tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32180784993741368372024-03-13T15:07:58.143-07:00The 'Our Scotland' Blog...by Reluctant HeroReluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-50110146612515760292012-10-20T13:28:00.001-07:002012-10-20T13:28:48.279-07:00....And We're Back!This blog has been lying dormant for a wee while, but what better time to swing back into action than on the back of the signing of an historic <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/about8922.html">referendum</a> document?<br />
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After 305 years, Scotland will at last have its say on whether it should be an independent country or not.<br />
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Not before an almighty political battle though which may end up there with the greatest political battles of all time.<br />
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The length of the campaign itself is of titanic proportions.<br />
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However,the two years which this campaign will span will be littered with a number of political sub battles that it will pass in the blink of an eye.<br />
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Indeed, just this week the SNP ended their 30 year stance against joining <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/about8940.html">NATO</a>.<br />
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So if you want the man on the street's view of what is going on and not tainted by party allegiance then grab a beer, kick your feet back and keep it here.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-88782679491430323502011-05-06T12:51:00.000-07:002011-05-06T12:52:14.886-07:00History In The MakingAnother election is consigned to the history books. And it will be referenced as one of the most remarkable elections of all time.<br /><br />When the campaign started six long weeks ago, it looked as if Labour were heading towards having the largest number of seats in Holyrood. Fast forward to 16.00 this afternoon and the SNP have an unprecedented majority.<br /><br />Anyone with a passing interest in Scottish politics will have witnessed how things in the campaign (Subway-gate) started to go against Iain Gray. So a Labour defeat would have come as no surprise.<br /><br />What definitely came as a surprise was the sheer scale of the defeat and the SNP victory. <br /><br />From the initial victories in Labour heartlands in South Lanarkshire, to the last gains in Labour heartlands in Fife the results were one way traffic. Or a tsunami, which became the favourite phrase of the night. Perhaps ironically, the seat that gave the SNP overall majority was Kirkcaldy, right in Gordon Brown’s backyard.<br /><br />The Labour vote actually held up quite well despite the lacklustre and negative campaign they conducted. It was just that the SNP vote sky rocketed. <br /><br />The reason for this was probably three-fold. Firstly the Lib Dem voters brought retribution to the party for their part in the coalition and walked en bloc to the SNP. Secondly the SNP fought, for the most part, a positive campaign. And finally there is the S factor. Salmond. He was head and shoulders above the other party leaders throughout this election campaign and looked the only one suitable of holding the keys to Bute House.<br /><br />Firmly on Salmond’s radar now, is a referendum on Scottish independence. <br /><br />Now that is a referendum worth having!Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-63360866804429414622011-04-30T16:54:00.000-07:002011-04-30T16:55:45.740-07:00Election WeekAs 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!<br /><br />Or is it that I am just sad?!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The Scotland on Sunday poll shows SNP ahead by 8 points on the regional and 2 points ahead on the constituency votes.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />But the polls are contracting a little bit in favour of Labour. And as the most famous saying in politics goes:<br /><br />A week is a long time in politics.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-2239482502099140382011-04-28T14:34:00.000-07:002011-04-28T14:36:00.110-07:00Final WeekAs 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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The SNP are flying high in the polls and on some predictions may even return an unimaginable majority.<br /><br />The Tories will do as they always do in Scotland – not very well!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />So how does one vote for an SNP/Green coalition? SNP constituency vote / Green regional vote? I’ve still to decide on that one!Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-26139940790524616722011-04-22T08:33:00.000-07:002011-04-22T08:35:20.302-07:00Crest Of A WaveWith 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 <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/The_Sun_backs_SNP_about7821.html">Scottish Sun</a> came out and backed the SNP.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The alternative is altogether too grim to contemplate!Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-41237299126102415322011-04-13T13:49:00.000-07:002011-04-13T13:55:18.995-07:00Now make the choiceThe 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?<br /><br />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.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-34667055390759024482011-04-11T15:07:00.000-07:002011-04-11T15:10:12.869-07:00Short Of Ideas?What is the point? Just what is the point?<br /><br />The BBC <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-13030467">commissioned a poll</a> to look at which “policies” hold the biggest sway with the Scottish electorate. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />The Cosla president, Pat Watters, was spot on when <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-13032619">he said</a> we are being fed rubbish from the party manifestos. <br /><br />Where is the vision?Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-55130137926074991172011-04-08T14:51:00.001-07:002011-04-08T15:43:54.020-07:00Hope 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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? <br /><br />Newsflash - The Tories don’t look after the NHS in Scotland!<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />I know which Scotland I want to be a part of.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-19137682102772022842011-04-05T15:38:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:48:57.285-07:00Lib Dems Launch ManifestoThe 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."<br /><br />Yeah, so they say!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Indeed, Alex Salmond the master of opportunity himself, couldn't have played it any better. As Jeff at Better Nation eloquently put it - <a href="http://www.betternation.org/2011/04/salmond-bags-a-munro/">Salmond bags a Munro</a>.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-83329764501797476442011-04-04T14:26:00.000-07:002011-04-04T14:31:57.988-07:00Salmond Best For First MinisterYou 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.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/sutra110639.php#110639">best First Minister</a>.<br /><br />A number of people must be raging at this move by Munro.<br /><br />Firstly Tavish Scott, who apparently <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/about7770.html">looks like Steve Davis</a>, 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />It will be interesting to see whether this intervention will have any effect on the outcome of the seats in the Highlands and Islands.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-40271139247278312792011-04-01T15:35:00.000-07:002011-04-01T16:07:39.270-07:00The Excitemtent BuildsEver 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!<br /><br />Calm down, I say.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/about7774.html">leadership debates</a>. 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.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/different-coloured-ballots-for-holyrood-elections-1.1089319">different colours</a>? Ah, I am sure that will prevent the chaos of last time!<br /><br />All that is required now is to sit back and watch the results flood in. What? Some votes will not happen <a href="http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Fife/article/12420/fife-council-told-its-election-count-delay-beggars-belief.html">overnight</a>? 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?<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.betternation.org/2011/04/sp11-region-watch-central-scotland/">Better Nation</a> put it in his excellent analysis of the Central Scotland - Easy Labour Hold.<br /><br />Will the SNP hold onto power though?<br /><br />The excitement is building!!Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-34824230400753628042011-03-31T15:22:00.000-07:002011-03-31T15:23:40.729-07:00Lib Dem PhenomenonCast your mind back 11 months to the general election of 2010. At that point everyone “agreed with Nick” and the Lib Dems were flying high in the polls. Indeed some commentators were forecasting a major breakthrough for them which was going to smash the duopoly of the Tories and Labour.<br /><br />When the results came in, the reality was significantly different. The Lib Dems actually lost seats, even though they did eventually hold the balance of power.<br /><br />Fast forward to 2011 and the forthcoming Holyrood elections and I am wondering if we are seeing the same thing happen again, this time in reverse? In poll after poll, the Lib Dems are getting a beating, polling in the mid single figures repeatedly. The Green Party has actually been polling better than them recently!<br /><br />So come election day, can they turn it around and at least avoid the current electoral apocalypse that is currently being predicted?<br /><br />I think it will depend on a large part on what extent the public can detach what is happening at Westminster to what is going on at Holyrood. For example will the electorate punish the Lib Dems for their part in the decisions such as spending cuts, or will they save that for the Westminster election?<br /><br />A further complication will be whether the electorate hold the Lib Dems accountable for matters that don’t directly concern the people of Scotland? For example tuition fees outwith Scotland. The Lib Dems had campaigned vigorously against tuition fees in the run up to the election, yet when they got a sniff of power, they not only abandoned their principles, they actually introduced the bill to increase the charges.<br /><br />So how is this likely to play out in Scotland?<br /><br />The Highlands and Islands are probably the safest bet for the Lib Dems and they should retain their 4 seats there. The other seats could go either way. But it is in the North East where the Lib Dems face possibly the biggest threat. Being associated with a tax on oil companies that puts thousands of jobs at risk is not a clever election strategy.<br /><br />I wonder if the Lib Dems are regretting which coalition they did and didn’t enter into over the last few years?!Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-91154941051137239772011-03-29T15:00:00.000-07:002011-03-29T15:03:15.972-07:00Polls Getting CloserThe <a href="http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/archives/3369">latest poll</a> on voting intentions for the imminent Holyrood elections makes for very interesting reading. The SNP, who were previously trailing in the polls, have now closed the gap considerably. Indeed, there is practically nothing to choose between Labour and the SNP in the TNS-BMRB poll.<br /><br />Perhaps the more interesting thing over the last few months though, has been the collapse of the Lib Dem vote. Their lost vote and who benefits from it may prove to be one of the things that decide this election. Logic indicates that their vote would transfer to the Labour Party. <br /><br />Running the poll through the <a href="http://www.scotlandvotes.com/">Scotland Votes</a> model, shows that the Lib Dems would be on course to lose 8 seats (50% of their 2007 achievement). Looking at their eleven constituency seats, the SNP came second in seven. Labour came second in three and the Tories one. However, if these seats were to exchange hands in that proportion, what would that do to the SNP regional allocation of seats? This would undoubtedly reduce the 26 regional seats the SNP managed to achieve last time.<br /><br />One thing is for sure, it is shaping up to be a really interesting election with the result completely unpredictable.<br /><br />Only 37 days to go!Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-30383450239723929562011-01-14T13:34:00.000-08:002011-01-14T13:35:24.110-08:00Over and Out!Well the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election has come and gone and it was Labour that limped over the line. Is this an endorsement for Ed Milliband? I hardly think so!! The Lib Dems are failing to get into double figures in the national polls, yet the pushed Labour all the way in this one.<br /><br />The Tories trailed a distant third, giving weight to the idea that they had an agreement with the Lib Dems not to push all that hard.<br /><br />So what does this mean for the Scottish elections in May? Absolutely nothing I think!<br /><br />What may be more significant was the announcement today that Amazon is going to generate nearly a thousand jobs for Scotland. Ian Gray and his Labour buddies were due to campaign on the basis of getting jobs for Scotland. But with today’s announcement, it looks as if Alex Salmond already has that covered.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-71983024483396210842011-01-06T15:17:00.000-08:002011-01-06T15:22:18.700-08:00First Electoral TestThe first <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/about7549.html">electoral test</a> of 2011 is just a week away, when the constituents of Oldham East and Saddleworth will choose a new MP.<br /><br />This was a three way marginal back at election time with the Labour Party emerging victorious by just 103 votes.<br /><br />Of course those 103 votes may have been unfairly gained and Phil Woolas has been subsequently stripped of his seat. How is this likely to affect the Labour vote?<br /><br />If it has a big effect, then the Lib Dems, who came second last time, are hoping they will be the beneficiaries. However, their votes were gained last time while they were riding the crest of the election wave. Both the Lib Dems and Nick Clegg’s poll ratings were continually high. Fast forward eight months and things are oh so different. The Lib Dems are barely making double figures in polling these days and Nick Clegg wouldn’t have been on many people’s Christmas card list!<br /><br />So all the votes will go to the Tories, right? Well I severely doubt it. The Tories are doing their best to get all the unpleasant measures out of the way early in this term of office, such as the recent rise in VAT to 20% (which is a permanent rise by the way). Plus, the rumours going around are that they have an unofficial agreement with their coalition partners, the Lib Dems, not to campaign too hard.<br /><br />So it may not be a case of who is going to win this by-election, but more a case of who is not going to lose it.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-57256835102823045052010-12-31T13:49:00.000-08:002010-12-31T13:50:45.930-08:00Happy New Year!!Happy New Year Everyone!<br /><br />Well, it is another election year and the build up to the Holyrood elections in May is well and truly on.<br /><br />Both Alex Salmond and Iain Gray gave an indication of what the election will be fought in their recent addresses.<br /><br />Salmond is suggesting a vote for the SNP will be a vote towards economic independence for Scotland.<br /><br />Gray is suggesting a vote for Labour will be a vote towards more jobs for Scotland.<br /><br />Can I just remind people of previous assertions made by politicians?<br /><br />Back in 2007, Salmond said an SNP government would bring about a referendum on Scottish independence. Well, where is it?!<br /><br />Back in 2010, Labour said a vote for them would keep the Tories out of Westminster. Well Scotland voted for Labour in their droves and still ended up with a Tory government in Westminster.<br /><br />Back in 2010, the Lib Dems said……. Ah, that one would take too long!<br /><br />So if you want to let off steam about politicians or just to discuss politics in general, join us over at <a href="http://www.our-scotland.org/">Our Scotland</a>.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-53079454609207816712010-08-07T15:39:00.000-07:002010-08-07T15:43:10.642-07:00To Ring Fence Or Not To Ring FenceWatched John Swinney on Newsnight the other night. Talk about making a pigs ear of it!<br /><br />Firstly the stance he first took a few weeks ago saying that the NHS funding would be ring-fenced was completely untenable. The NHS accounts for about 30% of the public sector spending, so to protect that would inflict unattainable cuts elsewhere.<br /><br />So Swinney was doing his best to pull the wool over our eyes by saying, no fewer than seven times, that the NHS would get the benefit of the Barnett consequentials of the increased spending of the NHS in England. <br /><br />Now, I don't pretend to know the ins and outs, but this doesn't sound like ring fenced spending to me, so why not just come out and say, "Our position has changed?"<br /><br />The big problem of course is the looming election. No-one is wanting to make any decisions, because no matter which ones they make, it can only have a detrimental effect on their election chances.<br /><br />That is why I was pleased that Swinney was seeking cross party agreement on this issue. However, I feel that his reasons for doing this is simply to spread the blame rather than agree consensus on a way forward.<br /><br />But is that not what Scotland needs right now? Everybody working together for the good of Scotland, helping us get through the cuts and hauling us out of recession? That is what politicians are elected for. To take decisions on behalf of their constituents. Not to take decisions that will benefit their own self interest or that of their party.<br /><br />Some people may see this as a naive viewpoint, but I am getting sick to death of petty party politics and I think the public are as well.<br /><br />The best way to tackle this is to have cross party agreement on how to deal with any cuts and leave the economy or the aspect covered by cross party agreement out of any election bickering.<br /><br />But I am willing to bet that it'll never happen.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-72482003426409456632010-08-01T01:33:00.000-07:002010-08-01T01:50:18.076-07:00Lib Dems Slip Further Into OblivionThe <a href="http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/archives/2764">latest poll</a> by YouGov for the Sunday Times has the Liberal Democrats at 12%, which is marginally better than their all time low rating of 11%. Mike over at <a href="http://www3.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2010/07/31/yougov-have-the-lib-dems-at-12/">Political Betting</a> suggests this may have something to do with the BBC programme Five Days That Changed Britain.<br /><br />I watched most of that programme and I definitely thought Clegg at least came out of it really bad. In fact I was screaming, "absolute s%$!*" at the TV on a number of occasions!<br /><br />But with the Lib Dems continually sliding down the polls, it will be interesting to see how their vote goes in the Holyrood elections which are only 9 months away. If it keeps going the way it is, it will keep the Lib Dems out of single coalition partner territory.<br /><br />It will also be interesting to see what effect it has on the result of the AV referendum which might be seen as a Lib Dem referendum. Is this at serious risk of being defeated and what impact will that have on the LibCon coalition?Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-32724207361304323902010-05-29T15:47:00.000-07:002010-05-29T15:48:25.682-07:00Laws Unto ThemselvesRight, it is only two weeks into this new government and I am sick of it already!<br /><br />David Laws has had to resign because he was fleecing £40,000 off the taxpayer, claiming for rent on an apartment that was owned by the person he was having a relationship with.<br /><br />The sex of the person he was having a relationship with is totally immaterial. The thing that is important is the £40k he was claiming.<br /><br />However, this totally seems to have bypassed Cameron, Clegg and co who are lining up to portray Laws as the victim.<br /><br />Victim? Give us a break and please stop insulting our intelligence.<br /><br />“..this has come about because of David's intense desire to keep his own private life private.”<br /><br />That is a quote from our deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Again I say, don’t insult our intelligence. It has not come about because of that. If Laws wanted that, he would not have claimed the rent. It has come about because of MPs intense greed.<br /><br />For the new government, in particular the Lib Dems, to be vociferously defending Laws’ position, is simply sickening. The Lib Dems prided themselves on standing on the ticket of cleaning up politics so for them now to be defending Laws is unacceptable.<br /><br />It is hardly surprising that the public is turning their back on politics in droves when they are promised one thing, then barely three weeks later, they get another.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-4294023833006504742010-04-16T13:50:00.000-07:002010-04-16T13:53:30.612-07:00One Down, Two To GoJust like a semi decent striker faced with an open goal, Nick Clegg coolly slammed the ball into the back of the net last night. He probably couldn’t believe his luck when talk of the debates was first suggested. He would take centre stage on an equal footing with the two main parties in British politics.<br /><br />And having been given the chance, he did not pass it up. The Lib Dems no doubt agonised for days over which tactics they should employ, but Clegg pulled them off masterfully. Having said that, Brown and Cameron didn’t do all that badly, it’s just that Clegg did better.<br /><br />He looked relaxed, down to earth with his hands in his pockets, but probably most importantly – believable. And that seems to be resonating in the latest polls with the Lib Dems gaining significant ground on Labour. In fact, <a href="http://www2.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2010/04/16/has-yellow-over-taken-red/">Political Betting</a> is suggesting that they might have overtaken them tonight.<br /><br />Of course, if someone is winning, then someone inevitably has to be losing out. And the fear for the parties that were not involved in last night’s debate is that it might be them. But after saying that the SNP was irrelevant, Clegg might have actually given the SNP a boost. People, I don’t imagine, will like to hear someone calling their governing party irrelevant.<br /><br />But does Scotland matter to anybody anymore? Just about half the questions last night started with, “This question is about issues that are devolved in Scotland,” which essentially meant it is irrelevant to Scotland.<br /><br />If the Tories get into Downing Street which thankfully is looking less and less likely, there will be even less people around who care about Scotland.<br /><br />So use your vote wisely on May 6th!Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-43648861338627311872010-04-08T14:31:00.000-07:002010-04-08T14:32:45.916-07:00Money, Money, MoneyAfter three days of campaigning, there is little doubt what this election is going to be fought on.<br /><br />How to tackle the deficit.<br /><br />The Tories will cut services.<br /><br />Labour will increase taxes.<br /><br />The Lib Dems will do something in between.<br /><br />That is the long and short of it, so please do not let the parties bang on about the same thing for the next 27 days. We want the public engaged, not sick of hearing the same things over and over again.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-28048260415608061742010-04-07T14:29:00.000-07:002010-04-07T14:33:49.387-07:00Democracy DayIn a desperate attempt to appeal to the Lib Dems, Gordon Brown has set out plans for a “Democracy Day.”<br /><br />This will see Britain having a say on which voting system they would want future Westminster elections to use. It would also see the possibility of an elected House of Lords. <br /><br />But still there is no referendum on Scottish independence.<br /><br />Why I hear you ask! Because apparently it isn’t the right time, according to Labour, because of the economic downturn.<br /><br />There are two striking points that come from this.<br /><br />Firstly, if Labour is to be believed, we are on our way out of the economic downturn.<br /><br />Secondly, if they are not to be believed and in actual fact we are still in the middle of an economic downturn, how is it possible to hold referenda on a host of other important constitutional things and not Scottish independence?<br /><br />I would ask Gordon Brown, but judging by today’s performance, he doesn’t take too kindly to members of the public <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/about7046.html">asking him anything</a>!Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-10834532657480634692010-04-06T13:16:00.000-07:002010-04-06T13:20:04.225-07:00And they're off! (again!!)So the election campaign has officially started. Although we all know that it has been unofficially being going on for the best part of three years. Ever since Brown stalled over the decision to go to the polls way back in 2007.<br /><br />And what three years it has been! Despite announcing over 100 times (according to BBC Radio 5) that he has conquered over boom and bust, Gordon Brown was at the helm when we delved into the worst recession for almost 100 years.<br /><br />At least we did enjoy a bit of cross party consensus in that three years. Just a shame it was a consensus on how to manipulate the MP expenses system to the detriment of the taxpayer, many of whom were in the process of being made redundant at the time.<br /><br />So exactly who are we to trust with our vote in the forthcoming election? Well, we will get a glimpse in the upcoming “Leadership Debates”. Although not all the leaders are taking place and many of the issues they will be discussing are devolved in Scotland to the Scottish Parliament.<br /><br />We could look at the latest ratings, which have Brown on –28, Cameron on +17 and unbelievably Clegg on +31.<br /><br />Indeed this election could potentially be the beginning of something really big for the Lib Dems, despite my previous blog! Clegg’s popularity seems to keep growing and growing and that is even before he has taken to the stage in equal billing with Brown and Cameron. Vince Cable, their treasury spokesman, was one of the few people who came out of this recession with increased credibility. And they could be on the verge of holding the key to power in this general election should the Tories or Labour fall short of an overall majority. Although I think they will still do well to secure 16 MPs in Scotland. <br /><br />Similarly, Alex Salmond is hoping his SNP MPs are the ones holding the key to power. However, getting to his target of 20 SNP MPs would be nothing short of a minor miracle.<br /><br />The next 4 weeks are certainly going to be interesting and you can discuss it all at <a href="http://www.our-scotland.org/">Our Scotland</a>.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-41801665876135552802010-03-05T15:40:00.000-08:002010-03-05T15:41:46.970-08:00Lib Dems DreamingI think Tavish Scott, leader of the Scottish Democrats, is going to be a wee bit disappointed come election night. Despite opinion polls saying that the Lib Dems might be onto a bit of a hiding, <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/Tavish_We_are_going_to_win_quarter_of_Scottish_Seats_about6971.html">Scott is claiming that they will win a quarter of the Scottish seats at Westminster.</a><br />He must be drinking the same tonic as Alex Salmond, who recently set the SNP an unlikely target of 20 MPs.<br /><br />But looking closer at Tavish’s claim, he says they will retain all of their current seats whilst gaining Edinburgh North and Leith, Edinburgh South, South Aberdeen and North Glasgow.<br /><br />There are some seats they currently hold that are dead certs. In that category you would include Charles Kennedy in Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Alistair Carmichael in Orkney and Shetland, Menzies Campbell in Fife North East, Malcolm Bruce in Gordon and John Thurso in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.<br /><br />Then there are others that they will probably hold like Michael Moore in Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Alan Reid in Argyll and Bute and Robert Smith in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine.<br /><br />But then we come onto some interesting seats. In Edinburgh West, John Barrett holds a massive lead over the Tories of 30%. However, Barrett is stepping down at the election, being replaced by Michael Crockart. I would still expect the Lib Dems to easily hold this.<br /><br /> Then it is on to Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey. I think the name of the constituency may have been shorter if they had simply named everyone living in the constituency! Danny Alexander wrestled this seat from Labour in 2005 with a quite sizeable majority. But will he be able to hold onto it?<br /><br />Similarly, Jo Swinson came from nowhere to take East Dunbartonshire from the Labour Party in 2005. Will she be able to convince people to give her another term in Westmnister?<br /><br />Finally we have Dunfermline and West Fife. The Lib Dems were trounced by Labour here in the previous elections. However following the death of Rachael Squire, the Lib Dems overturned a 27% deficit to take the seat with a slender majority in the by-election. This seat will therefore be under severe pressure come election time.<br /><br />Onto the seats he thinks he might win:<br /><br />Edinburgh North and Leith – Labour currently hold a small 5% lead over the Lib Dems. However in the previous elections, Labour had a majority of 25%. The question therefore is, did the Lib Dems vote peak in this seat in 2005?<br /><br />Edinburgh South – There is less than a 1% difference between Labour and the Lib Dems in this one, so this is probably their best chance in Scotland of gaining a seat.<br /><br /><br />Aberdeen South – Given the Lib Dems are involved in running the council and all the associated aggro that goes with this, do they really expect to trump Labour? The lead may only be 3%, but it might as well be 100%.<br /><br />Finally in North Glasgow – Labour won 60% of the vote here in 2001. Need I say anymore?<br /><br />The reality is, people in Scotland are going to look at the situation and see the prospect of a Tory government at Westminster. Poll tax and other horrific memories of the previous Tory administration come flooding back and therefore the Scottish people will vote tactically to ensure as few Tory MPs get elected in Scotland as possible. This may mean some people voting for a Labour candidate to ensure they give the Tories a good run for their money (or Lord Ashcroft’s money!). As a consequence, other parties share of the vote is going to be squeezed and talk of Lib Dems winning 16 seats or the SNP winning 20 is talk that should be reserved for fantasy land.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218078499374136837.post-24169558567512018042010-02-12T16:07:00.000-08:002010-02-12T16:10:32.545-08:00Hot AirI was seeking opinion in the office this week about what people thought of the <a href="http://ourscotland.myfreeforum.org/What_is_going_on__about6911.html">Nicola Sturgeon debacle</a>. The overwhelming majority of people, regardless of political opinion, thought that she was a competent politician who could be trusted and in no way should she resign<br /><br />This reinforced my thought that this whole thing has been blown out of all proportion. Of course opposition parties are going to try to gain political capital wherever they can, but come on. <br /><br />This country is barely limping out of the worst economic crisis it has encountered in the last eighty years and there may be another crisis just around the corner. We face a tough choice between two different approaches to get the economy back on track. We have a government who seems to be delaying taking forward an independence referendum until they have 129 SNP MSPs.<br /><br />In short, we have serious issues that are worthy of time and debate.<br /><br />However, we find ourselves again embroiled in an utterly futile spat. Yet again, I find all this cross party fighting just to score cheap points off one another thoroughly demoralising. It is why people turn off from politics.<br /><br />How is this going to benefit me? How is this going to get me back in work? If I am in work, how is this going to reduce the amount of tax I have to pay? How is this going to cut my energy bills? How is this going to put food on the table, so I can feed my kids?<br /><br />Nicola Sturgeon may not have showed the greatest judgement when it came to defending a convicted criminal, but when it really mattered to most of us, she showed impeccable judgement. Her handling of the Swine Flu outbreak helped to keep a calm lid on things, when the media and others were doing their best to whip up a frenzy.<br /><br />So how about this for an idea? Why don’t MSPs concentrate on making Scotland a better place? And here is the big idea! Why don’t they work together to make this happen? After all, that is what we elect them for.<br /><br />Why don’t they look at introducing measures to increase the life expectancy of Scottish people, which is currently the lowest in Europe? Why don’t they collectively look at reducing Scottish dependency on alcohol? Why don’t they try and deal with the 600,000 people currently on disability benefits? Why don’t they discuss ways to boost the Scottish economy? Why…….?<br /><br />That would be a much better way to spend their collective time, rather than discussing whether an MSP should write a letter in support of one of their constituents.Reluctant Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135962489624349846noreply@blogger.com0