TIME FOR LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Well the sleep cycles are back on track, after being off work during the festive season, and the workload is back to its high level, the campaigning is back on track, and so I've now got the time for another blog post.

The main political struggle over the last few weeks is about accountability. On the one hand we have Wendy Alexander and New Labour who believe that their own Councillors cannot be trusted, and are determined to weaken local democracy, as opposed to the well received news from the SNP Government that Councils are to receive funding with less ring-fencing.

It really is staggering that Labour, who only just longer than a decade ago were demanding protection for local authorities under a Conservative Government, are adopting the Thatcherite tactic, that local authorities have to be instructed on what to do. The repeated statements from Wendy Alexander in particular, that Councils and Councillors will not fund programs to protect the weak and disadvantaged in society is grossly insulting to those who seek local office no matter which political affiliation they have. The whole point is that Councils should they choose can now spend additional monies on these programs if they so desire.

Moves away from ring-fencing strengthen local democracy, they give voters a greater opportunity to hold Councils to account for their budget commitments and give voters clear choices when it comes to election time. As the move towards separating Council elections from Holyrood will bear out, they deliver voter participation on local issues.

Wendy Alexander's recent media performances have been nothing short of disgraceful, whilst Brian Currie's thoughtful article in the Evening Times regarding the split between New Labour Councillors and their Holyrood counterparts show that New Labour have learned nothing from the elections, as Brian notes.

The real agenda against ending ring-fencing, is that New Labour want to increase our Council Tax, a grossly unfair tax, as they perceive regressive taxation as the way forward.

Another excellent piece of news, is the Scottish Government's announcement that it is intending to move towards elections for Health Boards. This will bring real changes to how Health Boards operate, will increase increased interest in its work, and will finally bring real accountability on the decisions these health boards make. Unquestionably, this will make health care more local and more responsive. No more will hospitals be threatened with closure after a health board has narrowed the parameters for consultation. Elections to health boards will bring a new broom to the Health Service and will see a fresh approach.

All in all, a good time for local accountability.

PREDICTIONS 2008

A guid new year tae yin and a!

A very busy time over the festive season, and I hope all my avid readers had a special time. As Calum Cashley has correctly pointed out, I have not yet made my predictions for 2008. No doubt New Labour have issued the press release over another broken promise!

Anyway here goes....

JANUARY

The SNP celebrate Burns' nicht with a 20 point lead in opinion poll ratings due to Donorgate, Good Governance and more outrageous revelations exposed under the 30 year rule.

Strathclydes' finest visit Paisley and arrest Wendy Alexander. Under pressure to resign, New Labour issue a press release about the Scottish Governments broken promises. Gordon Brown is reported to have smiled at least once during the month, however this is dismissed by an official spokesperson as the PM having suffered from toothache.

Giuliani wins the Republican and Edwards wins the Democrat New Hampshire primaries.

FEBRUARY

In a sensational St.Valentines day, the SNP win 6 local Council by elections just days after Charlie Gordon resigns his seat. The press call this the ST.Valentines day massacre, as a reported 40% swing goes from New Labour to the SNP.

Wendy Alexander finally resigns the leadership of the British Labour Party (Scotland Region).

Nicol Stephen volunteers to step in until a successor is found, until it is pointed out that Lib Dem Leaders can only do so, in the event that New Labour are in government. Hell will freeze over when that happens again comments Tavish Scott.

MARCH

The SNP emerge victorious in the Cathcart by-election with a majority of 7000, and a record swing. New Labour's campaign of "TRUST NEW LABOUR TO DELIVER" is seen as a disaster, and a reason for their 4th place showing.

The Conservatives now paint themselves as the official opposition in waiting.

In an extraordinary twist, Darth Vader and an ageing Emperor Sidious pull out of the race to succeed Wendy Alexander, a close aide to the Dark ones claims that the evil within New Labour is too strong.

Four major Trade Unions, ahead of the next months STUC announce their support for Independence, as this is viewed as the only way to achieve Trade Union policy being put into practice.

APRIL

Amid much fanfare, on the 1st April the dream ticket of George Foulkes and Jim Devine is revealed as the new leadership team for the British Labour Party (Scotland Region).

The new team announce their first engagement as meeting Nicol Stephen and Annabel Goldie on how to make the union stronger.

All major Presidential Candidates meet the First Minister and his team in Washington for the Tartan Day celebrations, as they all want to be seen with a major International Leader.

The SNP lead 30 percentage points in the opinion polls with New Labour and the Conservatives tied on 15% each.

The STUC Annual Congress votes to support Independence as part of the National Conversation consultation.

MAY

The nation celebrates the first anniversary of the election of the SNP Government, as confidence in the Public and Private Sectors reach unparalleled levels. Whilst the Westminster Government forecast more economic doom, Scotland is flourishing. Alex Salmond offers a loan to Westminster to ease its troubles and in the spirit of International relations.

This offer of generosity is rejected.

JUNE

John Edwards edges out Hilary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. His Convention slogan "ITS TIME" is viewed as one of the major reasons for his success.

JULY

After ten recounts at the Republican Convention, a nomination for Jeb Bush from the floor, results in Governor Bush emerging victorious. The Republicans election strategy is how the Democrats sums don't add up, and that a Democratic White House will result in Armageddon (sound familiar?).

AUGUST

The Scottish Parliament reconvenes with whispers of defections and mergers. The SNP start the new session on 67% in the opinion polls with New Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems on 10% each.

The Independence Referendum Bill is published.

In an unfortunate sense of timing Wendy Alexander and Charlie Gordon receive custodial sentences, just 2 days prior to the Paisley North By-Election.

SEPTEMBER

In contrast to last years euphoria, Gordon Brown resigns in disgrace prior to the British Labour Party Conference. The Conference ends with new anthem "Always look on the bright side of life".

In a hastily called Leadership Battle, George Foukles backs David Milliband. Jack Straw is elected leader.

The Conservatives allow their Scottish Branch federal status.

OCTOBER

An opinion poll published prior to the SNP Conference shows a huge lead for Independence much to the chagrin of Unionist commentators. The Conference is a positive and uplifting occasion, with no mention of the opposition. The first Conference with several Trade Unions in attendance in a voting capacity is dubbed a success. Its a pleasure to be among the most socially democratic political party for decades says one General Secretary.

In shocking news, a New Labour MSP makes a positive and constructive contribution in the Scottish Parliament. The media speculates whether this individual is about to defect to the SNP.

NOVEMBER

With their support in freefall, many New Labour MSP's discuss forming an electoral pact with their fellow unionists. George Foulkes and Jim Devine, having been devoid of an idea since they took office give this a ringing endorsement. Nicol Stephen states quite clearer that he will do what George tells him. Annabel Goldie gives the idea a cautious welcome, though Gerald Warner writes an article about how the Tories don't need them. The Scotland on Sunday leads with the headline "SNP support in freefall" as it emerges that the SNP has "only" 60% support.

The Edwards/Clinton ticket win New Mexico after 3 recounts to win the Presidential Election. Despite Republican attempts to take the result to court, Jeb Bush finally concedes 2 weeks later.

On St.Andrews Day, at a hastily convened Press Conference with George Foulkes, Annabel Goldie and Nicol Stephen, it is announced that they are to merge Political parties in order to "Save the Union". After a Special Conference, and in Internal Session, this New Party decides on a new name that will encompass all that they believe. After much fanfare they decide on.......

British Unionist Reform Party (Scotland Region).

DECEMBER

All remaining Trade Unions which were still part of New Labour, resign and join the SNP. After a complex electoral college, the leadership team for BURP (Scotland Region) of Annabel Goldie and Jim Devine is announced.

However, 10 former New Labour MSP's resign to form the New Labour Popular Party, 3 Conservative MSP's form the Peoples Scottish Conservative Party, and 4 Lib Dems announce a new party called Liberal Democratic Peoples Scottish Party.

After a lively debate in the Scottish Parliament, the Independence Referendum Bill passes with a wafer thin majority, thanks to the Greens, who announce that they have no plans to merge with anyone.

The referendum is to be brought forward 1 year early. The current poll shows 69% in favour for Independence.


Have a good new year everyone.

THE PANTO SEASON

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.....

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.

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!

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.

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!