As we enter election week, I don’t think I can take much more excitement! Some people are claiming this has been a boring campaign. Indeed there have been long periods where not very much has happened. But there is nothing like refreshing your Twitter page every two or three minutes, searching blogs and checking out our website to get the latest information from the campaign trail!
Or is it that I am just sad?!
Well, whatever, the latest news from the election is that the Scotland on Sunday and the News Of The World have both come out in favour of Alex Salmond.
And the latest polls show the SNP maintaining their lead in the polls. The latest Mail on Sunday poll has the SNP leading by 10 points on the constituency vote and 5 points on the regional vote.
The Scotland on Sunday poll shows SNP ahead by 8 points on the regional and 2 points ahead on the constituency votes.
Given that at the 2007 election, the SNP shaded the constituency vote by 1 point and the regional vote by 2 points, they seem to have an unassailable lead!
But the polls are contracting a little bit in favour of Labour. And as the most famous saying in politics goes:
A week is a long time in politics.
Saturday 30 April 2011
Thursday 28 April 2011
Final Week
As election day draws ever closer, the excitement continues to build. In stark contrast to the 2010 Westminster election, I think there will be a lot of seats changing hands.
Indeed the Lib Dems are facing electoral annihilation. Their plight isn’t likely to be helped by the fact that Nick Clegg hit the campaign trail with them today!
If the polls are to be believed, the Labour Party are facing a struggle. Iain Gray, our potential next First Minister, may be under pressure in his own constituency of East Lothian.
The SNP are flying high in the polls and on some predictions may even return an unimaginable majority.
The Tories will do as they always do in Scotland – not very well!
The Greens, again according to the polls, are in line for a good result. This could see them potentially in a position to form a coalition with the SNP. I think this would be the most appealing outcome of the election.
Firstly it will start to move legislation forward. For example, instead of the alcohol bill being opposed for oppositions sake, a formal coalition would be able to make progress which would bring about benefits for the whole of Scotland.
Secondly, having a Green partner as part of the Government might bring a new dimension to decision taking, putting more emphasis on protecting the environment. This can only be for the benefit of a future Scotland and our children.
Finally, an SNP/Green coalition would bring about an independence referendum. Salmond and co would have no excuse for delaying it any longer. Let’s have it. Let’s decide Scotland’s future.
So how does one vote for an SNP/Green coalition? SNP constituency vote / Green regional vote? I’ve still to decide on that one!
Indeed the Lib Dems are facing electoral annihilation. Their plight isn’t likely to be helped by the fact that Nick Clegg hit the campaign trail with them today!
If the polls are to be believed, the Labour Party are facing a struggle. Iain Gray, our potential next First Minister, may be under pressure in his own constituency of East Lothian.
The SNP are flying high in the polls and on some predictions may even return an unimaginable majority.
The Tories will do as they always do in Scotland – not very well!
The Greens, again according to the polls, are in line for a good result. This could see them potentially in a position to form a coalition with the SNP. I think this would be the most appealing outcome of the election.
Firstly it will start to move legislation forward. For example, instead of the alcohol bill being opposed for oppositions sake, a formal coalition would be able to make progress which would bring about benefits for the whole of Scotland.
Secondly, having a Green partner as part of the Government might bring a new dimension to decision taking, putting more emphasis on protecting the environment. This can only be for the benefit of a future Scotland and our children.
Finally, an SNP/Green coalition would bring about an independence referendum. Salmond and co would have no excuse for delaying it any longer. Let’s have it. Let’s decide Scotland’s future.
So how does one vote for an SNP/Green coalition? SNP constituency vote / Green regional vote? I’ve still to decide on that one!
Friday 22 April 2011
Crest Of A Wave
With just under two weeks until polling day, the SNP have surged into the lead in the opinion polls, being double digits ahead of Labour on both the constituency and the regional vote. The interesting thing about that is the poll was taken before the Scottish Sun came out and backed the SNP.
If the support was to hold, then the SNP would be close to having a majority in the Scottish Parliament. If the Greens do as well as predicted, then an alliance/coalition/agreement (whatever you want to call it), could be on the cards and an independence referendum just around the corner.
But as anybody in politics knows, two weeks is an eternity. Salmond must ride this wave crest all the way onto the beach and back into Bute House.
The alternative is altogether too grim to contemplate!
If the support was to hold, then the SNP would be close to having a majority in the Scottish Parliament. If the Greens do as well as predicted, then an alliance/coalition/agreement (whatever you want to call it), could be on the cards and an independence referendum just around the corner.
But as anybody in politics knows, two weeks is an eternity. Salmond must ride this wave crest all the way onto the beach and back into Bute House.
The alternative is altogether too grim to contemplate!
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Now make the choice
The SNP are the last major party to launch their manifesto, which is due tomorrow. Then we will know where everyone stands. But are they standing in relatively the same place?
Anyway, I will be waiting with interest to see how much weight is given to independence in the SNP manifesto. If it is a token gesture, then I and many others, will be deeply disappointed.
Anyway, I will be waiting with interest to see how much weight is given to independence in the SNP manifesto. If it is a token gesture, then I and many others, will be deeply disappointed.
Monday 11 April 2011
Short Of Ideas?
What is the point? Just what is the point?
The BBC commissioned a poll to look at which “policies” hold the biggest sway with the Scottish electorate.
Coming out on top was the reduction of cancer waiting times, which is fair enough. But the majority of the list just fills me with despair.
The second and third top choices were to do nothing at all, because the policies have already been achieved! In fact that is the case for 4 of the top 10.
Is that all we expect of our politicians? Do we not want policies that will improve our country? Just policies that will keep it the same, or change it around the edges?
The Cosla president, Pat Watters, was spot on when he said we are being fed rubbish from the party manifestos.
Where is the vision?
The BBC commissioned a poll to look at which “policies” hold the biggest sway with the Scottish electorate.
Coming out on top was the reduction of cancer waiting times, which is fair enough. But the majority of the list just fills me with despair.
The second and third top choices were to do nothing at all, because the policies have already been achieved! In fact that is the case for 4 of the top 10.
Is that all we expect of our politicians? Do we not want policies that will improve our country? Just policies that will keep it the same, or change it around the edges?
The Cosla president, Pat Watters, was spot on when he said we are being fed rubbish from the party manifestos.
Where is the vision?
Friday 8 April 2011
Hope or Fear?
Are we really going to trust Labour to run the country after the election? Surely if this week’s manifesto launch was anything to go by, then it just demonstrates what a bad decision that would be.
You could tell it was going to be a bad day before Iain Gray could even take to the stage at the manifesto launch at Clydebank College, as the fire alarm went off forcing everyone out in the rain.
When he did eventually take to the stage, he starts saying how the Tories are destroying the NHS. Did I miss something? Have we entered a time machine and been transported back to 1979?
Newsflash - The Tories don’t look after the NHS in Scotland!
And to bleat on about how awful Maggie Thatcher was, is insulting to the Scottish electorate. Every man and his dog hates the way Scotland was treated by Maggie Thatcher, but that was nearly a quarter of a century ago. Most of us have moved on from that and are facing forward!
I was going to write further about the monumental Labour manifesto gaffe and the totally uninspiring Labour PPB, but I think I might have stumbled on the reason the SNP is more likely to get my vote.
Labour is all about fear. Be afraid of the past, the dirty Tories. Be afraid of change, stick to what you have got and be grateful for it.
SNP is about looking forward. Let’s take hold of our own destiny. Let’s look forward to new challenges. How can we shape a future Scotland that will benefit its people?
I know which Scotland I want to be a part of.
You could tell it was going to be a bad day before Iain Gray could even take to the stage at the manifesto launch at Clydebank College, as the fire alarm went off forcing everyone out in the rain.
When he did eventually take to the stage, he starts saying how the Tories are destroying the NHS. Did I miss something? Have we entered a time machine and been transported back to 1979?
Newsflash - The Tories don’t look after the NHS in Scotland!
And to bleat on about how awful Maggie Thatcher was, is insulting to the Scottish electorate. Every man and his dog hates the way Scotland was treated by Maggie Thatcher, but that was nearly a quarter of a century ago. Most of us have moved on from that and are facing forward!
I was going to write further about the monumental Labour manifesto gaffe and the totally uninspiring Labour PPB, but I think I might have stumbled on the reason the SNP is more likely to get my vote.
Labour is all about fear. Be afraid of the past, the dirty Tories. Be afraid of change, stick to what you have got and be grateful for it.
SNP is about looking forward. Let’s take hold of our own destiny. Let’s look forward to new challenges. How can we shape a future Scotland that will benefit its people?
I know which Scotland I want to be a part of.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Lib Dems Launch Manifesto
The Liberal Democrats are the latest party to launch their election manifesto. There is no mention of a student pledge in this manifesto though! Although, there is a committment to, "Keep university education free."
Yeah, so they say!
In fact the detail is struggling to get through the frenzy of questions about John Farquhar Munro. If the retiring MSP's intention was self promotion or derailing the already faltering Lib Dem election push, then his timing couldn't have been better.
Indeed, Alex Salmond the master of opportunity himself, couldn't have played it any better. As Jeff at Better Nation eloquently put it - Salmond bags a Munro.
Yeah, so they say!
In fact the detail is struggling to get through the frenzy of questions about John Farquhar Munro. If the retiring MSP's intention was self promotion or derailing the already faltering Lib Dem election push, then his timing couldn't have been better.
Indeed, Alex Salmond the master of opportunity himself, couldn't have played it any better. As Jeff at Better Nation eloquently put it - Salmond bags a Munro.
Monday 4 April 2011
Salmond Best For First Minister
You know it is going to be a long hard campaign when firstly you are consistently polling in single percentage points. Secondly, you lose two candidates before the race has even begun. And finally, one of your most experienced MSPs comes out with his personal endorsement of a leader for an opposition party for First Minister.
Yeah, the Lib Dems retiring MSP for Ross, Skye and Inverness West, John Farquhar Munro, has come out and said that he reckons the Alex Salmond would make the best First Minister.
A number of people must be raging at this move by Munro.
Firstly Tavish Scott, who apparently looks like Steve Davis, would expect the backing of everybody in the Liberal Democrats before an election. Even though he has next to no chance of being First Minister, I think he would reasonably be expecting his MSPs to say that he is the best candidate.
Secondly, Alan MacCrae, the new Lib Dem candidate for the new seat of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch must be thinking, “Gee, thanks mate!” With this endorsement of Salmond the electorate will be left to interpret whether a vote for the SNP is in order.
Finally, Annabel Goldie must be spitting silver spoons out of her mouth. The Tories launched their manifesto today, but this has been relegated in the news because of Munro. So we don’t get to hear about reinstatement of prescription charges or the introduction of student fees.
It will be interesting to see whether this intervention will have any effect on the outcome of the seats in the Highlands and Islands.
Yeah, the Lib Dems retiring MSP for Ross, Skye and Inverness West, John Farquhar Munro, has come out and said that he reckons the Alex Salmond would make the best First Minister.
A number of people must be raging at this move by Munro.
Firstly Tavish Scott, who apparently looks like Steve Davis, would expect the backing of everybody in the Liberal Democrats before an election. Even though he has next to no chance of being First Minister, I think he would reasonably be expecting his MSPs to say that he is the best candidate.
Secondly, Alan MacCrae, the new Lib Dem candidate for the new seat of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch must be thinking, “Gee, thanks mate!” With this endorsement of Salmond the electorate will be left to interpret whether a vote for the SNP is in order.
Finally, Annabel Goldie must be spitting silver spoons out of her mouth. The Tories launched their manifesto today, but this has been relegated in the news because of Munro. So we don’t get to hear about reinstatement of prescription charges or the introduction of student fees.
It will be interesting to see whether this intervention will have any effect on the outcome of the seats in the Highlands and Islands.
Friday 1 April 2011
The Excitemtent Builds
Ever since the polling card with my name on it came crashing through the door yesterday, it has been restlessly demanding to be taken to the nearest polling booth so it can voice its political opinion!
Calm down, I say.
But the polling card is having none of it. There is political literature trickling through the door every day with parties vying for its vote. There is placards on the lamp posts. There is countless TV interviews. There is leadership debates. It is all coming to a head and will culminate in a crescendo of silence as the ink dries on the X against the voting slip.
What? There is more than one than one voting slip? Surely the Gould Report should have been listened to, with different votes taking place on different days? The slips have different colours? Ah, I am sure that will prevent the chaos of last time!
All that is required now is to sit back and watch the results flood in. What? Some votes will not happen overnight? What a disaster! Surely the sheer drama, excitement, highs, lows, memorable moments etc etc will be dampened down if we don't have an overnight count?
One thing is for sure, they could have the count for Coatbridge and Chryston, the constituency I live in, next December, but you would still know the outcome on Thursday 5th May. As Jeff at Better Nation put it in his excellent analysis of the Central Scotland - Easy Labour Hold.
Will the SNP hold onto power though?
The excitement is building!!
Calm down, I say.
But the polling card is having none of it. There is political literature trickling through the door every day with parties vying for its vote. There is placards on the lamp posts. There is countless TV interviews. There is leadership debates. It is all coming to a head and will culminate in a crescendo of silence as the ink dries on the X against the voting slip.
What? There is more than one than one voting slip? Surely the Gould Report should have been listened to, with different votes taking place on different days? The slips have different colours? Ah, I am sure that will prevent the chaos of last time!
All that is required now is to sit back and watch the results flood in. What? Some votes will not happen overnight? What a disaster! Surely the sheer drama, excitement, highs, lows, memorable moments etc etc will be dampened down if we don't have an overnight count?
One thing is for sure, they could have the count for Coatbridge and Chryston, the constituency I live in, next December, but you would still know the outcome on Thursday 5th May. As Jeff at Better Nation put it in his excellent analysis of the Central Scotland - Easy Labour Hold.
Will the SNP hold onto power though?
The excitement is building!!
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