THE MELTDOWN

The official meltdown of the British Labour Party (Scotland Region) has begun. News that both Wendy Alexander and Andy Kerr have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for failing to register gifts/donations, show quite clearly that they have learned nothing from last years election defeat.

Indeed the comparisons between them and a former French Royal who proclaimed "let them eat cake" are completely founded upon. The contempt and arrogance since May never ceases to amaze.

Firstly, for a then health minister to accept hospitality from the worlds biggest fast food company really says it all about their priorities. As for Wendy, her leadership has been a disaster from day one. Only the most ardent Wendy fan suggests she can survive. I for one cannot understand why an expericienced politician did not adopt the safety first rule. If you are unsure of whether something is registerable, register it anyway.

The devastating headlines today, show up the lack of political talent that exists in the Holyrood New Labour Group. An irony, probably not lost on my Westminster opponent Ian Davidson, who was declared as "not being good enough" by Labour for the list of Holyrood hopefuls 8 years ago. Whether this is an example of how bad the process of selecting candidates is within that party, or of my opponents talents is a matter for others to judge.

What remains is a political party that is rotten and lost touch with the Scottish people. The party of Hardie and Wheatley has been destroyed by careerists. However the mantle left by these fine men remains - and only the SNP can lay claim to it. As New Labour dies, the SNP Scottish Government have a unique opportunity to transform this country into a better place to live. This weeks budget will be the start............