THE COST OF LIVING......

Preparations for my sisters wedding, and preparations for a National Strike have restricted my capacity for blogging, however, today me and my campaign team were out in Cardonald, which should keep, as recent polling is suggesting, New Labour on its toes.

More and more the cost of living is leading the political debate. Firstly, though I was saddened to hear of the death of John McDougall the MP for Glenrothes from mesothelioma, a horrific disease for which only two years ago a friend and fine trade union activist died from. Tragically, families of victims of this disease do not receive the compensation they deserve as companies who were to blame are no longer in trading, some decades ago. I firmly believe that all of us involved in politics can and should do more for families who have lost loved ones due to industrial injury and disease.

This week on Wednesday Scotland's Local Government workers will undertake Industrial Action, quite rightly, due to a paltry pay offer of 2.5% each year for the next three years. Quite what the rate of inflation will be in three years time is anyone's guess. Scottish Power's scandalous 35% increase in the cost of electricity and gas compound the feelings of workers as to the necessity of the dispute. The often trotted out argument from the right wing press that public sector wages affect inflation is risible, as today's events show.

It is my belief that more and more people see the SNP as being on the side of the people, whereas New Labour seem to be erupting into internal chaos and civil war. As recent polling evidence shows that the SNP have never ever been more popular, indeed more popular than ever, the Scottish Government's determination to utilise powers to help families appears to being reaping dividends in the polling stations. Two recent polls showing the SNP having a 19% lead for Holyrood, and a lead in Westminster voting intentions, can only give tribal New Labourites, Ian Davidson and Johann Lamont, and others sleepless nights.

The next few elections, by-elections included, will be decided by who voters believe is helping them through these current economic difficulties. New Labour appear to be offering no solutions whilst the SNP is, given the limited powers of Scotland's Parliament. More and more, people in Scotland realise that a parliament in Scotland with more powers is the best option.