PROGRESSIVE GOVERNMENT

So the new season has started, The Jags have started off quite well, and look to be competing for promotion. I have been watching both the US Presidential Conventions when I get the chance, which I believe will be extremely close, and the new season of the Scottish Parliament has kicked off with 15 proposed pieces of legislation to keep MSP's busy.

I am often asked why I joined the SNP. I joined in December 1989, as a third generation SNP supporter, inspired by the Govan By-election victory, and like many others in the party, joined to kill off the Poll Tax, as the feeble fifty as they became known, sat and did nothing. I have always been a passionate advocate of local income tax.

The unfairness of the Poll Tax was due to it not taking into account the ability to pay. The Council Tax was a quick fix, moved by Heseltine to get the Tories off the hook. Why New Labour in Scotland and particularly Andy Kerr defend it with such vigour remains a mystery.

The argument that Property is an indication of wealth is nonsense.

A progressive government means using progressive taxation to raise income. New Labour and Tories are passionate defenders of regressive, and stealth taxes. Additionally welcome is the decision, and will be universally welcomed in Govan for those who live near the Southern General Hospital, is to end hospital parking charges from 2009 onwards. Another tax on the ill allowed to be introduced by New Labour, finally brought to an end.

Whilst some detail needs to be modified to the LIT proposal, i.e. those who have "unearned" income, the Bill to abolish the Council Tax is and will be warmly welcomed by the Scottish people. A society where taxes are based on the ability to pay, is a key principle of SNP thinking.

Other parties only promote more of the same....