Saturday, 28 April 2012 11:45
78 Comments
By Martin Kelly 
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond has insisted his party are focused on creating jobs as the local election campaign enters its last few days.
Campaigning on the final weekend of the Scottish Local Elections, the SNP Leader pressed home the SNP’s message of “jobs, jobs, jobs” and attacked the opposition claiming that they are mired in throwing “mud, mud, mud”.
Mr Salmond is seeking to re-inforce the party’s central message that every SNP council will be focussed on working to protect jobs and the economy and work alongside the Scottish Government to help people into long-term employment.
It comes as latest figures show Scotland has the lowest unemployment and highest employment of any nation in the UK, and contrasts with the news that the UK is now officially in a double-dip recession.
Mr Salmond will be out meeting voters in Fife and Glasgow today (Saturday) and will seek to highlight the SNP’s decision to stand 175 more candidates than in 2007. The SNP claim this is a reflection of the Party’s confidence in its policy platform.
Commenting the First Minister said:
“Our message is focussed on how SNP Councils will be 'can-do' councils which can create and protect jobs, jobs, jobs for Scotland.
“Across Scotland we have had the confidence to stand more council candidates than ever before, and they are supported by an unprecedented number of activists who are getting our message out.”
Mr Salmond contrasted his party’s positive message with that of Labour who, he claims are offering nothing but smears.
He added:
“In contrast our opponents have been left mired in throwing mud, mud, mud as they have no answers to the SNP’s positive vision.
"People don't want their local council to spend its time bickering with other councils and with the Scottish government. Instead, every SNP council will be focussed on working to protect jobs and the economy.
"SNP councils will work with the Scottish Government to ensure every 16-19 year old not in work, education or training is offered a learning or training opportunity, as we help them take their first steps into the world of work."
The SNP leader also pledged to extend his party’s policy of no compulsory redundancies and to protect councils and families from what he described as “the worst of the Westminster spending cuts”.
“In the elections last year, the people of Scotland gave a huge vote of confidence in our record in national Government. On Thursday they can bring the same record and vision to their local council.”
The First Minister’s message coincided with more accusations from Labour, with leader Ed Milliband labelling Mr Salmond “an undercover lobbyist” for the Murdoch Empire.
Mr Miliband’s accusations follow attacks by Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont who accused Mr Salmond of liking “rich men”. Labour have refused to accept the meetings between Mr Salmond and Mr Murdoch were related to jobs and have asked for evidence.
Mr Miliband said: “If, as he claims this was all part of a concerted effort to bring jobs to Scotland, why wasn’t he open about his support for the BSkyB bid? Why wasn’t he open about the fact that he was set to lobby Jeremy Hunt in favour of the BSkyB bid. If he had nothing to hide, why did he hide it?
“What he actually did was acted as an undercover lobbyist for Rupert Murdoch, and I don’t think that’s what people expect from the First Minister in Scotland. I think they want a First Minister who will stand up for ordinary people in Scotland, not the rich and powerful.”
However the First Minister hit back and accused the Labour leader of “humbug and hypocrisy”, pointing out that Mr Miliband himself met with Mr Murdoch at an exclusive garden party, hosted by the tycoon, last July.
It also emerged that that Mr Miliband had also sought support from the Sun newspaper and had reportedly promised an exclusive to the Sun on Labour’s new policy initiatives.
“I will stand and my party will stand for the main stream of Britain, for Sun readers and their concerns.” the Labour leader reportedly said.
Commenting on Labour’s new set of policies, Mr Miliband added: “You’ll read about it first in the Sun.”
Comments
#
2012-04-28 12:20
"I think they want a First Minister who will stand up for ordinary people in Scotland, not the rich and powerful.”
And this comment came from the labour party leader.... HaHaHaHaHaHaHaH a!!
And this comment came from the labour party leader.... HaHaHaHaHaHaHaH a!!
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2012-04-28 12:32
Only the SNP seem to be completely focused on this. It's what all the Political Parties should be doing - working hard to make us a better and more prosperous nation.
All Westminster has given us is guacamole and salsa.
All Westminster has given us is guacamole and salsa.
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2012-04-28 12:46
Why aren't our Scottish press and BBC Scotland accusing Milliband of hypocrisy over his Labour Party's flat refusal to publish details of its meetings with the Murdochs and NewsCorp, while he is at the same time demanding Alex Salmond publish every detail of his comparatively few contacts with the same people?
Oh, wait ... slaps forehead ... silly me!
Oh, wait ... slaps forehead ... silly me!
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2012-04-28 13:45
Because the BBC and media at large have acquired the spin and lies syndrome that they apparently detest in other countries.
Add, that we are no longer a real democracy. What is deemed fair and better for all others by the Westminster know it all's, does not apply to Scotland.
They are attempting to cheat us again as in 1979, and it ain't finished by a long way. We hope that sensible Scots will suss this out but unfortunately, do not count on it. We need to find more than hope, we need concerted efforts to expose them for what they are.Public anger against this would ensure success.
Add, that we are no longer a real democracy. What is deemed fair and better for all others by the Westminster know it all's, does not apply to Scotland.
They are attempting to cheat us again as in 1979, and it ain't finished by a long way. We hope that sensible Scots will suss this out but unfortunately, do not count on it. We need to find more than hope, we need concerted efforts to expose them for what they are.Public anger against this would ensure success.
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2012-04-28 17:48
Hey don't blame the labour party there are only so many megs your average email server will accept :p .
I suspect thier list of meetings went well over that....and we all know how good the labour lot are when it comes to anything technical.
The tories seem just as clueless.
---
Wotcha ppl, sorry can't spell to save me self (lsydexic) but in a hurry and had to say that.
I suspect thier list of meetings went well over that....and we all know how good the labour lot are when it comes to anything technical.
The tories seem just as clueless.
---
Wotcha ppl, sorry can't spell to save me self (lsydexic) but in a hurry and had to say that.
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2012-04-28 13:20
what an utter cheek from mcconnell he first denies that he assured no wind farms to trump and then he goes on about conversations in 2006/07 "I suspect it won't be helpful to go back over them again" (sounds like he is trying to cover it up why deny something then say ignore the conversation we had?) then says to trump help me with a charity donation after lamont accuses alex salmond of cosing up to rich men mere days later labour are doing it I know its for a good cause but how can you call someone a liar or mistaken then ask for money off them! (or is he hoping trump says no to him and accuses alex salmond of dealing with an uncharitable person who doesn't care this is would be an obvious labour tactic to divert any lies labour have told)
bbc.co.uk/.../...
bbc.co.uk/.../...
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2012-04-28 13:29
Milipede says:
“I will stand and my party will stand for the main stream of Britain, for Sun readers and their concerns.”
and commenting on Labour’s new set of policies, [he] added: “You’ll read about it first in the Sun.”
The intellectual debate being driven by such a 'news'paper? Sigh! And the Milipede pandering once more to the southern Britons? Nothing new there.
And you tell me that the Scottish Sun is making friendly overtures to the SNP. As an outsider to both Scotland and England, it's clear to me that these trajectories show how far and how fast both countries are diverging from each other, and how (bi-)polarised the leading mainstream, 'British' rag/'news'sheet has become.
Needless to say, us lot to the west of the Dyke get no look-in at all.
“I will stand and my party will stand for the main stream of Britain, for Sun readers and their concerns.”
and commenting on Labour’s new set of policies, [he] added: “You’ll read about it first in the Sun.”
The intellectual debate being driven by such a 'news'paper? Sigh! And the Milipede pandering once more to the southern Britons? Nothing new there.
And you tell me that the Scottish Sun is making friendly overtures to the SNP. As an outsider to both Scotland and England, it's clear to me that these trajectories show how far and how fast both countries are diverging from each other, and how (bi-)polarised the leading mainstream, 'British' rag/'news'sheet has become.
Needless to say, us lot to the west of the Dyke get no look-in at all.
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2012-04-28 13:25
Great stuff as usual from "The First Eck".
Come on folks, lets get out the vote, either email, telephone or just plain talk to your friends and relatives explaining the importance of the 1,2, 3 for the SNP, show up at your local branch of the SNP and see what needs doing next week.
We can get our vote out. Can the same be said of the lablibtor lot? They've less motivation I'm guessing.
Come on folks, lets get out the vote, either email, telephone or just plain talk to your friends and relatives explaining the importance of the 1,2, 3 for the SNP, show up at your local branch of the SNP and see what needs doing next week.
We can get our vote out. Can the same be said of the lablibtor lot? They've less motivation I'm guessing.
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2012-04-28 13:42
Obviously i haven't seen a ballot paper yet, but does it make any difference what order the '123' is ticked off?
It's very noticable that whilst the SNP is talking about jobs, the others are only talking about the SNP!
It's very noticable that whilst the SNP is talking about jobs, the others are only talking about the SNP!
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2012-04-28 16:07
I noticed that also Juteman, why would you go on about another party in your campaign leaflets?
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2012-04-29 12:29
Quoting Juteman:
Technically, no it doesn't. 1-2-3 simply ensures that no SNP first preferences are wasted because votes in excess of the quota needed to be elected will go to other SNP candidates until all three are either elected or eliminated.
What happens after that is perhaps less important, but if you specifically do NOT want to wake up to a Labour councillor, you should follow ROGER MEXICO's advice on UKPR at the time of the AV referendum: everyone also misses the real point about AV (and for that matter STV). You can put the person you most hate, loath and despise at number 10 or whatever. Then you work your way up, numbering down, through the repulsive; the unpleasant; the mildly nauseous; the merely incompetent; the unknowns; the known unknowns; the OK in a really bad year; the people you could just about send out for chips; the sort of literate; the sort of numerate; the occasionally coherent. Then, if there’s anyone better than all that left, you give them number 1.
i.e: Greens, SSP, etc. 4 - 5 - 6 ....
does it make any difference what order the '123' is ticked off?
Technically, no it doesn't. 1-2-3 simply ensures that no SNP first preferences are wasted because votes in excess of the quota needed to be elected will go to other SNP candidates until all three are either elected or eliminated.
What happens after that is perhaps less important, but if you specifically do NOT want to wake up to a Labour councillor, you should follow ROGER MEXICO's advice on UKPR at the time of the AV referendum: everyone also misses the real point about AV (and for that matter STV). You can put the person you most hate, loath and despise at number 10 or whatever. Then you work your way up, numbering down, through the repulsive; the unpleasant; the mildly nauseous; the merely incompetent; the unknowns; the known unknowns; the OK in a really bad year; the people you could just about send out for chips; the sort of literate; the sort of numerate; the occasionally coherent. Then, if there’s anyone better than all that left, you give them number 1.
i.e: Greens, SSP, etc. 4 - 5 - 6 ....
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2012-04-29 12:38
thanks for the explanation, I had wondered how best to do my bit to keep the local tory out.
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2012-04-29 12:55
You're welcome. By numbering all of the candidates, you can ensure that the (blue?) tory you hate most will have your vote against him or her however many rounds of counting it takes.
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2012-04-29 14:30
I have to disagree with this advice. It is far better not to vote for those you really really don't want elected. I will be voting for my SNP candidate and possibly an independent. I will not make any mark next to any unionist candidates.
If you don't vote for them your votes can't be allocated to them, regardless of how many rounds of counting are involved.
If you don't vote for them your votes can't be allocated to them, regardless of how many rounds of counting are involved.
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2012-04-29 14:47
Agree with Holebender(abov e).
To quote him:-
"If you don't vote for them your votes can't be allocated to them, regardless of how many rounds of counting are involved."
Just DO NOT GO NEAR THEM on the ballot paper---AT ALL---IGNORE THEM.
If you're SNP inclined----follow the SNP advice of which SNP candidate/s to vote for.
I've received SNP 'through the letterbox advice' twice on the voting numbers/candidates,and intend sticking to the letter of that advice without flinching.
To quote him:-
"If you don't vote for them your votes can't be allocated to them, regardless of how many rounds of counting are involved."
Just DO NOT GO NEAR THEM on the ballot paper---AT ALL---IGNORE THEM.
If you're SNP inclined----follow the SNP advice of which SNP candidate/s to vote for.
I've received SNP 'through the letterbox advice' twice on the voting numbers/candidates,and intend sticking to the letter of that advice without flinching.
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2012-04-29 13:00
Thanks for that.
So it's better to actually number your least favourite, rather than simply leave it blank?
So it's better to actually number your least favourite, rather than simply leave it blank?
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2012-04-29 14:04
An important caveat to my technically, no it doesn't - If, as is apparently happening, there is "official" guidance given in any ward suggesting the "preferred" order of candidates, then there is a danger of both the 2nd and 3rd candidates being eliminated at the first count because they have no first preferences at all!
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2012-04-29 16:01
"It's very noticable that whilst the SNP is talking about jobs, the others are only talking about the SNP!"
Juteman----couldn't have said it better myself!
A good doorstep approach.
Juteman----couldn't have said it better myself!
A good doorstep approach.
#
2012-04-28 14:27
From the Herald:
'Salmond hounded to detail facts on Murdoch.'
Salmond 'accused' has been done to death so perhaps they thought a wee change would help their declining circulation.
'Salmond hounded to detail facts on Murdoch.'
Salmond 'accused' has been done to death so perhaps they thought a wee change would help their declining circulation.
#
2012-04-28 14:51
Thought Alex Salmond was excellent in his interview with Justin Webb on the Today programme this morning - you can hear him at 08:39:
news.bbc.co.uk/.../default.stm
news.bbc.co.uk/.../default.stm
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2012-04-28 16:18
Poor old Justin was just dying to pin Alex down and make something stick.
Its all so contrived its wonderful!
If this is all the unionists can focus on then their bums are oot the windae.
Its all so contrived its wonderful!
If this is all the unionists can focus on then their bums are oot the windae.
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2012-04-28 15:03
Can someone explain to me why BBC Scotland are headlining a 3 day old story on their website? It's regarding the increase in people using foodbanks, this was reported on the BBC national news on the 25th April but was actually first reported on BBC's North-West website on the 23rd April. Another problem with this article is there are a couple of comments accusing the government for this increase, perhaps ideally for BBC Scotland it doesn't say which government, of course it's highly probable it's about UK and not Scottish government policy but this is not made clear. Maybe I'm paranoid but it seems BBC Scotland are trying anything and everything to smeer the SNP before next weeks elections.
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2012-04-28 16:14
Quoting James01:
I suspect the answer lies at the end of the article: "BBC Scotland Investigates: Breadline Scotland transmits on Sunday 29 April at 16:32 on BBC Radio Scotland"
It's a standard BBC trick: turn an advert for an upcoming programme into a news piece. I guess we'll have to wait for the programme to see who they blame.
Can someone explain to me why BBC Scotland are headlining a 3 day old story on their website?
I suspect the answer lies at the end of the article: "BBC Scotland Investigates: Breadline Scotland transmits on Sunday 29 April at 16:32 on BBC Radio Scotland"
It's a standard BBC trick: turn an advert for an upcoming programme into a news piece. I guess we'll have to wait for the programme to see who they blame.
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2012-04-28 15:37
Can't help thinking the unionists have scored an own goal - every time Alex or Nicola are asked about NI they get the chance to reiterate the number of jobs it has brought especially to central Scotland and thats what people are interested in at the moment
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2012-04-28 16:06
It only seems like yesterday that Peter Mandelson uttered the immortal words...
"we are intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich"
"we are intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich"
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2012-04-28 16:18
No one ever quotes the whole sentence, though. He actually said "we are intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich as long as they don't talk to the SNP".
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2012-04-28 16:06
Slightly off topic, i have just received a flyer thro the door from the local candidate for Hawick. just before this sent him an email asking him why is he having his flyers printed in County Durham.
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2012-04-28 16:13
I did a couple of hours on the phone today.Hopefully I'll get a fair bit of "subtle campaigning" done tonight.But I must say,in this neck of the woods its pretty hard to find many who arent already onboard in my sphere.Maybe time to step a bit further out of my comfort zone.
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2012-04-28 16:53
Incredible amount of muck hte unionists have been throwing, and massively supported by the BBC...Obviously they are hoping that if they throw enough muck, some of it will stick.
The thing is, not everybody is clued up with their tactics, and some may be taken in.
.../so-you-dont-like-that-snp-policy
The thing is, not everybody is clued up with their tactics, and some may be taken in.
.../so-you-dont-like-that-snp-policy
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2012-04-28 18:28
Great blog.
Made all the more interesting with the link to the Herald story about Glasgow millionaire businessman Mohammad Ramzan, brother of former Labour MP Mohammed Sarwar and uncle of the party's Scottish deputy leader, Anas Sarwar, coming out in support of the SNP:
heraldscotland.com/.../...
Made all the more interesting with the link to the Herald story about Glasgow millionaire businessman Mohammad Ramzan, brother of former Labour MP Mohammed Sarwar and uncle of the party's Scottish deputy leader, Anas Sarwar, coming out in support of the SNP:
heraldscotland.com/.../...
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2012-04-28 17:46
With the pitiful amount of fiscal levers the SNP have at their disposal their track record is remarkable. They do though, need every single lever necessary to force through change. Just imagine what can be achieved when the conditions where productive jobs can be created and we can sell more to the world is at the governments hands. What is missing should be being planned for now, no delays. Each and every negative decision made by London should be countered by the appropriate agency in Scotland. At each stage a what if situation should be laid before the Scottish people focusing 100% on the mistakes made by London and how much better the Scots administration would handle things.
Of course, this will have the effect of widening the gulf between the two governments, no bad thing at all !.
Of course, this will have the effect of widening the gulf between the two governments, no bad thing at all !.
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2012-04-28 20:27
Ultimately it is always about the economy as Bill Clinton ably demonstrated. The opposition have become fixated about attacking Salmond to the detriment of real political issues.
I hope they rue this sorely next Friday.
I hope they rue this sorely next Friday.
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2012-04-28 22:15
Quoting Jim1320:
Jim, they are fixated on attacking Alex Salmond because they have no policies to offer to the electorate, other than the ones they have stolen from the SNP and then tried to present them as their own. For example, the Glasgow Labour Cooncil leader Matheson, claiming maintaining the council tax freeze (which they actually opposed!); maintaining the extra 1000 police officers (which they claimed wouldn't happen and couldn't be afforded; the provision of 1000's of apprenticeships (already being successfully implemented hy the SNP government); and the guarantee of extra nursery places for toddlers (announced recently in parliament by the SNP government).
The only policy Labour have, at local or government level, is to oppose anything the SNP propose - confirmed recently by Wee Willie Bain in a tweet. Why, oh why, do people still vote for this shower of self-seeking, incompetent dinosaurs?
Ultimately it is always about the economy as Bill Clinton ably demonstrated. The opposition have become fixated about attacking Salmond to the detriment of real political issues.
I hope they rue this sorely next Friday.
Jim, they are fixated on attacking Alex Salmond because they have no policies to offer to the electorate, other than the ones they have stolen from the SNP and then tried to present them as their own. For example, the Glasgow Labour Cooncil leader Matheson, claiming maintaining the council tax freeze (which they actually opposed!); maintaining the extra 1000 police officers (which they claimed wouldn't happen and couldn't be afforded; the provision of 1000's of apprenticeships (already being successfully implemented hy the SNP government); and the guarantee of extra nursery places for toddlers (announced recently in parliament by the SNP government).
The only policy Labour have, at local or government level, is to oppose anything the SNP propose - confirmed recently by Wee Willie Bain in a tweet. Why, oh why, do people still vote for this shower of self-seeking, incompetent dinosaurs?
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2012-04-28 20:34
“Mr Salmond will be out meeting voters in Fife and Glasgow today (Saturday) and will seek to highlight the SNP’s decision to stand 175 more candidates than in 2007. The SNP claim this is a reflection of the Party’s confidence in its policy platform.”
This statement is a reflection of the Party’s confidence that the tactic of fielding multiple candidates in all wards is the way to win under STV.
This system of voting allows possible manipulation of the result, by money rich parties. I do not know how many leaflets bearing the slogan SNP 1.2.3 have been issued, but in Fife there are many.
In an STV election, a candidate requires a certain minimum number of votes – the quota (or threshold) – to be elected. A number of different quotas can be used; the most common is the Droop quota, given by the formula:
Votes needed to win = (valid votes cast divided by seats to fill +1) +1
when the quota is an integer. When the quota is not an integer it is rounded down; that is, its fractional part is ignored. The Droop quota is an extension of requiring a 50% + 1 majority in single winner elections. For example, at most 3 people can have 25% + 1 in 3 winner elections, 9 can have 10% + 1 in 9 winner elections, and so on.
This statement is a reflection of the Party’s confidence that the tactic of fielding multiple candidates in all wards is the way to win under STV.
This system of voting allows possible manipulation of the result, by money rich parties. I do not know how many leaflets bearing the slogan SNP 1.2.3 have been issued, but in Fife there are many.
In an STV election, a candidate requires a certain minimum number of votes – the quota (or threshold) – to be elected. A number of different quotas can be used; the most common is the Droop quota, given by the formula:
Votes needed to win = (valid votes cast divided by seats to fill +1) +1
when the quota is an integer. When the quota is not an integer it is rounded down; that is, its fractional part is ignored. The Droop quota is an extension of requiring a 50% + 1 majority in single winner elections. For example, at most 3 people can have 25% + 1 in 3 winner elections, 9 can have 10% + 1 in 9 winner elections, and so on.
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2012-04-28 20:57
Quoting exel:
What on earth are you talking about?
This system of voting allows possible manipulation of the result, by money rich parties. I do not know how many leaflets bearing the slogan SNP 1.2.3 have been issued, but in Fife there are many.
What on earth are you talking about?
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2012-04-28 22:24
DAN, I would suggest exel is referring to the money rich Tories and Labour, who have for decades been funded by big business and the unions respectively.
However, now that the SNP are attracting financial support from rich backers like Brian Souter and Shir Shean, along with thousands of ordinary supporters like myself (an OAP on state pension only), the unionist parties are crying "foul!"
However, now that the SNP are attracting financial support from rich backers like Brian Souter and Shir Shean, along with thousands of ordinary supporters like myself (an OAP on state pension only), the unionist parties are crying "foul!"
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2012-04-28 23:57
Wait.. the unionists are complaining about the voting system now? I'm confused..
Exel is talking about the voting system, STV being easily manipulated. I'd just like to see evidence of this. I've not heard anybody complain about this. It was the labour/lib coalition that came up with this system.
I know they're crying foul about more support thru papers etc, but what has this to do with voting?
Exel is talking about the voting system, STV being easily manipulated. I'd just like to see evidence of this. I've not heard anybody complain about this. It was the labour/lib coalition that came up with this system.
I know they're crying foul about more support thru papers etc, but what has this to do with voting?
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2012-04-29 11:39
D_A_N 2012-04-28 23:57
“Wait.. the unionists are complaining about the voting system now? I'm confused..”
“Exel is talking about the voting system, STV being easily manipulated. I'd just like to see evidence of this. I've not heard anybody complain about this. It was the labour/lib coalition that came up with this system.”
I am not surprised that you are confused. “None so blind as who will not see” comes to mind.
I reiterate I am not a unionist; I am not a member of any political party and I do not support the union in its present form.
In my opinion the political system in the UK and by extension in Scotland is broken beyond repair. This is entirely down to the fact that the UK and Scotland do not have a written constitution.
The political parties operate an elective dictatorship.
“Wait.. the unionists are complaining about the voting system now? I'm confused..”
“Exel is talking about the voting system, STV being easily manipulated. I'd just like to see evidence of this. I've not heard anybody complain about this. It was the labour/lib coalition that came up with this system.”
I am not surprised that you are confused. “None so blind as who will not see” comes to mind.
I reiterate I am not a unionist; I am not a member of any political party and I do not support the union in its present form.
In my opinion the political system in the UK and by extension in Scotland is broken beyond repair. This is entirely down to the fact that the UK and Scotland do not have a written constitution.
The political parties operate an elective dictatorship.
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2012-04-29 12:34
Quoting exel:
For all those of us who are blind and confused, could you explain how STV allows manipulation of the vote by rich parties?
Quoting exel:
If you support it in any form that would make you a unionist.
I am not surprised that you are confused. “None so blind as who will not see” comes to mind.
For all those of us who are blind and confused, could you explain how STV allows manipulation of the vote by rich parties?
Quoting exel:
I reiterate I am not a unionist...and I do not support the union in its present form.
If you support it in any form that would make you a unionist.
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2012-04-29 19:54
Could you be more patronising next time please exel. Thanks.
You still have not explained how it is easily manipulated. Just trying to sound like a smart erse without backing it up.
And I wasn't calling you a unionist.. I was just assuming you'd heard that complaint about the system from unionists, or did you come up with that nonsense yourself.
You still have not explained how it is easily manipulated. Just trying to sound like a smart erse without backing it up.
And I wasn't calling you a unionist.. I was just assuming you'd heard that complaint about the system from unionists, or did you come up with that nonsense yourself.
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2012-04-28 21:12
just posted this on the guardian article about FOI
I see that comment is free in the Guardian, except for scottish issues
very pravdaesque
just another unionist propaganda rag.
how typical of the unionist media.
shameful nausiating hypocracy
FOI? you are having a laugh
no comments on scottish articles in the BBC scotland or Guardian blog sites
unionists whinge about the so called cybernats. get a life, the unioinists have sown up all of the uk media, even in scotland, in a bid to suppress any comment which supports scottish independence.
what other outlet do we have?
get used to it
we will be posting on all topics forthwith
I see that comment is free in the Guardian, except for scottish issues
very pravdaesque
just another unionist propaganda rag.
how typical of the unionist media.
shameful nausiating hypocracy
FOI? you are having a laugh
no comments on scottish articles in the BBC scotland or Guardian blog sites
unionists whinge about the so called cybernats. get a life, the unioinists have sown up all of the uk media, even in scotland, in a bid to suppress any comment which supports scottish independence.
what other outlet do we have?
get used to it
we will be posting on all topics forthwith
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2012-04-28 21:27
Perhaps, we should just start picking stories at random form the BBC political blogs in England Wales and N.Ireland, and comment on the most recent Brian Taylor story, with an explanation that as commenting on the BBC site in Scotland has been effectively banned by the BBC, we have no other choice, but to comment on the BBC elsewhere. It isn't illegal to do this.
I have a sneaky suspicion, that the BBC naively think their comment ban which applies only to Scotland will eventually be accepted.
It won't. It is state run censorship, no more, no less.
I have a sneaky suspicion, that the BBC naively think their comment ban which applies only to Scotland will eventually be accepted.
It won't. It is state run censorship, no more, no less.
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2012-04-28 22:31
Quoting Robert Louis:
I for one think this is a brilliant idea. If you utilise media sorces like the book if faces and twitter to spread the word, it could become vural very quickly!
Perhaps, we should just start picking stories at random form the BBC political blogs in England Wales and N.Ireland, and comment on the most recent Brian Taylor story, with an explanation that as commenting on the BBC site in Scotland has been effectively banned by the BBC, we have no other choice, but to comment on the BBC elsewhere. It isn't illegal to do this.
I have a sneaky suspicion, that the BBC naively think their comment ban which applies only to Scotland will eventually be accepted.
It won't. It is state run censorship, no more, no less.
I for one think this is a brilliant idea. If you utilise media sorces like the book if faces and twitter to spread the word, it could become vural very quickly!
#
2012-04-29 03:06
Never used Blogspot before, but I've set up a Blog here:
notbbcscotlandblogs.blogspot.co.uk/
Comments are open of course .. log in with twitter, Facebook with a couple of clicks or as a Guest.
did someone else try something similar?.
I'll add more links to the BBC articles as they appear .. Depending how it goes.
notbbcscotlandblogs.blogspot.co.uk/
Comments are open of course .. log in with twitter, Facebook with a couple of clicks or as a Guest.
did someone else try something similar?.
I'll add more links to the BBC articles as they appear .. Depending how it goes.
#
2012-04-28 22:28
dinmylne, the words of our national bard, Rabbie, says it all - "Here's freedom tae him wha was read; here's freedom tae him wha wad write; there's nane ever feared the truth should be heard; than him wha the truth was indict!"
#
2012-04-29 00:00
care to elaborate about the guardian please? I'm not too familiar with the website. Is there a specific section of blogs and for separate countries? Is it as glaringly obvious and easy to prove as the BBC case, I've not heard about this.. cheers
#
2012-04-29 00:20
Up until about a week or so ago comment on Scottish stories was enabled on a similar proportion of the news items as any of the other items. However, that has dropped sharply with only one or two stories enabled recently. Even the rather odd Kevin piece tonight has yet to have comments switched on and it is in the comments section. I'm guessing it will be comment enabled and I'm hoping it will be as the discussion should be entertaining.
#
2012-04-28 22:10
Would it be correct to say - when the SNP win the Glasgow Council elections, they would be able to have more leverage with the bbc, when it comes to all council related matters
#
2012-04-28 22:26
maybe we should organise to hijack a specific thread??? both on the BBC and the guardian??
#
2012-04-28 23:09
It's time for every SNP spokesperson who appears on the BBC to be primed to challenge the interviewer on why the BBC has failed to show balance on particular issues.
Mike Russell gave Brewer a roasting a few months ago. we need much more of this.
Equally any Nationalist on phone-ins or Question Time should include a challenge to the BBC's impartiality
Mike Russell gave Brewer a roasting a few months ago. we need much more of this.
Equally any Nationalist on phone-ins or Question Time should include a challenge to the BBC's impartiality
#
2012-04-29 00:04
Agreed, it's just unfortunate that this would get manipulated into SNP being bullies or paranoid. Even though we are in fact being bullied. But hopefully after council elections are out of the way perhaps SNP can speak out on this. We are having our protest at pacific quay around 100 definites so far, so please everybody come. Saturday 26 May, 2pm. If we get enough folk and media coverage it will have to be discussed. thanks
www.facebook.com/.../
www.facebook.com/.../
#
2012-04-28 23:44
found a very intresting Twitter account its called @AssetScotland it reveals actual documents on all assets and how much Scotland owns or partly own! if you have a Twitter account check it out lll try find there website page if they have one!
Scotlands share of challenge 2 tanks: 35 £2.6 million each, based in Scotland: 0
£29 million spent on furniture for the mod in England past 2 years! £2.65 million of that was from scotlands defence budget!
Scotland share of hawk fast jets: 11 based in Scotland: 0
£1 billion spent on one jet which is based in the usa! £153 million from Scotlands defence budget to pay for it!
Scotlands share of challenge 2 tanks: 35 £2.6 million each, based in Scotland: 0
£29 million spent on furniture for the mod in England past 2 years! £2.65 million of that was from scotlands defence budget!
Scotland share of hawk fast jets: 11 based in Scotland: 0
£1 billion spent on one jet which is based in the usa! £153 million from Scotlands defence budget to pay for it!
#
2012-04-28 23:56
It's quite easy really, just cancel your subscription as i did a couple of years ago. If this is done en masse in Scotland they will start to worry.
And i really want them to worry.
And i really want them to worry.
#
2012-04-29 01:49
Glad to see some people have SNP activists out in force. Still waiting here in South Lanarkshire.
To date, we've had three leaflets, two of which were from Labour with the candidates for the ward on them. The SNP has delivered one with Alex and Nicola. Who our candidates are I have no idea.
God knows who is planning the campaign in my area, but I saw a poster tied to a lamppost. Stuck on a large piece of cardboard, a dayglo yellow sheet with "SNP" and something about a couple of candidates. Didn't say which ward they represented and it is stuck on the approach to a rather busy roundabout so you don't even have time to read it!
I think all the energy is being put towards winning Glasgow. Yet us mere mortals would like McAvoy and his band out of power, but the SNP in this area seem reliant on the Salmond factor.
To date, we've had three leaflets, two of which were from Labour with the candidates for the ward on them. The SNP has delivered one with Alex and Nicola. Who our candidates are I have no idea.
God knows who is planning the campaign in my area, but I saw a poster tied to a lamppost. Stuck on a large piece of cardboard, a dayglo yellow sheet with "SNP" and something about a couple of candidates. Didn't say which ward they represented and it is stuck on the approach to a rather busy roundabout so you don't even have time to read it!
I think all the energy is being put towards winning Glasgow. Yet us mere mortals would like McAvoy and his band out of power, but the SNP in this area seem reliant on the Salmond factor.
#
2012-04-29 08:35
Quoting enneffess:
In Aberdeen I have just received my 4th piece of SNP literature.
There are 2 SNP hopefulls in my ward.
The leaflet tells voters to Mark 1 and 2 against the SNP candidates and also tells us in what order to put the candidates in, dependant on what polling station you are going to attend.
My postal vote is already in.
Glad to see some people have SNP activists out in force. Still waiting here in South Lanarkshire.
To date, we've had three leaflets, two of which were from Labour with the candidates for the ward on them. The SNP has delivered one with Alex and Nicola. Who our candidates are I have no idea.
God knows who is planning the campaign in my area, but I saw a poster tied to a lamppost. Stuck on a large piece of cardboard, a dayglo yellow sheet with "SNP" and something about a couple of candidates. Didn't say which ward they represented and it is stuck on the approach to a rather busy roundabout so you don't even have time to read it!
I think all the energy is being put towards winning Glasgow. Yet us mere mortals would like McAvoy and his band out of power, but the SNP in this area seem reliant on the Salmond factor.
In Aberdeen I have just received my 4th piece of SNP literature.
There are 2 SNP hopefulls in my ward.
The leaflet tells voters to Mark 1 and 2 against the SNP candidates and also tells us in what order to put the candidates in, dependant on what polling station you are going to attend.
My postal vote is already in.
#
2012-04-29 11:57
aiberdeen sheep 2012-04-29 08:35
"In Aberdeen I have just received my 4th piece of SNP literature.
There are 2 SNP hopefulls in my ward.
The leaflet tells voters to Mark 1 and 2 against the SNP candidates and also tells us in what order to put the candidates in, dependant on what polling station you are going to attend.
My postal vote is already in."
You have just confirmed my suspicion, in my post @ exel 2012-04-28 20:34 “this statement is a reflection of the Party’s confidence that the tactic of fielding multiple candidates in all wards is the way to win under STV.”
You will note that I do not say that the SNP are the only party able to manipulate this system. It depends entirely on the funds available and the ethics of the political party.
In the example I gave the candidates were also ORDERED 1.2.3.
"In Aberdeen I have just received my 4th piece of SNP literature.
There are 2 SNP hopefulls in my ward.
The leaflet tells voters to Mark 1 and 2 against the SNP candidates and also tells us in what order to put the candidates in, dependant on what polling station you are going to attend.
My postal vote is already in."
You have just confirmed my suspicion, in my post @ exel 2012-04-28 20:34 “this statement is a reflection of the Party’s confidence that the tactic of fielding multiple candidates in all wards is the way to win under STV.”
You will note that I do not say that the SNP are the only party able to manipulate this system. It depends entirely on the funds available and the ethics of the political party.
In the example I gave the candidates were also ORDERED 1.2.3.
#
2012-04-29 12:13
But it's not simply a question of fielding multiple candidates, as there is the danger of those candidates splitting each other's votes and none of them being elected. STV is no more open to manipulation than any other system, and probably less so than most.
Instead of moaning, tell us what electoral system you would prefer, and why. You might also want to indicate why you, as a LibDem, do not support the LibDems' preferred system of voting.
Instead of moaning, tell us what electoral system you would prefer, and why. You might also want to indicate why you, as a LibDem, do not support the LibDems' preferred system of voting.
#
2012-04-29 12:59
Holebender 2012-04-29 12:13
“But it's not simply a question of fielding multiple candidates, as there is the danger of those candidates splitting each other's votes and none of them being elected. STV is no more open to manipulation than any other system, and probably less so than most.”
Instead of moaning, tell us what electoral system you would prefer, and why. You might also want to indicate why you, as a LibDem, do not support the LibDems' preferred system of voting.”
Do you never read posts before you comment?
I said: “You will note that I do not say that the SNP are the only party able to manipulate this system. It depends entirely on the funds available and the ethics of the political party. In the example I gave the candidates were also ORDERED 1.2.3.”
The SNP slogan in this election “SNP 1.2.3.” caused me to look at STV in a new light.
As to your question “what electoral system you would prefer?”
I reply: an electoral system enshrined in a written constitution which electors were obliged to vote and the ballot paper allowed rejection of all candidates offered. That is the option NONE OF THE ABOVE.
I have already said on this thread “I am not a unionist; I am not a member of any political party and I do not support the union in its present form”.
I am a social democrat.
“But it's not simply a question of fielding multiple candidates, as there is the danger of those candidates splitting each other's votes and none of them being elected. STV is no more open to manipulation than any other system, and probably less so than most.”
Instead of moaning, tell us what electoral system you would prefer, and why. You might also want to indicate why you, as a LibDem, do not support the LibDems' preferred system of voting.”
Do you never read posts before you comment?
I said: “You will note that I do not say that the SNP are the only party able to manipulate this system. It depends entirely on the funds available and the ethics of the political party. In the example I gave the candidates were also ORDERED 1.2.3.”
The SNP slogan in this election “SNP 1.2.3.” caused me to look at STV in a new light.
As to your question “what electoral system you would prefer?”
I reply: an electoral system enshrined in a written constitution which electors were obliged to vote and the ballot paper allowed rejection of all candidates offered. That is the option NONE OF THE ABOVE.
I have already said on this thread “I am not a unionist; I am not a member of any political party and I do not support the union in its present form”.
I am a social democrat.
#
2012-04-29 08:08
I think this past week shows the gulf of difference between the Scottish government and the rest. Whilst the SNP have been out canvassing on issue and policy. The other parties have expended their energies in that time doing what can only be described as 'teaming up' for a concerted smear campaign. All hypocrisy aside over the subject matter, the black hole that is their collective policy list on tackling local issues country wide is the real story of this campaign. With no ideas, no vision, no drive, no aspiration and no plan they have effectively been left with the politics of despair and negativity to attempt the last minute win.
I fervently hope that come the morning of May 4th we're going to be able to say 'it didnae work'.
I fervently hope that come the morning of May 4th we're going to be able to say 'it didnae work'.
#
2012-04-29 10:41
You might want to wait until the afternoon, given that the count doesn't begin until 9am :)
#
2012-04-29 17:01
Whoops, a whole bunch of posts have disappeared CS. Basically, I said I was hoping for another bunch of sore BBC faces overnight. :)
#
2012-04-29 15:49
Suggest all of us fill in the forms at the Strathclyde University website, which I have just done.
This is a MOOD OF THE NATION survey. This is national as in UK national.
It is easy to fill in and you will be alerted when it is compiled by the BBC as to what group you are in. ( bear in mind this is being compiled by the BBC. So it is important that supporters do it.)
No personal details are retained.
Here is the link. www.strath.ac.uk/.../
This is a MOOD OF THE NATION survey. This is national as in UK national.
It is easy to fill in and you will be alerted when it is compiled by the BBC as to what group you are in. ( bear in mind this is being compiled by the BBC. So it is important that supporters do it.)
No personal details are retained.
Here is the link. www.strath.ac.uk/.../
#
2012-04-29 19:35
Briggs,
I tried it also, not sure why it is not working but try a direct address rather than the link.
www.strath.ac.uk
That should be ok, then add /moodofthenation for some reason that seems to work.
I tried it also, not sure why it is not working but try a direct address rather than the link.
www.strath.ac.uk
That should be ok, then add /moodofthenation for some reason that seems to work.
#
2012-04-29 17:58
After last Sunday's Politics Scotland totally ignored the council elections today's edition contained only a relatively short item about the elections and funnily enough consisted solely with coverage of Edinburgh.
Everybody knows that Glasgow is the main story - it's interesting that The BBC ignored Glasgow apart from a few words from Brillo Pad on the London part of the program.
Everybody knows that Glasgow is the main story - it's interesting that The BBC ignored Glasgow apart from a few words from Brillo Pad on the London part of the program.
#
2012-04-30 13:30
I am proud that we can say in truth, that the SNP are the only party with Scotland's welfare at it's heart, with no allegiance to Westminster.
We need to continue ramming home the point until it sinks in.
We need to continue ramming home the point until it sinks in.
#
2012-04-30 13:38
Yes,yes and yes again.
Labour can do all their shouting on the stairs or outside the houses about,"We're for the man/woman in the street".
What they can't say is what Leswil says.
Westminster means more of the same.Sorry.
We the ordinary folk just have to take it,like it or not.
Labour would be doing in local government exactly what they've always done in local government.
Which is------?
Labour can do all their shouting on the stairs or outside the houses about,"We're for the man/woman in the street".
What they can't say is what Leswil says.
Westminster means more of the same.Sorry.
We the ordinary folk just have to take it,like it or not.
Labour would be doing in local government exactly what they've always done in local government.
Which is------?
#
2012-04-30 17:18
I apologise if you think I was patronising D_A_N 2012-04-29 19:54. It was not my intention.
Your assumption was wrong; I did come up with what you call “nonsense” by myself. Perhaps you would care to say why you consider it so.
What led me to the conclusion?
I received, election leaflets from the SNP on separate occasions, one ordering the candidates 1.2.3. An existing councillor: who had over the “quota” in 2007 at 1, the other existing councillor at 2 and the new hopeful 3.
The second leaflet reversed that order. As you will see from the formula in my earlier post only first choices are used.
Hence in my opinion STV can be manipulated, by ANY Party who can afford to field multiple candidates and clever canvassing (prompting of the party faithful in different areas).
Your assumption was wrong; I did come up with what you call “nonsense” by myself. Perhaps you would care to say why you consider it so.
What led me to the conclusion?
I received, election leaflets from the SNP on separate occasions, one ordering the candidates 1.2.3. An existing councillor: who had over the “quota” in 2007 at 1, the other existing councillor at 2 and the new hopeful 3.
The second leaflet reversed that order. As you will see from the formula in my earlier post only first choices are used.
Hence in my opinion STV can be manipulated, by ANY Party who can afford to field multiple candidates and clever canvassing (prompting of the party faithful in different areas).
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