A very smashing holiday here in Pefkos, in what Christina McKelvie and John Mason call a unique pairing system!, but my mind still keeps wandering back what is happening in Glasgow East which i have been following via the media. Top marks for spin go to Ritchie Venton who suggested that the SSP candidate might struggle for votes, having the same surname as the New Labour one!
One thing is for sure, is that the entire British establishment is roaring on New Labour to hold on, which will result in the old order being maintained.
Its the same old negative attacks from Margaret Curran, which i predicted, and I cant help feel that should she win, the Labour Party in Scotland will have learned nothing, and will carry on regardless.
Their contempt for the electorate is unforgivable. Not only do we have a candidate who takes the local populace for a mug, by saying she has lived in the East End all her life, she doesnt, she cannot explain what her position would be on an Indepependence referendum. Interestingly, before I left, the high number of Labour supporters, who were largely undecided, were massively in favour of Independence in a Referenedum. To ask an Interviewer whether he thought she would win the by-election smacks of supreme arrogance that deserves to be punished at the ballot box.
I will be back for the run in on Thursday, for what will be a big week for Scottish Politics, the SNP must stick to the positives of its record in the Scottish Government. Before I went away on holiday, I spent some time with Trade union Legend, Jimmy Reid. Jimmy stated then that the only credible socialist in the field was John Mason, quite right too.
The tremor is coming.......
13 July 2008
06 July 2008
CARRY ON CANDIDATE - TAKE 7!
The only sensible conclusion to reach after the weekends extraordinary events within the confines of the British Labour Party - Scotland Region, is that they have truly and utterly lost whatever is left of their senses.
We are now being asked to believe that Margaret Curran is the true choice of Labour for the Glasgow East By-election. After trying to smear John Mason, as the "4th choice" candidate, a charge that is completely untrue, and of the evidence of the doors I've been to in Glasgow East is a very popular local councillor, who as the candidate is day by day taking votes from Labour based on his record, we now have 7th choice Curran.
First we had George Ryan - gone, and the speculation is becoming ugly on why
Second Irene Graham who was obviously only there to make up the numbers
Third Doug Maughan - see above
Fourth Self confessed New Labour Sith Lord Steven Purcell - who would have been barking to accept, indeed as I said to an SNP activist on Saturday, try and give me one reason why he should put his name forward
Fifth Lesley Quinn, again why?
Sixth the accident prone Frank McAveety
and now
Margaret Curran.
The spinmeisters at BLP Scottish Region HQ must be regretting issuing that 4th choice spin message. A classic example as to why you should think before speaking.
If it is indeed Ms Curran, who will be the candidate, and I for one will not be surprised if someone else emerges, it confirms that New Labour will run a brutal, negative campaign, a la the Daily Record, with the most obscene scare stories imaginable. Having been caught out once already with scaring Pensioners witless on the free bus pass issue, only to see that disappear up in smoke, don't be surprised if the have nothing positive to say. Why should they? Attacking low paid workers with a 10p tax rise, arguing that Private Equity Holders should continue to rip off the tax payer by supporting PPP/PFI, arguing that there should be more efficiency savings not less, and having a record in the East end of Glasgow that is nothing short of lamentable will not I suspect appear anywhere on Labour literature!
The selection process already looks like a scene from a carry on film, however, New Labour will now get dirty, because they have no positive vision for the electorate.
The SNP Government has quite rightly tried to help people during difficult economic times, and I for one believe that the move to free prescriptions will bring a lasting legacy to the East end of Glasgow and beyond. On the 60th anniversary of the NHS, we would do well to remember that.
Finally, lets see how Ms Curran descends into hypocrisy in this campaign. I for one will be going on a pre-booked holiday on Wednesday, for a week, before coming back to help with the final push to oust the dark side, and I have a bet with my good lady, a bottle of champers, over who wins the by election, and the good lady is safe with the knowledge that I will share it anyway!
A bottle of champers to the avid reader, who can produce a quote of Curran attacking the FM on two mandates.........................
We are now being asked to believe that Margaret Curran is the true choice of Labour for the Glasgow East By-election. After trying to smear John Mason, as the "4th choice" candidate, a charge that is completely untrue, and of the evidence of the doors I've been to in Glasgow East is a very popular local councillor, who as the candidate is day by day taking votes from Labour based on his record, we now have 7th choice Curran.
First we had George Ryan - gone, and the speculation is becoming ugly on why
Second Irene Graham who was obviously only there to make up the numbers
Third Doug Maughan - see above
Fourth Self confessed New Labour Sith Lord Steven Purcell - who would have been barking to accept, indeed as I said to an SNP activist on Saturday, try and give me one reason why he should put his name forward
Fifth Lesley Quinn, again why?
Sixth the accident prone Frank McAveety
and now
Margaret Curran.
The spinmeisters at BLP Scottish Region HQ must be regretting issuing that 4th choice spin message. A classic example as to why you should think before speaking.
If it is indeed Ms Curran, who will be the candidate, and I for one will not be surprised if someone else emerges, it confirms that New Labour will run a brutal, negative campaign, a la the Daily Record, with the most obscene scare stories imaginable. Having been caught out once already with scaring Pensioners witless on the free bus pass issue, only to see that disappear up in smoke, don't be surprised if the have nothing positive to say. Why should they? Attacking low paid workers with a 10p tax rise, arguing that Private Equity Holders should continue to rip off the tax payer by supporting PPP/PFI, arguing that there should be more efficiency savings not less, and having a record in the East end of Glasgow that is nothing short of lamentable will not I suspect appear anywhere on Labour literature!
The selection process already looks like a scene from a carry on film, however, New Labour will now get dirty, because they have no positive vision for the electorate.
The SNP Government has quite rightly tried to help people during difficult economic times, and I for one believe that the move to free prescriptions will bring a lasting legacy to the East end of Glasgow and beyond. On the 60th anniversary of the NHS, we would do well to remember that.
Finally, lets see how Ms Curran descends into hypocrisy in this campaign. I for one will be going on a pre-booked holiday on Wednesday, for a week, before coming back to help with the final push to oust the dark side, and I have a bet with my good lady, a bottle of champers, over who wins the by election, and the good lady is safe with the knowledge that I will share it anyway!
A bottle of champers to the avid reader, who can produce a quote of Curran attacking the FM on two mandates.........................
04 July 2008
POSITIVE FORCES OUT EAST.....
I have over the last week been assisting in the Glasgow East by-election, and whilst it is always foolish to make predictions in these circumstances, the positive energy from all SNP activists is contagious.
This is of course in contrast to NEW LABOUR who have started the campaign in an extremely negative fashion, issuing scare stories that have to be read to be believed, with the only thing missing being the suggestion that the Nasty Nats wish to kill the first born. The SNP are rightly exposing their nonsense, especially on free buses for Pensioners, as the SNP are actually extending free buses to War veterans. In addition, the SNP are fighting this by-election on a positive message, and a proud record in Government which on the evidence of my experience is resonating on the doorsteps.
Having spent some time with John Swinney last night, a very enjoyable experience, Labour voters are extremely angry with Labour, and are genuinely undecided. The good news of course, is that I can exclusively reveal that a Mr.John McLean has confirmed that he will be voting SNP!
With the BREAKING NEWS that George Ryan the likely contender for New Labour was posted missing at their selection tonight, it is a delicious irony that their smears over Councillor John Mason being the "4th choice" candidate have backfired so spectacularly, given that the other 2 candidates can only presumably have attended to make up the numbers.
So a flying start for the SNP, with hundreds of activists expected to arrive tomorrow, whilst New Labour stutter at the starting line. Sounds all so familiar..........
This is of course in contrast to NEW LABOUR who have started the campaign in an extremely negative fashion, issuing scare stories that have to be read to be believed, with the only thing missing being the suggestion that the Nasty Nats wish to kill the first born. The SNP are rightly exposing their nonsense, especially on free buses for Pensioners, as the SNP are actually extending free buses to War veterans. In addition, the SNP are fighting this by-election on a positive message, and a proud record in Government which on the evidence of my experience is resonating on the doorsteps.
Having spent some time with John Swinney last night, a very enjoyable experience, Labour voters are extremely angry with Labour, and are genuinely undecided. The good news of course, is that I can exclusively reveal that a Mr.John McLean has confirmed that he will be voting SNP!
With the BREAKING NEWS that George Ryan the likely contender for New Labour was posted missing at their selection tonight, it is a delicious irony that their smears over Councillor John Mason being the "4th choice" candidate have backfired so spectacularly, given that the other 2 candidates can only presumably have attended to make up the numbers.
So a flying start for the SNP, with hundreds of activists expected to arrive tomorrow, whilst New Labour stutter at the starting line. Sounds all so familiar..........
28 June 2008
AN UNGRACIOUS EXIT.........
So Wendy has finally gone, in what has been a tumultuous weekend in Scottish politics, and either the beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning for the British Labour Party - Scotland Region. In one of those where were when moments, I was attending the SNP TUG meeting, when mobiles were either ringing or buzzing with the news. Probably the first time in a meeting when folk didn't get into trouble for having their mobiles on!
Wendy's resignation address was however, an ungracious exit, with no apology or regret for her actions, which rather sadly reflects her arrogance over the whole donation issue. This is an essential part of New Labours problem. Looking for someone to blame when your own actions have led to bad headlines will always be political dynamite.
BLP Scotland Region resembles a patient in need of mouth to mouth resuscitation, and there does not appear to be an outstanding candidate who can turn the Party around.
Whilst New Labour in Scotland continue their arrogance and contempt for the electorate, find themselves supporting ridiculous lines of attack that are completely against rational, indeed popular thinking in the Scottish Parliament, protecting themselves and the establishment, then they are destined for heavy defeat after defeat in the polling booth.
Glasgow East will only be the first test of how much they have learned from the last few days.
In fairness, it is a scandal that the fascist BNP defeated them in Henley, and that should worry any rational political activist. Having only scored 3% of the poll suggests a deeper malaise, and that New Labour will be out of Government at Westminster.
On today's standards, here's hoping they will be more gracious when that day comes..........
Wendy's resignation address was however, an ungracious exit, with no apology or regret for her actions, which rather sadly reflects her arrogance over the whole donation issue. This is an essential part of New Labours problem. Looking for someone to blame when your own actions have led to bad headlines will always be political dynamite.
BLP Scotland Region resembles a patient in need of mouth to mouth resuscitation, and there does not appear to be an outstanding candidate who can turn the Party around.
Whilst New Labour in Scotland continue their arrogance and contempt for the electorate, find themselves supporting ridiculous lines of attack that are completely against rational, indeed popular thinking in the Scottish Parliament, protecting themselves and the establishment, then they are destined for heavy defeat after defeat in the polling booth.
Glasgow East will only be the first test of how much they have learned from the last few days.
In fairness, it is a scandal that the fascist BNP defeated them in Henley, and that should worry any rational political activist. Having only scored 3% of the poll suggests a deeper malaise, and that New Labour will be out of Government at Westminster.
On today's standards, here's hoping they will be more gracious when that day comes..........
THE EMPLOYERS GET IT RIGHT FOR ONCE....
Good news yesterday at the gathering of employers known as COSLA, who rejected New Labour efforts to continue to support the regressive and discredited Council Tax, in favour of Local Income Tax.
With 72% of glaswegians expected to save money, this is good news for the voters, and as we expect a by-election in Glasgow East, should be a good news story for the doorsteps. Indeed the discredited report from Glasgow City Council, now a footnote, should see an end to the silly scaremongering tactics. To not include in their calculations on £400 million owed in Council Tax benefit was just plain wrong.
So the employer gets it right for once, now about my £1000 flat rate pay claim ...................
With 72% of glaswegians expected to save money, this is good news for the voters, and as we expect a by-election in Glasgow East, should be a good news story for the doorsteps. Indeed the discredited report from Glasgow City Council, now a footnote, should see an end to the silly scaremongering tactics. To not include in their calculations on £400 million owed in Council Tax benefit was just plain wrong.
So the employer gets it right for once, now about my £1000 flat rate pay claim ...................
23 June 2008
A BACKWARD STEP........
Now returned from the UNISON UK Conference in Bournemouth, it what was a thrilling but ultimately disappointing end to the Conference. A bit like watching the Jags under Lambie, when having outplayed the opposition, we would ultimately lose out on penalties.
The motion calling for a review of the affiliated political fund entitled "New Labour what do we get for our money", was amended by the Unions NEC, some might say butchered, so that any review will look at strengthening the affiliated section, at least for now, after a card vote where the NEC amendment was carried by 511,000 votes to 450,000 - a 6% margin.
Unfortunately, I did not get to make my contribution as I was behind a long queue of speakers, when the "question was put", a procedural motion that means the Conference should vote on the issue.
My own view is that the speakers for the motion, all belonged to the Socialist Party in England, which allowed the Depute General Secretary to question the political motivation of the motion. It was indeed a poor tactic, and probably led to the amendment being carried.
It is however a backward step. Interestingly, one of the observers was former UNISON president Anne Moffat, soon to be the outgoing MP for East Lothian. Ms Moffat would have gained an honourable mention, if I was allowed to speak!
The issue for me is that the Labour Link, is no such thing. It is Labour's voice in Unison not the other way around. It allows a situation where the General political Fund, which is used for general campaigning sees its work destroyed by the affiliated fund, which often argues against what the general Fund is saying. Indeed Ms Moffat is a classic example. A member of the UNISON group of MP's, she has voted in the Westminster Parliament for Foundation Hospitals, Voted in favour of the Iraq War, and has consistently voted to butcher the civil liberties the Trade Union seeks to protect.
Having delivered a blistering attack on the New Labour Government all week, it seems a strange decision, and those, albeit well intended Labour members who went to the rostrum to try and differentiate between the Party and the Government, will, in my view soon learn, that New Labour is not for turning.
The debate also suffered from a lack of perspective regarding the political diversification in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Indeed the diversity of political opinion within the Trade Union, is one of its greatest strengths.
All in all, a backward step for UNISON.
I confidently, however, predict that the issue of its Political fund will not leave UNISON, and will return next year. The dichotomy of its funding arrangements urgently needs to be addressed.......
The motion calling for a review of the affiliated political fund entitled "New Labour what do we get for our money", was amended by the Unions NEC, some might say butchered, so that any review will look at strengthening the affiliated section, at least for now, after a card vote where the NEC amendment was carried by 511,000 votes to 450,000 - a 6% margin.
Unfortunately, I did not get to make my contribution as I was behind a long queue of speakers, when the "question was put", a procedural motion that means the Conference should vote on the issue.
My own view is that the speakers for the motion, all belonged to the Socialist Party in England, which allowed the Depute General Secretary to question the political motivation of the motion. It was indeed a poor tactic, and probably led to the amendment being carried.
It is however a backward step. Interestingly, one of the observers was former UNISON president Anne Moffat, soon to be the outgoing MP for East Lothian. Ms Moffat would have gained an honourable mention, if I was allowed to speak!
The issue for me is that the Labour Link, is no such thing. It is Labour's voice in Unison not the other way around. It allows a situation where the General political Fund, which is used for general campaigning sees its work destroyed by the affiliated fund, which often argues against what the general Fund is saying. Indeed Ms Moffat is a classic example. A member of the UNISON group of MP's, she has voted in the Westminster Parliament for Foundation Hospitals, Voted in favour of the Iraq War, and has consistently voted to butcher the civil liberties the Trade Union seeks to protect.
Having delivered a blistering attack on the New Labour Government all week, it seems a strange decision, and those, albeit well intended Labour members who went to the rostrum to try and differentiate between the Party and the Government, will, in my view soon learn, that New Labour is not for turning.
The debate also suffered from a lack of perspective regarding the political diversification in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Indeed the diversity of political opinion within the Trade Union, is one of its greatest strengths.
All in all, a backward step for UNISON.
I confidently, however, predict that the issue of its Political fund will not leave UNISON, and will return next year. The dichotomy of its funding arrangements urgently needs to be addressed.......
16 June 2008
ITS THE PUBLICS MONEY.....
I am currently in Bournemouth for the UNISON UK Conference where New Labour are getting a kicking from speaker after speaker, vilifying their moves towards privatisation, outsourcing, lack of funding for public services and their disgraceful international agenda. Over the last few weeks the developing political arguments mirror those being heard here. Its the public's money.
Indeed, over the last few weeks, BLP Scotland have found themselves on the wrong side of the debate. Firstly, sending their MSP'S to argue in the Finance Committee that PPP/PFI is a good thing. So, only months after Wendy's great Socialist fightback, we see their MSP's arguing that it is acceptable for the taxpayer to be ripped off and for millions to be sent to private equity holders.
Next, the current high oil price has inevitably brought back discussion on oil revenues and the prospect of a Scottish Oil Fund looks more promising and the correct thing to do with each passing day.
More importantly, however, the stark choice between New Labour and the Tory Vultures on the one hand and the SNP could not be clearer. The hiving off of millions to the private sector, or the someone who can be trusted with public funds. Indeed, the Scottish Government has received praise at this Conference for many of its measures, not least the ending of PFI/PPP in Health.
Tomorrow, we may well be discussing whether UNISON should re-ballot its members on whether New Labour should receive access to funds form the union.......I think you can guess how I will be voting!
Indeed, over the last few weeks, BLP Scotland have found themselves on the wrong side of the debate. Firstly, sending their MSP'S to argue in the Finance Committee that PPP/PFI is a good thing. So, only months after Wendy's great Socialist fightback, we see their MSP's arguing that it is acceptable for the taxpayer to be ripped off and for millions to be sent to private equity holders.
Next, the current high oil price has inevitably brought back discussion on oil revenues and the prospect of a Scottish Oil Fund looks more promising and the correct thing to do with each passing day.
More importantly, however, the stark choice between New Labour and the Tory Vultures on the one hand and the SNP could not be clearer. The hiving off of millions to the private sector, or the someone who can be trusted with public funds. Indeed, the Scottish Government has received praise at this Conference for many of its measures, not least the ending of PFI/PPP in Health.
Tomorrow, we may well be discussing whether UNISON should re-ballot its members on whether New Labour should receive access to funds form the union.......I think you can guess how I will be voting!
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