A TALE OF TWO CAMPAIGNS....

Since coming back from holiday on Thursday morning, I have been fully into the breach in the Glasgow East By-election, and like others I am noticing the huge difference in campaigning between New Labour and the SNP.

It is indeed a tale of 2 campaigns. As I predicted when Margaret Curran became the candidate, New Labour have led the most negative campaign in living memory. It is however, one that is becoming more risible by the day. To suggest that the quiet spoken, mild mannered SNP candidate is a dangerous extremist is the most ludicrous piece of political spin even by their lowly standards. Scaring pensioners over free bus passes badly backfired, as it appears from voters I have spoken to, as has Labours leaflet in black and yellow, with John Mason's face. Most people believe that the leaflet is one of ours. Throw a lie about where the labour Candidate lives, a supposed endorsement of a 93 year old, who is actually almost 30 years younger, and you have a recipe for disaster.

In addition, to react with horror, to John's remarks that many people don't see the difference between a Tory and Labour Government is ultimately true, and one which has resonated on the doorsteps.

Today's Sunday Times article on the New Labour campaign is just the tip of the iceberg. It is has been simply barking.

Meanwhile, the SNP campaign has been a joy to be a part of. A ruthless voter id strategy appears to be paying dividends, not just for this campaign but for the future. Today I was out for the second time this week in Craigend and on the evidence of knocking in supporters letters, the canvassing has been remarkably consistent. Indeed, today we identified an 86 year old woman who was voting SNP for the first time. It is these stories which fill all SNP activists with hope for Thursday.

Hope is the watchword. The SNP is offering hope in this election. Hope and vision on its record in the Scottish Government where people are seeing tangible benefits to assist the people of Scotland in a time of economic difficulty, and ever rising fuel and food prices. Hope that Scotland can be a better place to live.

More and more SNP activists come back with smiles on their faces, with good stories to tell, and new voters switching to the SNP for the first time being identified.

Justice would decree, that hope will defeat fear, and that the dog whistle approach to politics can be beaten forever. A victory for Social Democracy.

The stakes are very high indeed in Glasgow East. I am looking forward to playing my part in the last four days.