burden of paying for pensions for local government rests with the private sector and business.
BOLLOCKS!
Scotland's Local Government workers already contribute to their pension scheme, in effect deferred pay. In addition, this may come as a surprise to the CBI, but public sector workers pay tax too!
The Trade Unions are engaging with their membership over the coming months once the final proposals are published.
More on this as it happens.
A spokesperson for CBI Scotland, and incidentally who do they represent? how many Scottish Big Businesses are there now anyway? if you can name more than 5 you are doing well, responds in an article that the burden of paying for pensions for local government rests with the private sector and business.
BOLLOCKS!
Scotland's Local Government workers already contribute to their pension scheme, in effect deferred pay. In addition, this may come as a surprise to the CBI, but public sector workers pay tax too!
The Trade Unions are engaging with their membership over the coming months once the final proposals are published.
More on this as it happens.
31 July 2007
NUJ REP RE-INSTATED!
I am delighted to report that Gordon Thomson, Evening Times journalist and NUJ rep has had his suspension lifted, with no further action being taken.
The SNP Trade Union group is therefore calling off its boycott.
The campaign to fight job cuts and the dumbing down of these publications continues, anyone who supports the valuable Scottish Institution which the Herald newspapers represent must be concerned at the asset stripping style displayed by Newsquest.
messages of support can be sent to http://www.nuj.org/inner.php?docid=1520
The SNP Trade Union group is therefore calling off its boycott.
The campaign to fight job cuts and the dumbing down of these publications continues, anyone who supports the valuable Scottish Institution which the Herald newspapers represent must be concerned at the asset stripping style displayed by Newsquest.
messages of support can be sent to http://www.nuj.org/inner.php?docid=1520
28 July 2007
SNP TUG CALL FOR BOYCOTT OF EVENING TIMES
I attended the SNP Trade Union Group meeting this afternoon at the STUC Building in Glasgow.
Yesterday, we heard that Gordon Thomson, a NUJ representative within the Evening Times had been suspended by Newsquest management. This demonstrates an ugly aspect to the current dispute within Herald newspapers. Only days before, management had notified staff that the NUJ was effectively being De-recognised for pay and collective bargaining purposes.
Gordon Thomson is unquestionably, one of the best journalists in the West of Scotland, and is known for his fairness certainly when covering Industrial Dispute issues.
As a show of support, and having contacted the NUJ for its approval, the SNP Trade Union Group unanimously passed a motion calling for an immediate boycott of the Evening Times, until Gordon is re-instated, and to encourage all SNP Council Groups to lodge motions within their Councils, calling for their Local Authority to immediately withdraw advertising revenue from the Evening Times.
Its time to deal with Newsquest where it hurts most.......their pockets!
Yesterday, we heard that Gordon Thomson, a NUJ representative within the Evening Times had been suspended by Newsquest management. This demonstrates an ugly aspect to the current dispute within Herald newspapers. Only days before, management had notified staff that the NUJ was effectively being De-recognised for pay and collective bargaining purposes.
Gordon Thomson is unquestionably, one of the best journalists in the West of Scotland, and is known for his fairness certainly when covering Industrial Dispute issues.
As a show of support, and having contacted the NUJ for its approval, the SNP Trade Union Group unanimously passed a motion calling for an immediate boycott of the Evening Times, until Gordon is re-instated, and to encourage all SNP Council Groups to lodge motions within their Councils, calling for their Local Authority to immediately withdraw advertising revenue from the Evening Times.
Its time to deal with Newsquest where it hurts most.......their pockets!
27 July 2007
SUSPENSIONS ALL THE RAGE
A few days ago, and amid much publicity, George Galloway was suspended from the House of Commons for 18 days.
I am actually an admirer of Galloway's. Politics needs people like him, controversial, and always willing to speak his mind. He is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining speakers in House of Commons. I listened to his speech protesting about the decision, by the Parliament and Standards Committee. It was classic Galloway. Quite rightly, he lambasted New Labour for not disclosing loans, and for exposing, if that's the right phrase!, donors to them such as Porn Baron, Richard Desmond.
I do however not feel sorry for him in being suspended for 18 days.
The reason for this is the comparison between Galloway, and Councillor John Mason. A couple of months ago, John was suspended for 9 months by Scotland's Local Authorities Standards Committee for the heinous crime of sitting in the Lord Provosts chair in protest at changes to the democratic structure of Glasgow City Council.
The decision to suspend Councillor Mason was so outrageous that even the New Labour administration felt that it went too far.
It would appear that any standards commission wish to make a name for themselves, but more importantly in Local Governments case there is no appeal mechanism, which I believe would counter some of the more extreme verdicts which this body makes on a regular basis.
18 days for an MP against 9 months for a Councillor - To quote Galloway "that's the real double standard!"
23 July 2007
THE WHITEWASH
Well its the only polite description that can be given to the news that the Cash for Honours scandal is not going to trial.
A quite unbelieveable decision given;
(1) The investigation began with a Labour Party donor complaining about being denied a peerage.
(2) Labour Party Treasurer Jack Dromey knew nothing about loans being given to the Party.
(3) That unlike donations, loans do not have to be registered - the heart of the issue in my view.
(4) Blair created 292 peerages when in office.
This issue does however dispense with the nonsense that the SNP cannot be effective at Westminster, as we have led the charge on this issue alongside our Welsh Comrades Plaid Cymru. Unquestionably the SNP/Plaid Group punch way above their weight in the so called "Mother of all Parliaments".
This is complimented by some of the vitriolic attacks coming from New Labour MP's.
The issue of political donations will not go away, and we can only hope that the Westminster Parliamentary Public Administration Committee will thoroughly investigate this matter.
The next Westminster elections are a glorious chance for the SNP to distinguish ourselves from the other parties in terms of funding and to grow our increasing Parliamentary representation.
A quite unbelieveable decision given;
(1) The investigation began with a Labour Party donor complaining about being denied a peerage.
(2) Labour Party Treasurer Jack Dromey knew nothing about loans being given to the Party.
(3) That unlike donations, loans do not have to be registered - the heart of the issue in my view.
(4) Blair created 292 peerages when in office.
This issue does however dispense with the nonsense that the SNP cannot be effective at Westminster, as we have led the charge on this issue alongside our Welsh Comrades Plaid Cymru. Unquestionably the SNP/Plaid Group punch way above their weight in the so called "Mother of all Parliaments".
This is complimented by some of the vitriolic attacks coming from New Labour MP's.
The issue of political donations will not go away, and we can only hope that the Westminster Parliamentary Public Administration Committee will thoroughly investigate this matter.
The next Westminster elections are a glorious chance for the SNP to distinguish ourselves from the other parties in terms of funding and to grow our increasing Parliamentary representation.
17 July 2007
3 STRIKES
A very busy week last week due to work and other commitments, however, i thought i would use today's blog to highlight 3 main Industrial Disputes that are happening/due to happen shortly.......
STRIKE 1
The Communication Workers Union are today pondering further Industrial Action after having undertaken 2 days of strike action already.
The source of this Dispute as my friend Neil McDonagh quite rightly says is with the Westminster Government and the Post Office management.
The beginning of the Post Offices problems was the decision by New Labour to Implement the EU Directive 2 years Early, allowing European competitors to undercut prices, thus allowing the attack of the universal Postal system.
Another reason was the Westminster Governments stupid decision to take Government Business away from Crown and Sub-Post Offices i.e. State Pensions, T.V.Licensing etc.
This affects the most vulnerable in society who rely on Post Offices. The fact that the Westminster Government is the biggest shareholder makes these decisions defy belief, and the Government should give up profits from the Post Office coffers.
The other issue is the blatant asset stripping Management style led by Alan Crozier and Alan Leighton, only a few years ago the Post Office had 230,000 workers, now down to 130,000 with a proposal to reduce this further to 90,000. In addition cuts to allowances and other conditions have caused the current dispute.
This of course makes the Post Office ripe for privatisation and the Government must now come clean as whether the Post Office remains a Public Service or not. This issue affects all our communities, and deserves to be a major election issue for the next Westminster election.
STRIKE 2.....
As per my previous post on saving the Herald, sister organ the Evening Times has announced "unnecessary compulsory redundancy notices" according to our Friends in the NUJ. NUJ members in the Newsquest chapel have voted overwhelmingly to undertake Industrial Action.
The unnecessary actions of the Evening Times editor are highlighted with an extraordinary decision to block Evening times staff to transfer to other titles, with a view to keeping them employed by the company.
Newsquest are currently seeking budget cuts of £3 million.
SNP MP Pete Wishart revealed only last week that only a technicality is preventing the Competition Commission from re-opening its inquiry into the Newsquest takeover, as the inquiry is now over 3 years old, as it is clear that Newsquests commitments to the Commission have not been kept too. Undoubtedly, this technicality is the ultimate get out of jail free card.
More info on the dispute and the campaign to re-open the commission can be found at http://www.nujglasgow.org.uk/
STRIKE 3...............
600 Social Care Workers in Glasgow will undertake indefinite strike action, due to the Council's approach to its Single Status appeals mechanism. These workers some of whom are facing a potential cut of £5000 a year will begin action next Monday 23/7/07, after over 84% voted yes to undertake the action. In addition to this many Unison activists within Social work are concerned at the increasing number of agency staff being recruited to cover work, with the suggestion that this is being done to bust the strike, a measure that could be legally challengable. This could get ugly very quickly....
This news comes only days after the discovery that the last Executive did not spend £1.5 Billion of its allocated money from the Treasury. Unquestionably some of this money could have been used to fund equal pay within Local Government, the only part of the Public Sector not too receive Government assistance.
All these events demonstrate in my view why we need new, and fairer laws to protect workers. The UK currently has the least protection than any other worker in Western Europe.
Finally am I alone in thinking that New Labours obsession with letting the market decide events is what is leading to its ultimate downfall?
STRIKE 1
The Communication Workers Union are today pondering further Industrial Action after having undertaken 2 days of strike action already.
The source of this Dispute as my friend Neil McDonagh quite rightly says is with the Westminster Government and the Post Office management.
The beginning of the Post Offices problems was the decision by New Labour to Implement the EU Directive 2 years Early, allowing European competitors to undercut prices, thus allowing the attack of the universal Postal system.
Another reason was the Westminster Governments stupid decision to take Government Business away from Crown and Sub-Post Offices i.e. State Pensions, T.V.Licensing etc.
This affects the most vulnerable in society who rely on Post Offices. The fact that the Westminster Government is the biggest shareholder makes these decisions defy belief, and the Government should give up profits from the Post Office coffers.
The other issue is the blatant asset stripping Management style led by Alan Crozier and Alan Leighton, only a few years ago the Post Office had 230,000 workers, now down to 130,000 with a proposal to reduce this further to 90,000. In addition cuts to allowances and other conditions have caused the current dispute.
This of course makes the Post Office ripe for privatisation and the Government must now come clean as whether the Post Office remains a Public Service or not. This issue affects all our communities, and deserves to be a major election issue for the next Westminster election.
STRIKE 2.....
As per my previous post on saving the Herald, sister organ the Evening Times has announced "unnecessary compulsory redundancy notices" according to our Friends in the NUJ. NUJ members in the Newsquest chapel have voted overwhelmingly to undertake Industrial Action.
The unnecessary actions of the Evening Times editor are highlighted with an extraordinary decision to block Evening times staff to transfer to other titles, with a view to keeping them employed by the company.
Newsquest are currently seeking budget cuts of £3 million.
SNP MP Pete Wishart revealed only last week that only a technicality is preventing the Competition Commission from re-opening its inquiry into the Newsquest takeover, as the inquiry is now over 3 years old, as it is clear that Newsquests commitments to the Commission have not been kept too. Undoubtedly, this technicality is the ultimate get out of jail free card.
More info on the dispute and the campaign to re-open the commission can be found at http://www.nujglasgow.org.uk/
STRIKE 3...............
600 Social Care Workers in Glasgow will undertake indefinite strike action, due to the Council's approach to its Single Status appeals mechanism. These workers some of whom are facing a potential cut of £5000 a year will begin action next Monday 23/7/07, after over 84% voted yes to undertake the action. In addition to this many Unison activists within Social work are concerned at the increasing number of agency staff being recruited to cover work, with the suggestion that this is being done to bust the strike, a measure that could be legally challengable. This could get ugly very quickly....
This news comes only days after the discovery that the last Executive did not spend £1.5 Billion of its allocated money from the Treasury. Unquestionably some of this money could have been used to fund equal pay within Local Government, the only part of the Public Sector not too receive Government assistance.
All these events demonstrate in my view why we need new, and fairer laws to protect workers. The UK currently has the least protection than any other worker in Western Europe.
Finally am I alone in thinking that New Labours obsession with letting the market decide events is what is leading to its ultimate downfall?
07 July 2007
PLAID SET FOR GOVERNMENT
Today our Welsh comrades meet for their National Council to decide whether to go into coalition with Labour, and sign up to the One Wales document, as recommended by the NEC or join a "rainbow" coalition with the Tories and Lib Dems.
Some of you will know that i have been supporting and advising the so called rebels who a few weeks ago were against the rainbow, as they felt discussions with Labour had been suspended too early.
Leanne Wood, Helen Mary Jones, Bethan Jenkins and Nerys Evans were right to go public and ask that the rainbow be rejected. Skillful negotiation has resulted in a better deal with Labour and the prospect of Wales having a real Parliament, which i believe will be a giant step forward in Plaid's quest for Independence. An early referendum was not on the table going into government with the Tories and Lib Dems.
Going into a coalition with the Tories would have had disastrous consequences for a party of the left. An electoral disaster similar to the SNP's result in 1979 has been avoided.
Having civic nationalists in government in Wales and Scotland can only see both our nations prosper and move forward to Independence.
Good luck Plaid.
30 June 2007
JUST GET O'ER IT!
The above is a statement that one of my UNISON chums uses when something has happened that hasn't gone your way. Its his trademark saying.
I thought of this phrase whilst watching the coverage of the Royal opening of the Scottish Parliament. Brian Taylor reported that the Labour MSP'S are complaining about the First Ministers reply to the Queens address, because our FM mentioned the "I" word.
Well michty me! an SNP leader mentioning Independence what ever next!
In addition to this Labour MSP'S did not applaud Alex Salmond's speech.
This just typifies the attitude of New Labour in Scotland since the election, talk about denial!
Its been 9 weeks since the election, and they still haven't accepted that they have lost power in Scotland. Last week whilst visiting my mum, I read an article in the Sunday Post by Roy Hattersley stating that Scotland was being borrowed to the SNP. All SNP MSP'S will tell you that this is the reaction amongst Labour in the Parliament too.
How long is it going to take New Labour to accept that the Scottish people rejected them in large numbers in May, accept that they are in opposition, accept that the SNP are in Government, and there is at the very least an appetite to extend the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
As an instinctive Republican, i find it amusing that Brenda and officials at Buck House seem to have embraced the new reality far better than New Labour has done.
In other words - New Labour - JUST GET O'ER IT!
24 June 2007
SAVE THE HERALD
One of the most pressing issues to emerge from National Council was the resolution on Newsquest the UK operating arm of Gannet CO.Inc., who own The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times, and a special thanks should go to Aileen Campbell, Jamie Hepburn and Malcolm Balfour for their contributions on this issue.
The future of these newspapers is under threat.
In the words of Murray Ritchie, former Herald Journalist, "Gannet has a reputation in the industry for profiteering at the expense of editorial quality, and for being the worst employer in British journalism. This explains why the National Union of Journalists has been in more industrial disputes than with any other management."
The Herald's position as a National newspaper is seriously under threat, and the Sunday edition's role as an award winning title is at risk. For the 3rd year in a row profits have increased at Newsquest, but for the 3rd year in a row management have demanded job cuts across the board. The Herald is fast being reduced by an asset stripping management to the status of a local paper with a skeleton staff. Further redundancies can only further damage editorial quality.
This threat of job cuts smacks of corporate greed. The future of these newspapers must not be sacrificed.....
For more info http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/heraldandtimes/
Read Murray Ritchies views online at
Also visit the link for the SNP Trade Union Group.
THE 2ND BEST NATIONAL COUNCIL EVER!
Yesterday i attended National Council, where 400 SNP members, Councillors and MSP'S gathered for the first time since "the giant step forward" on May 3.
It was very pleasing to see so many Party comrades, many of them elected for the first time, although i am becoming concerned at the obsession of our Glasgow Council group who are now referring to me as "the employee"!
Some excellent motions were debated especially on a Citizens Initiative, The future of the Herald Newspaper and sister titles, and Dawn Raids to name a few. In addition, there was some fantastic barnstorming speeches from the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretaries.
Spent a memorable evening in the pub afterwards, with comrades in SNP controlled Edinburgh, but as always Angus Brendan McNeill steals the show with his observations of the so called Mother of all Parliaments.
Everyone in the Party is upbeat, positive, and looking forward to gains at Westminster and European elections. I hear many New Labour M.P.'s are worried, in particular a certain gentleman who has still to provide me with a bottle of Vodka, after betting with me on the number of SNP MP's at the 2005 election - New Labour = Broken promises!
You may be asking why this one is the 2nd best National Council, well simply really, we are saving the best one for after the Independence Referendum - that will be one to look forward too.......................
It was very pleasing to see so many Party comrades, many of them elected for the first time, although i am becoming concerned at the obsession of our Glasgow Council group who are now referring to me as "the employee"!
Some excellent motions were debated especially on a Citizens Initiative, The future of the Herald Newspaper and sister titles, and Dawn Raids to name a few. In addition, there was some fantastic barnstorming speeches from the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretaries.
Spent a memorable evening in the pub afterwards, with comrades in SNP controlled Edinburgh, but as always Angus Brendan McNeill steals the show with his observations of the so called Mother of all Parliaments.
Everyone in the Party is upbeat, positive, and looking forward to gains at Westminster and European elections. I hear many New Labour M.P.'s are worried, in particular a certain gentleman who has still to provide me with a bottle of Vodka, after betting with me on the number of SNP MP's at the 2005 election - New Labour = Broken promises!
You may be asking why this one is the 2nd best National Council, well simply really, we are saving the best one for after the Independence Referendum - that will be one to look forward too.......................
18 June 2007
ROSE GENTLE WINS RIGHT TO TAKE IRAQ CASE TO HOUSE OF LORDS
One of the most humbling moments being a Candidate in Pollok during the elections in May was meeting Rose Gentle, who lost her son Gordon 3 years ago in an attack on British soldiers in Basra.Law Lords have ruled that Rose, and fellow grieving mum Beverley Clarke, who lost her son David, can Appeal an earlier decision by an Appeal Court to force the Government to conduct a full public inquiry.
The case will raise the question of whether the Iraq war was lawful under International Law.
Papers released by Law Lords will focus on the Human Rights right to life provisions to initiate an independent public investigation in to the deaths of these 2 soldiers.
In addition the case could force the Government to hold an independent inquiry into the way Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney General, reached his conclusions that the war in Iraq could be lawful.
More information on this and Rose's campaign can be found by clicking the link on the Military Families against War website.
I still find it incredible that despite 3 years of requests, Mr.Bliar has yet to meet Rose or the Gentle family.
Keep the faith Rose, one day you will obtain justice, and answers. You and your family are in our prayers.
17 June 2007
AN OFFER FROM THE DARK SIDE ?
I have been reading today that a Conservative spokesperson (pictured), supports a referendum on Scottish Independence in order to maintain the Empire!
Coming fresh from attempts in Wales to seduce Plaid Cymru into a Rainbow/Dark Side Coalition - depending on your point of view, it appears that the Tories will go to any lengths to restore themselves as a serious political force, but what are they up to?
Are these dangerous developments? Are these attempts by the Tories to kill off civic nationalist forces in Britain as they know that doing a deal with either Plaid or the SNP will set back our movements with left of centre voters for generations a la 1979 (in the case of the SNP)? Or are these genuine attempts to move forward and banish any memory of Empress Thatcher?
With the Lib Dems in self imposed exile, and the forces of New Labour in denial about the sea change in Scottish politics, is this a trap for the SNP or a glorious opportunity to kill off the Tories, embrace their support for a referendum on Independence or at least do it holding our noses, and be confident of victory?
These questions deserve a proper hearing within the Party...... my own view? In order to win a Referendum we need to exercise a famous line in The Return of the Jedi.......Patience my friend Patience!
WELCOME TO MY NEW BLOG
Hi everyone!
I have decided to start off a new blog. Its been about 7 weeks since the election.
Having debated in my head what to call this, I settled for the giant step forward as a tribute to the greatest result in SNP history, leading to an SNP Government, a giant step towards what will ultimately lead to Independence for Scotland.
Hope you enjoy my ramblings from now on!
Chris
I have decided to start off a new blog. Its been about 7 weeks since the election.
Having debated in my head what to call this, I settled for the giant step forward as a tribute to the greatest result in SNP history, leading to an SNP Government, a giant step towards what will ultimately lead to Independence for Scotland.
Hope you enjoy my ramblings from now on!
Chris
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