Bid for Freedom!

The waiting game

2009-10-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

I could be in labour any moment now (that’s the process of giving birth, and not the political party before anyone starts spreading rumours!). I’ve been making the most of this part of my maternity leave, and using it to organise some campaign things and get my filing in order – but it’s very frustrating to have such little energy or flexibility! I keep dropping things on the floor, and have to wait for Jamie to pick them up for me. My mum and dad visited last week and very kindly helped with the housework, gardening and furniture building – while I sat with my feet up. :o)

Anyway, I thought I would quickly reflect on my experience of the NHS during my pregnancy. In short, it has been excellent. I have been prodded and poked by a whole host of healthcare professionals over the last 9 months. In some ways, it has felt like I have totally surrendered control of my pregnancy to the NHS, such has been the level of care. However, it has also been reassuring to know that there is so much support available – from the extra GP and nurse appointments, to the regular midwife appointments and antenatal classes. Every person in the NHS who has looked after us has been so patient, reassuring and professional.

As a first time mum-to-be, pregnancy has been the most daunting period of my life. I suppose I could describe myself as a researcher ‘by trade’, so it is quite scary to be taking on a role I know so little about – parenting! But no amount of reading or research can prepare anyone for being a parent I suppose, and both Jamie and I will have to learn as we go!

New destiNation article

2009-10-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have been neglecting my blog over recent months, mainly because I didn't think I would be able to refrain from using it to vent frustration at all my pregnancy-related 'ailments'! Plus, I usually only had time to blog late at night, and I've been heading to bed much earlier than usual. Growing a new little person is hard work!

Anyway, I have still managed to keep destiNation going and this post is just to let any readers this blog still has know that there is a new article up there.

The article is from Jim and Margaret Cuthbert, and is the first in a series of articles that will look at the implications of the current economic crisis.

New issue of destiNation

2009-09-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of destiNation has now been published, with the following articles:

William Henderson discusses the response of the Labour Party to the SNP’s planned independence referendum.

Jamie Hepburn MSP criticises the latest challenge to free university education from Stewart Sutherland.

Patrick Grady discusses a recent UNICEF report into child well-being, which is the subject of a motion to SNP Conference in October.

Bill Ramsay examines the prospects of the new Curriculum for Excellence.

David Livey makes his first contribution to destiNation and makes a strong case for scrapping Trident.

Social Mobility

2009-07-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

This report published yesterday got me thinking about my days at Edinburgh University, and about a couple of conversations I witnessed at the time.

The first was outside the library, when I overheard two girls talking about the queues to access university computers.

Girl one: ‘Yes, I had to wait 30 minutes for a computer yesterday’

Girl two: ‘I called my Daddy last night, and he said “don’t worry darling – I’ll put a couple of grand in your account in the morning and you can get yourself a laptop”. What a relief.”

Then, there was another conversation in one of my tutorials when we were discussing poverty.

Student one: ‘Well you do have huge inequalities. For example, I’ve seen students from this university doing their food shopping at Marks and Spencer’

Student two: ‘I’ve seen YOU in Marks and Spencer food department’

Student one: ‘Yes, I WORK there!’

Not that I’m having a go at either the girl who came from a family that could afford to put £2000 in her account, which allowed her to buy a laptop to help with her studies, or the student who could afford to do her weekly food shop in M&S.

However, most of us were not in such a privileged position at university. Most folk I knew got by with a mixture of grants, student loans, bank overdrafts and credit cards, part-time jobs and a modest parental contribution. And we still left university in debt…

Edinburgh University did have a significant proportion of students from wealthy families – for example, there were a couple of blokes in my year driving round in cars that would have paid me through university a couple of times over. And the advantages of that wealth were very apparent at the time. Students from wealthy families had almost always been privately educated and had experience of debating (important in a politics class), and a great deal more confidence than those of us who went to state school. They didn’t have to work while at university, and so had more time to study and/or get unpaid relevant work experience. They also didn’t have the stress of money worries either, and the distraction of working out how to pay the electricity bill rather than thinking about the essay they should be writing. Plus, they could just buy the books on the reading list, and not have to spend hours in the photocopy room at the library.

I’m not complaining about my time at university – I loved it! Plus, I wouldn’t swap my experiences for the world. For one thing, juggling work with my studies was great for my time management skills.

However, it is clear that coming from a wealthy family does give people a huge advantage throughout their years in education and early working life.

How to level the playing field? Well, that’s a question that will take longer to answer than the remaining minutes of my lunch hour permit.

destiNation - poverty

2009-07-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of destiNation is now online, and the theme of this issue is poverty.

A bumpy ride?

2009-05-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

As a (relatively) young woman in politics, and one very aware of the gender dimension of politics – having both studied gender politics and also convening the SNP Women’s Forum for a time – I am disappointed that women are under-represented in this vital area of public life.

There was some debate in a number of blogs in recent months over the issue of all women shortlists in the Labour party. I personally disagree with that particular measure, but I don’t know what things are like in the Labour party, and if they feel the need for such measures, then it’s not my place to comment. I don’t intend to tread that ground again either, but rather share a bit of good news.

As regular readers of the blog will be aware, I am a candidate for the next Westminster election. I was selected back in September 2007 for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East. But what many people won’t yet know is that I am expecting a baby in a few months.

Naturally, I was slightly apprehensive about telling people in my local constituency, because I didn’t want them to think that my commitment to the election campaign has lessened any. Don’t get me wrong – I knew people would be happy for me and Jamie on a personal level, but thought that they may have some concerns about my capacity to campaign as the bump grew. I’m also aware that Catherine Stihler was being criticised on the doorsteps for being pregnant - as a deliberate tactic to undermine her candidacy - by a certain political party (not mine!) in the Dunfermline & West Fife by-election. So I was aware of general prejudice out there I suppose, and the possibility of our political opponents locally utilising such tactics.

I shouldn’t have worried. Everyone in the local SNP and wider party is delighted for us, and as far as they are concerned, it isn’t an issue. I also found out that one of our local councillors was pregnant when she stood for the council. She said that canvassing was great, because everybody asked her in for a cup of tea and a sit down! I have been told not to overdo things, to avoid stairwells, and not to feel under pressure to do more than I feel up to just because I’m the candidate.

Interestingly, a handful of people have asked me if I intend to continue as a candidate now that I’m pregnant – but none of those people are involved in politics. Nobody in the SNP has asked me that question. So perhaps some people will look at me out campaigning and disapprove, but I’ve not had any negative reactions on the doorsteps so far.

I just wanted to share my experience and point out that women do not always get a raw deal in politics. I have never experienced any prejudice in the SNP because of my gender (or for any other reason), and I know that the expectation of prejudice is one common reason that women don’t put themselves forward for election. And now, as a pregnant youngish woman standing for parliament, I feel 100% supported by my party – nationally and locally.

And my commitment to the campaign? Well, now that I have my very own little member of the next generation on the way, my resolve to help make Scotland a better place to live is stronger than ever.

The cost of politics

2009-05-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

As a political activist, I have had been on the receiving end of many an insult (and even some threats) over the years. Ranging from the drunk man who approached me in Dundee city centre, asking me if I wanted ‘a punch in the face’, to the woman in Perth who shouted at me ‘you people should be shot’. There was the man in Livingston who told me he would like to take me ‘round the corner’ and do some unspeakable things to me... and then the young man in Glasgow who grabbed my leaflets, and then told Jamie (who came to my assistance) that he would leave him ‘in a pool of blood’. Then there is my personal favourite – the man who strode towards me, and informed me: ‘I wouldn’t p*** on Alex Salmond if he was on fire’. I must say, if I saw Alex Salmond in said state, it wouldn’t be my first instinct to relief myself on him either!

So what is the point of this stroll through memory lane? No, it’s not to panic my mum.

The point is, my experience of being involved in politics is a mixed one. On the one hand, I get a huge amount of personal satisfaction by working towards something that I feel passionately about, I have made a number of very good friends through the SNP, I met my husband through the SNP, and through campaigning I get to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t. On the other, I spend pretty much all of what should be my spare time on politics, which means I don’t get to see my family and friends nearly as much as I would like, it costs a pretty penny (all that travel to various by-elections, stamps, envelopes, SNP raffles, etc), I manage to wreck my gloves on rusty gates each winter and politics can be a very frustrating business.

There are times, such as now, that being involved in politics is particularly frustrating. The whole saga regarding MPs’ expenses has left a sour taste in everyone’s mouths – and mine is no exception. There is no excuse for spending taxpayers’ money like water – recession or no recession. While it is clear that not all MPs have abused the system, many have taken advantage and a few have clearly cheated the system. I just can’t comprehend how anyone could square these claims with their conscience.

And it’s not just the money. What also worries me is the mindset of these MPs, and just how detached from reality some of them seem to be. If the rest of us want something, we have to pay for it ourselves. It really must be easier to spend other people’s money...

What will be the legacy of this whole affair? Will it put some people off getting involved in politics and standing for election? Will it turn some people off politics and voting altogether? I think it will.

As a candidate myself, I find it more difficult than I would as an activist to talk to people on the doorsteps about this issue. As somebody standing to become an MP at the next election, I am aware that some people will now be thinking, ‘Is she for real, or is she just in it for the money...’

And what can I say to people? ‘I’m honest. I wouldn’t claim these expenses.’

Why should people believe me? Would I believe me?

I don’t blame people for being cynical at all, and only hope that I am given the opportunity to prove myself.

As for MPs’ expenses, they need to scrap the whole system and only allow for the minimum of expenses. In my current job, I have to travel down to London and I naturally incur additional expenses as a result, for which I am reimbursed. I can claim for my train fare (with a receipt), lunch and dinner (up to £12 with a receipt) and overnight accommodation (with a receipt). Not a bad system.

Presidential Visit Today

2009-05-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

I was out on the campaign trail with SNP President (and number 1 on the SNP’s list of candidates for the European Parliament election) Ian Hudghton today in Lennoxtown. Ian was visiting the area as part of the European Parliament election, which takes place on 4th June 2009. Also in the photo is Cllr David Key and my other half, Jamie. It doesn't quite show in the photo, but it was a lovely sunny day!

Back to Blogging!

2009-05-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

After a short and unintentional break from blogging, I intend to get back in the swing of things. I've been under the weather recently, and didn't have the energy to put thoughts into words - and I've missed the chance to comment on some juicy stuff.

Some things never change though - Labour politicians are still more interested in their own affairs than what's going on in the real world. Am I the only one fed up of constant reports about who may or may not challenge Gordon Brown for the leadership? I hope I'm not the only one.

My main focus at the moment is on campaigning for the European elections in June. I spent a good chunk of the day delivering leaflets in the rain - don't you just love public holidays! I'm looking forward to work tomorrow, not least because I will be warm and dry and sat down at my desk. My boss is great, and bound to make me a cuppa too :o)

Anyway, I'm about to watch Endgame on Channel 4, so over and out for now.

destiNation April 2009

2009-04-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of destiNation has now been published. This month's issue focuses on constitutional change. Fellow blogger Ideas of Civilisation has also contributed to this month's issue - check out his article and more here.

Euro hustings in Cumbernauld

2009-03-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

European fever hit Cumbernauld at the weekend, when the SNP's candidates for the European elections rolled into town. OK, perhaps 'fever' is an over-statement. It was a cold, wet Saturday night when the candidates turned up to Cornerstone House to address SNP members. But it was an interesting evening, and the candidates covered a lot of ground - and we all went away more informed than when we arrived. The smiles you see below are not the standard politician smiles. Oh no. Everyone had just had a nice biscuit with their cup of tea!

Anyway, the group you see before you is a mixture of the European candidates, local councillors and of course me and my other half (we never miss a good photo opportunity!).

The European elections don't usually set the heather alight in Scotland, but the EU has more impact than many people think. Sitting listening to the candidates, it really hit home just how much influence EU decisions have on our everyday lives. The EU shapes our laws, and is also a key source of funding for numerous community projects across Scotland. Duncan Ross (European candidate on the left of the photo) urged us to look out for projects in our area that simply wouldn't happen without EU funding, and use that information to explain to people just why the EU elections really do matter to people locally. Ian Hudghton (MEP and SNP President, next to Duncan in the photo) pointed out that the EU provides plenty of opportunities that Scotland is missing out on, because the UK Government (as the member state) doesn't utilise them.

I am personally looking forward to the European Parliament elections in June (well, I say that now, but ask me again when I've been chapping doors in the rain for hours...). These elections give us the opportunity to highlight just how much Scotland is held back by our lack of independence. Having no direct influence in the EU might not seem like a 'bread and butter' issue, especially these days, but constitutional constraints like these affect our ability to tackle the problems that matter most to people.

destiNation goes nuclear!

2009-02-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of destiNation has been published and can be viewed here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Andy Kerr on your doorstep

2009-02-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Andy Kerr knocks on your door. He is furious, absolutely furious, he tells you.

“It’s outrageous!” says Andy, “the SNP have abandoned their plans to scrap the Council Tax”.

“Why is that outrageous?” you ask.

Andy: Well, because they promised to do it.

You: OK, well why are they not doing it now?

Andy: They can’t get it through parliament at the moment.

You: Why’s that?

Andy: Well... because both Labour and the Tories object to it and they know we won’t support the legislation.

You: But, if you don’t want to scrap the Council Tax, why are you so angry?

Andy: Because they promised they would do it.

You: But it’s not their fault that they can’t do it; surely it’s yours for blocking the policy?

Andy: But it was in their manifesto – so they should deliver it!

You: Aren’t they a minority government? Don’t they need the support of other parties to get legislation through?

Andy: Yes, but they promised!

You: So, let me get this right. You are angry because the minority SNP Government is being prevented from delivering a reform that you object to anyway?

Andy: Yes

You: Goodbye!

Anne McLaughlin

2009-02-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Bashir Ahmad was a lovely man, one passionately committed to the cause of Scottish independence, and he is a huge loss to the SNP and Scottish politics. His presence in the Scottish Parliament was about more than symbolism – he was much more than just his race or religion. He was a great politician in his own right.

His passing inevitably means that a vacancy had to be filled in the Scottish Parliament. That was always going to be a difficult role for anyone to take up, especially given how close people in Glasgow SNP are to each other.

Anne McLaughlin has therefore found herself in the position of Scotland’s newest MSP in the most tragic of circumstances.

Given those circumstances you would expect the media and opposition politicians to show some sensitivity towards Anne, at least for a few days. But that is not the case. Instead, we have seen some ludicrous attacks on her from various quarters.

Anne is a good friend of mine, and I find it hard to see her being unfairly attacked.

A better friend you could not hope to meet. Anne’s only flaw (apart from her love of karaoke) is that she always puts others first, often to the exclusion of her own best interests. In a world where I increasingly despair at how selfish people are, I often find myself urging Anne to be more selfish!

Anne has spent her adult life campaigning for independence, with humour, passion and commitment. She is honest, considered and compassionate. And you would be struggling to find somebody who works harder than she does.

Her personality is irrepressible – in a good way! That certainly comes across in her blog, and it is rather disappointing that people are trying to use some of her comments against her. People always complain that politicians are dull, but when they do show they are human beings with personalities they are often metaphorically slapped down or ridiculed for it.

Anne is far from dull, and she will make a first class elected representative for Glasgow and Scotland. I am proud to call her a friend.

The Budget - a more personal reflection

2009-02-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have found some of the coverage of the Budget process in the Scottish Parliament vaguely interesting, but most of it rather dull and predictable. It’s really easy to come to some of the conclusions that many of the journalists have come to, and to an extent they perpetuate many of the stereotypes of politicians. Winners and losers. Players and wannabes.

I don’t want to engage with the ins and outs of all the analysis, but rather put my tuppence worth in from a more personal point of view.

For me, the most interesting element to this whole Budget situation has been John Swinney (I hope he doesn’t mind being described as an element!). Having worked for John a few years ago, I was privileged to see at close quarters both how he worked and what he was really like.

And I have to say, as I’m sure I have done before on this blog, that John is a thoroughly decent, hard-working, principled, genuine bloke. He also has a very good sense of humour – something that comes in very handy in the rough and tumble world that politics can be!

His skill in navigating the Government’s Budget through parliament is not due, in my opinion, to him being an ‘operator’ or ‘master manipulator’ – skills that many people in politics have to utilise because they are lacking in others… Rather, his strengths have been his intellect and honesty. He is good at what he does because he knows his brief. He was able to pull together broad agreement because he is a straightforward negotiator, with the best of intentions. You can’t catch somebody like that out, because they aren’t hiding anything or playing tricks.

As for the suggestion that Patrick Harvie (or more accurately the Scottish Green Party group – don’t forget Robin Harper!) has been punished for his/their actions last week, I think that is unfair. I’m sure it was the instinctive reaction of many who wanted the Budget to pass last week, but that’s not how John works. I’m sure he will be disappointed that the Greens did not get on board, but I sincerely doubt he will freeze them out as an act of revenge. After all, he just worked with both the Lib Dems and Labour Party to secure a deal, despite their no votes last week (and the motivations of those parties were arguably less defensible than the Green position).

John Swinney – well done that man!

Busy Day!

2009-02-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a busy day, as we had a campaign workday in Cumbernauld and then both Jamie and I were speaking at a Burns Supper in Falkirk last night.

The Young Scots for Independence (YSI) were meeting in Cumbernauld yesterday, so they hooked up with our Westminster campaign, to help with canvassing. Thanks folks!

Then off to Falkirk, where Jamie gave the Toast to the Lassies and I did the Reply from the Lassies. These kind of speeches are always quite nerve-wracking, much more so than a political speech. But thankfully people laughed, and it was a good day all round.

BBC & DEC Appeal

2009-01-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

The decision by the BBC not to air the DEC appeal to raise funds for the people of Gaza is beyond comprehension.

The 'explanation' from the BBC is absurd in my opinion.

Here's an extract:

"This is because Gaza remains a major ongoing news story, in which humanitarian issues - the suffering and distress of civilians and combatants on both sides of the conflict, the debate about who is responsible for causing it and what should be done about it - are both at the heart of the story and contentious." Mark Thompson, BBC

I have highlighted one phrase, because I think we all know one thing for sure. The thousands of innocent children who are hungry, injured and traumatised because of this attack on Gaza are certainly not responsible for it. They are waiting for the humanitarian aid that will ease some of their suffering.

When it comes to delivering humanitarian aid, the charities involved to do not judge the rights and wrongs of the situation they are presented with. They alleviate suffering wherever they find it, whoever has caused it. They respond humanely to people in the most tragic of circumstances. By refusing to show the DEC appeal, it is the BBC that shows bias - by politicising an appeal which is purely and simply about helping people in desperate need.

On the campaign trail

2009-01-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

After a day out campaigning in Cumbernauld today, I am posting a photograph of me campaigning in....Kilsyth!

Last Saturday, we took to the streets of Kilsyth to hand out 'warm winter' leaflets I put together with information on how to get help to pay those ever-increasing fuel bills. It was so COLD. As I stood shivering while talking to a 90 year old lady about what she may be entitled to, the irony was not lost on her. She said I should take my own advice on staying warm!

Also in the picture is my other half, Jamie, and local SNP activist Claire Fyvie (who was also our by-election candidate in the Kilsyth ward last year). It's hard to believe that a whole year has passed since that by-election!

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

We went to see Slumdog Millionaire earlier in the week. Don't click here if you are planning to see it.

I personally think the marketing of this film is slightly bizarre, because all the adverts I have seen describe it as a 'feel good' film. Well, it certainly didn't make me feel good. While watching it, I felt ashamed to be part of the human race because of the unspeakable things we do to each other.

It's not like I'm not aware of how bad the world can be - I work for a human rights organisation and spend a part of each day reading about the terrible things that people do to other human beings. But when they are brought to life in such a stark way, it still shocks.

I suspected that the plot of Slumdog Millionaire may be darker than advertised, but I was taken aback at how shocking some scenes were. I don't want to give away anything here, just in case anyone reading plans to go see it.

And despite my description, I think people should absolutely see this film. It was an amazing film. The acting - especially from the young boys - is fantastic. The story is quite clever, with various twists and turns. Plus, it really hits you hard and makes you reflect on your own life, and on the state of the world around you.

Take some tissues for the tears, but go see this film.

destiNation - Europe!

2009-01-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of destiNation has now been published, and this month has a European flavour - with three of the SNP's candidates for the European Parliament elections in June writing articles for the pro-independence website.

Ian Hudghton MEP (SNP President), Anne McLaughlin (AKA Indygal) and Dr Duncan Ross (SNP National Secretary) have all written for this month's destiNation on EU-related topics.

There are also articles from destiNation regulars - Stephen Bowman, Patrick Grady and Jamie Hepburn.

Happy New Year?

2009-01-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

It's about time I posted my first message of 2009, and said 'Happy New Year!' to you all.

Although, I have actually been quite hesitant about saying HAPPY New Year to people, mainly because of the economic gloom that is taking hold. The year ahead will no doubt be tough for a lot of people, and there is a lot of unease and uncertainty in the air.

It's all people are talking about - on the news, sitting on the train, in queues in the supermarket...

Anyway, I didn't swing by to be miserable - just to check in and to wish everyone all the best for 2009.

I'll be back soon, hopefully with something more coherent and interesting to say. You never know, it could happen one of these days ;o)

Minimum Wage

2008-12-30T14:26:00.000-08:00

How predictable. There have not only been calls to freeze the minimum wage, but also to allow businesses to pay their employees less than the minimum wage because of current economic problems. My blood pressure was going through the roof yesterday when I heard a UKIP politician on Radio 2 calling for businesses to be allowed to pay below the National Minimum Wage!

So, the cause of the current recession has been the National Minimum Wage then? Here I was thinking it had something to do with bankers, politicians, greed and the flaws of capitalism...
It is at times like this the injustice of the system becomes even more stark. There is a rich and powerful elite running this world, and then there are the rest of us. They – the bankers, business people and world ‘leaders’ - make a mess of running things, and everybody else has to pay for their failures. And it is usually the least well off and the least powerful who have to pay the most.

Let us never forget why the National Minimum Wage (NMW) was introduced in the first place. It was because many employers, left to their own devices, paid disgustingly low wages. Many people were being exploited by businesses, as they tried to keep running costs as low as possible. The introduction of the NMW is one of the few things I will praise the Labour Government for. It is a measure that has cross-party support (even the Tories don’t suggest scrapping it now/yet) and that is progress that should never be surrendered – especially not in times of economic turmoil.

Even at the current level, I still don’t think the NMW is high enough. It is no coincidence that those you hear arguing against increases earn substantially more than £5.73 an hour.
People are not mere entities whose purpose is to serve the economy; the economy is here to serve people. If a system is not delivering for people (all the people) then it is not working, and we need to look at alternatives.

Some tough choices will need to be taken in a recession, but reducing the income of the lowest paid should never be an option in attempting to keep businesses afloat. Perhaps those at the other end of the income scale should be asked to contribute more in these tough times? I have another couple of suggestions too. How about scrapping the UK’s immoral and outrageously expensive nuclear weapons and abandoning plans for useless ID cards? As I said, there are few things I would praise the UK Labour Government for and even those achievements are undermined by their continued investment in weapons of mass destruction and by spending billions on an illegal war in Iraq.

I think it is highly unlikely that the NMW will be suspended for any length of time, but I also hope the UK Government will commit to the next scheduled increase. People need the money more than ever now.

NHS uniforms

2008-12-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

I'm not a fan of simply posting up Scottish Government press releases, but I will make an exception for this one.

Nicola Sturgeon has announced a new dress code for the NHS, which is partly for hygiene reasons. The new code also states that staff should not be wearing their uniforms outwith their place of work. Frankly, I am baffled as to why NHS staff have ever been allowed to! There are clear implications for hygiene.

I remember, many moons ago, when the Scottish Ambulance Service issued new uniforms. When I was wee my Dad used to head off to work in a tailored pair of navy trousers, a light blue shirt, navy tie and navy jumper. This ensemble was washed and ironed at home. Then came along the bright green boiler suits that we are all familiar with. They were not popular with ambulance staff to begin with (they are not at all flattering on anyone), but everyone saw how much more practical they are. All of my Dad's uniforms are also now washed at the ambulance station.

There are also different colours of boiler suits for different jobs within the ambulance service too.

All in all, I think this is great news for the NHS. I think part of the reason that Nicola makes such a fantastic Health Secretary is her capacity for common sense - she gets what the rest of us see, even if some other politicians can't see the wood for the trees sometimes. Nicola's relentless focus on improving hospital hygiene will, I think, transform the NHS. She has one of the most difficult jobs in Scotland, not just Scottish politics. But she is certainly up to the job!

Recession: For Beginners

2008-11-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

When talk of recession was starting to bubble, I received a phone call from somebody a few years younger than I am (I won't name them), who wanted to know what exactly a recession was. Goodness knows why they think I am the fount of all knowledge! Anyway, it struck me that there is a whole generation of young adults who haven't experienced a recession before, and it's going to hit them hard.

Not a week has gone by recently when I haven't met somebody who has just lost their job, and it is absolutely devastating - especially in the current climate, because they aren't confident about being able to find another one. It's disgraceful that people have been landed in this situation, through no fault of their own. The greed of bankers and the failure of governments to rein them in would be unbelievable if we weren't now living with the consequences.

What particularly worries me about this current financial downturn though, is the added ingredient of record levels of personal debt. Over the last decade or so the UK Government has encouraged people to take on huge (and unsustainable) levels of personal debt. Banks have been allowed to lend people more money than they could afford to pay back - either in the form of mortgages or personal loans. A whole generation of university students have been indoctrinated into the debt lifestyle, because they had no choice if they wanted to get a degree. I remember my first £100 overdraft in my first year at university. I felt sick to my stomach being in debt, but over the years, like most students, I got used to living with debt - it was normal to be in debt!

And then there are credit cards - buy now, pay a LOT MORE later! Yes, we all bear personal responsibility for our spending, but what about the responsibility of government? Why have they let this culture of debt flourish? Well, because it was in their interest to do so. If people have access to credit, then they feel more affluent and they can buy things that they want. The more affluent and satisfied they feel, the more inclined they are to support the party in government. Little wonder either that Gordon Brown was very happy to preside over unsustainable house price rises over the last decade... It made people feel better off.

While we (in general) have been getting into debt, Gordon Brown has also been getting the UK taxpayer further into debt. A double whammy. Now, we have really been landed in it with this latest round of borrowing. The full extent of the financial shambles Brown and co. have landed us all in will not be clear for a few years yet, but one thing is for sure - we will all pay later.

destiNation

2008-11-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of destiNation has now been published - view it here.

Glenrothes - What Now?

2008-11-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

Don't worry regular readers, I haven't been hiding in a cupboard over the weekend, distraught over Thursday's result in Glenrothes. I just haven't had internet access.

I think both Richard and Anne's postings on the result best reflect my own feelings.

Obviously, I was disappointed not to win - not least for Peter Grant and all the activists who have worked so hard over the last few months on this by-election campaign. Suddenly, those 'campaigning holidays' we took in Glenrothes at the expense of a genuine holiday seem even more of a sacrifice.

I was disappointed, but not deflated. As Anne says, defeat can be as motivating as victory. Personally, I was texting our campaign coordinator in Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East about our planned activities for November first thing on Friday morning!

In the face of such a negative campaign from the Labour Party, I am very proud of the SNP campaign. We could have stooped to their level and distributed nasty anti-Labour leaflets, but we didn't. I'm glad we didn't. On polling day itself I spoke to one woman who had already voted SNP that day, who stated her intention to write to Peter Grant after the election - regardless of the result. I initially thought that she had an issue she wanted him to take up on her behalf, but no - she wanted to congratulate him for the positive SNP campaign. She said we were the only one of the main parties not to have put something 'nasty' through her door.

Yes, I think we all recognise now that the SNP should have been more direct in taking on Labour's smears about certain local issues, but that doesn't mean that we should have engaged in the kind of negative campaigning that Labour resorted to out of desperation.

This by-election has reminded me that we cannot take it for granted that good ideas, reasonable arguments, hard work and positive campaigning are enough to persuade people to vote for the SNP. We are up against a barrage of negativity from all the parties who want to deny Scotland independence. That doesn't mean that we have to fight dirty to counter their tactics, but we do have to be constantly aware of the need to overcome it.

Glenrothes

2008-11-06T03:12:00.000-08:00

After lunch, I have the afternoon off work to head up to Glenrothes for polling day.

I'm a little wary, as I sprained my ankle while canvassing there on Sunday. I couldn't walk on Monday, and had to stay at home with my feet up. That seemed to do the trick, because it is feeling much better now. Goodness knows what pain I might be in later though!

I'm not exactly a robust character. Exercise always seems to bring an injury of some variety. I can't stand the cold either. I have Raynaud's, which is a circulation problem. So, in the winter my hands and feet get VERY cold and it is often quite painful. My GP's advice a few years ago was not to go out during winter if I could help it, and if I did venture out, then I'd better get some ski gloves. Not good news for a political activist like myself! If I confined myself to campaigning in the warmer months, then I'd hardly be out. I did buy ski gloves (or more accurately, I think my mum bought them for me), but they are too bulky for canvassing and leafleting - my hands get stuck in the letterboxes!

Anyway, enough of this self-pity. We have a by-election to win!

It always evokes a wry smile from me on the doorsteps when people say that party activists are in politics for themselves. Believe me, the hundreds of SNP activists that are in Glenrothes today would be much better off staying at work (and not losing precious annual leave) or at home with a nice cup of tea. Then there are the train and bus fares, or petrol, to get there. But if you believe in something, and you want to make a difference, then you can't help but get involved and work towards that.

Today, the world does feel a slightly different (and better) place because of what has happened in the US. The world has become an increasingly cynical place over the last decade, and I think it is about time that we looked at things afresh and at our potential, as individuals, communities, countries and global citizens to really change things.

I do think that this mood may impact on the decision of people in Glenrothes on whether or not to cast their vote today, and on who they decide to cast it for.

We will have to wait a little longer to find out though, and I've got a train to catch.

History

2008-11-05T01:35:00.000-08:00

So, did my endorsement swing it for Obama? I'm far too modest to comment ;o)

I stayed up as long as I could last night to watch the results (even doing some ironing to stay awake) and I missed him crossing the finishing line - but it was clear by the time I was dozing off that victory would be his.

On the train this morning, and coming in to my office building, I could hear conversations about Obama - and even a little chanting! His campaign has not just energised the US, but it has also given a little bit of hope to people all over the world.

I don't envy him. He has a massive task ahead of him. Despite the current economic situation, expectations of him are high - especially from those who voted for the first time in this election. There are a lot of people who are looking to him to make their lives better. Four, even eight years, is not a lot of time to make the kind of changes that are necessary to transform the lives of Americans struggling in low paid jobs or to tackle the massive challenges posed by the US system of health care.

One thing is for sure though - along with Joe Biden, he will do a whole lot better than the McCain/Palin duo ever could.

I think it is in the international arena that Obama can deliver the most clear change, and he has the potential to change the way the rest of the world perceives the US, and also how the US interacts with the rest of the world.

Back to an election closer to home now, and to Glenrothes. There have been a few people talking about the US elections on the doorstep, and they were talking optimistically about the future. Hopefully people in Glenrothes and across Scotland will be motivated by this momentous result, and grab a bit of change for themselves.

Dressed for independence

2008-10-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

I am no fan of Sarah Palin's politics, but I am envious of her clothing allowance.

I can only imagine what activists in my constituency would say if I suggested that our campaign funds could be used to fund my haircuts, clothes and shoes! After they had stopped laughing of course...

Anyway, here I am outside SNP Conference in Perth last week with my other half. I don't need a clothing allowance to look stylish, I'm sure you'll agree ;o)

Alcohol motion - update

2008-10-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well, the YSI amendment (mentioned in my previous post) was defeated after an interesting debate at SNP Conference today.

I personally voted for the YSI amendment, and regret that it did not pass - although a substantial number of delegates voted in favour too.

I fail to see how the YSI amendment could have been interpreted as an attack on the Scottish Government. Indeed, the YSI speakers in the debate all praised the general thrust of the proposals and the approach to this issue. I agree with the vast majority of the proposals in the consultation paper as well, I might add, and I congratulate our Government on putting forward some quite radical proposals.

The debate today was in stark contrast to the hysterical reaction of the opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament. Contributions from all perspectives in the debate today were principled, measured and constructive.

While I may lament the result of the vote, at the same time I am proud of the SNP's democratic credentials. The media and opposition parties might not get it, but we are a democratic party and that means having debates - including debates about our own Government's policies. This is healthy - especially in a governing party!

More on Conference soon...

SNP Conference

2008-10-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it's SNP Conference this week and I'll be packing up my over-sized suitcase as usual and heading along.

There are 3 debates on the agenda that I am particularly interested in contributing to - those on asylum seekers, alcohol abuse and deprivation. I will update next week on whether or not I was selected to speak in the debates and regarding the outcome.

The resolution on alcohol abuse will no doubt generate an interesting exchange of views due to the YSI's amendment on the Government's proposal to raise the age at which you can buy alcohol in off-sales to 21.

Contrary to press reporting on this issue, the YSI have not 'hijacked' this debate at Conference. For every National Conference and National Council, all SNP branches, constituency associations, elected members and affiliated organisations like the YSI can submit resolutions for debate. Earlier this year, one branch submitted a resolution about the Scottish Government's consultation on alcohol and this was published as part of the Conference agenda. At this point, the aforementioned bodies and individuals can submit suggested amendments to these resolutions, which the YSI duly did. This was accepted by the committee responsible for putting together the agenda, which is facilitating the debate in question.

To suggest that the YSI have somehow set out to hijack this debate at Conference does them and the SNP a disservice. The YSI have enaged in the formal policy-making processes of the party, with a very measured amendment. And the SNP has accepted this amendment, because the party is relaxed about internal democratic debate.

I am looking forward to hearing all of the various views put forward, and I hope to add my own.

Tories Rule - (not) OK

2008-10-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

So, the Tories think they can rule Scotland from Westminster, regardless of the election result in Scotland. Of course they do - look at their record!

David Mundell's comment sent shivers down my spine:

"We will have the right under the devolution settlement, whether the SNP likes that or not, to implement David Cameron's agenda in reserved matters regardless of how many MPs in Scotland we have."

Even if they don't have a single Tory MP elected in Scotland (I actually count David Mundell as zero MPs at the moment - he's as much use as a chocolate fireguard, as my dad would say), they still think they have the right to impose policies upon the people of Scotland that they have rejected at the polls.

Not that New Labour hasn't been foisting unwanted policies on Scotland from Westminster over the last decade, but they at least had an electoral base in Scotland and were the senior coalition partner in the devolved Scottish Executive.

These latest comments from the Tories demonstrate very clearly why they will never revive their fortunes in Scotland. The arrogance is astounding.

And, they demonstrate why independence will always be the better option than being at the mercy of Westminster politicians.

Glenrothes

2008-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

***update - thanks to Patrick (on the left of the pic) for this photo***

Well, I had hoped to supply you with an exciting 'action shot' of me campaigning in Glenrothes at the weekend, but my other half forgot the camera...

Anyway, a group of ten of us made the journey through to Glenrothes for an extended weekend of by-election campaigning. We had a good laugh, and we ploughed our way through the campaign work. This was the first time I had ever been to the area, but everyone was very friendly. Plus, with Glenrothes itself a New Town, parts of it had a familiar feel to Cumbernauld. The place I was canvassing on Saturday resembled Eastfield in Cumbernauld.

Anyway, my absence from blogging has been mainly down to the fact that we still have no internet access at home. BT and Virgin don't seem to want our money, and I don't want to give any money to Sky! So, we are stuck at the moment.

I was out and about last week too, at the Scottish Learning Festival - a massive education festival in Glasgow. I was there with work, and boy it was hard work. I'm a talker, but even I get exhausted speaking to people non-stop for hours on end!

Last week we also had the bad news that Post Office Ltd has decided to close the 5 Post Offices across our constituency that they had previously marked for closure and consultation. Seems to me that the consultation process was pretty futile. The local communities involved submitted excellent cases for the retention of these Post Offices and highlighted the devastating impact closure would have on local residents - particularly older and disabled residents. I'm still campaigning to help ensure that at least some level of service is maintained in the affected areas, as some people really will be stuck without the local Post Office.

OK- I'm on my lunch break, so I can't go on much longer. These are strange times, with all the financial turmoil across the world. I'm not really qualified to comment on the ins and outs of it all, but I have a question to consider for the day. We are constantly told by Governments across the world that there is no more money for state pensions, poverty alleviation or to help developing countries where children are dying from preventable diseases, yet when the banks are in trouble, billions can be 'found' at the drop of a hat. Yet more proof that we could solve the problems facing the world, and all that is standing in the way is a lack of political will?

Right, I'm off for a salad to compensate for all the unhealthy food I ate at the weekend.

destiNation

2008-09-16T03:29:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of destiNation has been published, and can be viewed by clicking here.

Update and a recommendation

2008-09-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

Opportunities to blog have been thin on the ground since we moved at the end of July. We STILL have no internet access at home. Apparently, nobody wants to take our money until they 'spot' us on their systems. The fact that we have done that part for them, by actually telling them where we are, makes no difference it seems.

Anyway, most of my time of late has been consumed by the campaigns to save our local Post Offices (which you cannot have failed to notice in previous posts), but I have also been coordinating the next issue of destiNation - which should be published by the weekend (fingers crossed) - and I have been distracted by things like hanging curtains and pictures and telling everyone in officialdom about our change of address. I've also been organising what I like to call a 'campaigning holiday' to Glenrothes.

We are settling in well to our new home in Cumbernauld, and it's no surprise to me that it is one of the happiest places to live in the UK. I must remember to tell my parents this, in my ongoing quest to get them to move to the area!

This is a bit of a lunchtime ramble, so I feel I should also impart some useful or interesting information to make this visit worth your while. If you are looking for a good book to read, I recently finished an excellent book on the Rwandan genocide. Yes, it is incredibly depressing and upsetting, but it's something we all have a duty to learn about. It's called 'We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families', by Philip Gourevitch. Line up something cheerful to read immediately afterwards though.

Rhetoric we can believe in

2008-09-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

No, I've not been in Stockholm all this time. Back home on 25 August, but to bad news. My nana was dying. So, it's been a sad time and I haven't really felt like blogging.

Plus, I had 5 submissions to write for the consultation on the proposed closure of Post Offices across Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East. (Got them up on my campaign website for anyone who is interested.) Hopefully those in charge of this process will see the value of these Post Offices to the communities they serve, and give them a reprieve. We can but try.

I've also been trying to follow political events in the US. I watched the Barack Obama speech, and I was impressed to an extent. He is evidently a very intelligent and considered man, and charismatic with it. His speech, while very polished and principled, did lack a lot of substance. He is also nowhere near as radical as he needs to be to solve the endemic problems, particularly of the poor, in America. But then, how can he be? He is so constrained by the political culture in which he operates - a political system dominated by the cult of personality, money and religion.

There are so many vested interests that he has to pay cognisance of too. While it is painfully obvious (to me at least) that the US needs an NHS, how can any politician in that country get away with abolishing the current system entirely? The insurance companies have their ways of protecting their position.

Another problem with the US political system (crikey, I'm on a roll today), is the concept of the 'American dream'. The idea that everyone has the chance to 'rise up', to 'make it'. Yes, social mobility is fantastic. Opportunity is fantastic. But the problem with that idea, that system, is that not everyone can 'make it'. Under the capitalist system, there will always be some people at the top of the tree - with the flash careers and wads of cash - and others who are required to do the low paid work that is the foundation of the 'success' of others. Literally, people are being sold a dream. But that means that, even if the system is working perfectly according to supporters of the 'American dream' system, there will always be those who are left struggling. Surely, it makes more sense to be aspiring to a society where everyone can be successful, and no one feels like a second-class citizen?

But this is not Barack Obama's fault, and I think he represents the best hope for the future of the US. For surely incremental change is better than none at all?

Greetings from Stockholm!

2008-08-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

In Stockholm at the moment for a friend's wedding. It's such a beautiful city. I can't post any pcitures right now unfortunately, but my blog photo on the right was taken in Stockholm a couple of years ago.

I was on tour of the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament) earlier with Jamie and our friend Willie. Don't worry - this isn't about to become a 'everything's better in Sweden because it's a small independent country' type of post. Although, we can certainly learn a lot of lessons from Sweden. I just had to comment on the tour we were given. The woman giving the tour was very forthright in her own political opinions about the changes in Sweden since the right of centre coalition won power two years ago. The phrase 'selling out the welfare state' sticks in my mind!

The system here has some interesting differences to the Scottish Parliament and Westminster. For a start, the elected representatives sit in geographical and not party groupings in the chamber. And the longer you have been in parliament, the nearer the front you get to sit. Also, if an elected member has to be away for a few weeks, the person after them on their party list takes their place in parliament while they are away. Those who have previously served in parliament also have special seats reserved for them on the floor of the chamber.

One thing that was also striking was the level of respect for politicians in Sweden. The woman giving the tour talked of the respect that people have for those who choose to serve in their national legislature, because of the long hours and hard work. I'm sure not everyone in Sweden will hold that view, but it's not something you ever hear back home. The prevailing view of politicians is much more negative.

Anyway, this blogging malarky is eating into my wee holiday. I'm off to treat myself to an ice cream or something.

Post Offices

2008-08-18T02:54:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity - as I do my bit to help save the 5 Post Offices threatened with closure across Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East.

The 5 Post Offices - Banton, Kildrum, Queenzieburn, Rosebank and Waterside - have all been earmarked for closure and there are a whole range of campaign activities taking place to try and save them.

For my part, I have decided to compile responses to the Post Office consultations on the proposed closures. After all, I have had a lot of professional experience responding to consultations on behalf of organisations - so I should put the skills to good use.

I've distributed surveys in all the communities affected, and asked people to write back to tell me exactly how the closure would impact on them personally, as well as the wider community. I'm then going to include all the personal testimony I receive back from local residents in my response to the Post Office. Hopefully, this will strengthen the case against closure of these vital services because it will help demonstrate the consequences of the loss of our local Post Offices.

The more that we can bombard the Post Office with the better.

Of course, these proposals didn't appear from thin air. They are a direct result of decisions taken by the Labour Government at Westminster. Of course, the local Labour politicians are throwing their hands up in horror at the proposed closures. The hypocrisy. People have tried explaining to them, via the letters page of the local papers, that it is their OWN PARTY that is ultimately responsible - but that doesn't stop them from circulating petitions and the like with their names at the top. And we wonder why people are cynical about politics. Well, I give you exhibit A.

I have spoken to many local residents about these proposed closures, and they are in no doubt about who is ultimately to blame. Yet again, we have Labour politicians campaigning against the decisions of their own party. When will the penny drop? If they disagree so much with their own Government, why are they even in the Labour Party?

Anyway, that doesn't stop me from supporting every effort in my area to save these Post Offices. We only have until 1 September to respond to the consultation, but there is plenty planned in the meantime to keep the pressure on.

The most common thing that people have said to me in these 5 areas is - 'what will the old folk do?' Indeed, what will our elderly residents do in these areas? If these Post Offices go, it doesn't just mean that some people will be inconvenienced by having to travel further - they really will be stuck. We cannot let this happen to some of the most vulnerable and isolated members of our society. I spoke to a lady in her nineties yesterday who already struggles to get to her local Post Office in Banton. If that closes, there is just no way she would be able to get to Kilsyth to pick up her pension.

And what of the Post Offices that haven't been earmarked for closure? Well, if those set for closure do go, then the pressure on those left will be immense.

It just doesn't make sense.

Still here

2008-08-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

I know what you must be thinking... I was so overwhelmed with excitement at the by-election win that I had to lie down in a dark room for a while.

Not at all. Not that I wasn't excited, of course, but my absence has been due to a house move, a work trip and a wee hol with family in London. We still have no internet access at home. It's only been just over a week, but I am really struggling without access to my emails, blog, campaign website and destiNation. I realise just how 'electronic' my life has become.

I still remember, when I was at school, first being shown the internet and email and thinking 'I'll NEVER use that'!!! Yes, well, I've never been a cutting edge trend-setter, but once you get the hang of it then it's hard to comprehend what you would do without it.

This ramble is a rather long-winded way of saying that I may be blogging less than usual over the next couple of weeks while I hang pictures and rearrange cushions in our new pad - while I wait for broadband.

John Mason MP

2008-07-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

Well, what a fantastic result for the SNP in Glasgow East!

It is fast approaching midnight, we didn't get home until 4am this morning, we were up rather early to pick up the keys to our new house in Cumbernauld, and I have spent the rest of the day packing and moving boxes around. My feet still ache from yesterday, I am absolutely shattered, but I couldn't be happier.

The removal van is coming early tomorrow, and so I should head off to bed soon. But there is no way I was going to let these historic events pass without a wee comment on my blog.

It's hard to explain just how amazing it was in the early hours of this morning to learn that John Mason had won the Glasgow East by-election. I don't know if it was because I was so tired, or because my hayfever tablet was wearing off by about 1am, but I must admit to shedding a couple of tears when the news came through. It was a very emotional few hours.

The only thing that actually makes me feel a little sad is that the by-election is over! I have so thoroughly enjoyed campaigning in this by-election. I have met some fantastic people over the last few weeks - fellow activists and Glasgow East residents alike.

I blogged a few days ago about the lady who originally wasn't going to vote for John because he was too good a councillor. Well, on polling day, I was given her street to knock-up. I didn't get her in this time, but I spoke to her husband. He told me they had both voted that morning, and that he had been a lifelong Labour supporter. That's right HAD BEEN. He was now a committed SNP supporter and keen to see independence sooner rather than later. I mentioned to him that I had previously spoken to his wife. He gave me a smile, and said 'Yes, I know. She would never tell you this, but she DID vote for John Mason'. Yeah!

And this by-election has been full of encounters like this - meeting people who had always voted Labour but have switched to the SNP. Not just for this by-election either, and that's what really matters. Speaking to people on the doorsteps, it is clear that interest in and support for independence is growing. There are a huge number of people who are genuinely open-minded about independence, and that in itself is amazing progress. And the more contact they have with SNP activists, to answer their questions and lay to rest some of the outright lies told by the other parties the better things will be.

Labour are now suffering at the polls because of their complacency, their ineffective representation and often indifference to the people they have been elected to serve. I met so many people on the campaign trail who had met their Labour representatives a number of times because of various issues. A good thing you would think? Well, actually, no. The feedback I had from residents was that those who had met their Labour representatives were those most likely to be critical. The very last person I spoke to on polling day was particularly damning of his Labour MSP, who he described as treating him with contempt when he went to this MSP with a housing issue. This man had been speaking to John Mason and Nicola Sturgeon a few days ago, and had been impressed with what they had to say. He was voting SNP for the first time, and swore he would never vote Labour again. As soon as John Mason gets his constituency office up and running, the man I was speaking to will be straight along to see him.

At last, Glasgow East has a hard-working MP who really is on their side.

John Mason - one woman's verdict

2008-07-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, my blogging has become rather focused on Glasgow East of late and this post is no exception. However, I have spared you from having to view yet another cheesy photo of me on the campaign trail (no camera today).

I just thought I'd take a break from packing (moving a week today!), to share one story from this afternoon. I spoke to a lady on the doorsteps who was undecided who to vote for, and told me that she was specifically struggling with whether or not to vote for John Mason.

I asked her why she was not convinced to vote for John, and she told me that it was for 'selfish reasons'. I was intrigued. I asked what those reasons were. Well, she told me that she thought John was such a good councillor and had done so much for the area, she didn't want to lose him to London!

After explaining that most of the work an MP does is actually at home in the constituency, she was reassured that electing John was indeed also in her best interests. Yes, they have to go to Westminster for debates, committees and to vote but most of their work consists of constituency casework on local issues and helping local people with their problems. So, he would not be 'lost' to London, but rather he would have the opportunity to help even more people in the local area as an MP. And, the bonus would be that the area also had an MP fighting their corner at Westminster.

This is the first person I've ever encountered who was considering NOT voting for a person BECAUSE they were doing a good job! But she was a lovely lady, and we had a really interesting chat. And her sentiments about John's job as a councillor reflect the feedback I've been getting about him on the doorsteps. I knew John was a hard-working councillor, with integrity, and a nice bloke with it - but I had no idea just how popular he was in the local area.

I'm back out tomorrow, and again on polling day. I hope to get the chance to blog before then and soon after the results, but the house move will no doubt have a limiting effect on my internet access for a while.

I am optimistic about the result of the by-election, mainly due to the feedback I've been getting on the doorsteps and from other activists. Fingers crossed for Thursday.

Tales from the east

2008-07-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been having a fantastic time campaigning in the Glasgow East by-election, and many a tale to tell. Too many in fact, so I'll just make a few observations.

The photos above were taken at the lunch time rally we had outside the SNP campaign rooms today. I arrived back from a spot of canvassing to find Alex Salmond and then John Mason addressing hundreds of SNP activists - and that was just the people on their lunch break! There were many more out chapping doors and delivering leaflets.

One of the things that I've noticed in this particular by-election has been the number of people very disillusioned with politics, and I've had a number of conversations on the doorsteps that are more than a little similar. The pattern has usually involved me knocking on a door, speaking to some one and them growling back at me about how all politicians are useless. (Shall I resist the urge to say, 'that's because they've all been Labour politicians...'?) But then when I've asked them what makes them think that, it is usually because they are disillusioned specifically with Labour - the party they have traditionally supported. It has also been on a few occasions specifically because of their experience of their Labour representatives, and often because of their inaction. I find it really frustrating that the Labour party has turned so many people off politics - the democratic process that is a vehicle to improving their lives. But, after speaking to people, and taking a note of the issues that they want dealt with - to pass to an effective SNP representative - I haven't quite changed their minds about politicians, but hopefully that will be happening as their SNP councillor or MSP gets in touch to help sort out their problem.

I have also noticed that there is a substantial group of traditional Labour voters who either voted SNP at the last election and plan to do so again on 24 July, and a lot who will be voting SNP for the first time in this by-election. Also very heartening is the level of support for independence, and a curiosity and open-mindedness in others. I have spent a lot of time so far talking to people about independence, and answering any questions they may have.

In fact, one of the last people I spoke to tonight was a lady trimming the hedge in her garden. She was very interested in independence, and felt that there was a lot of negativity about independence from the other parties - but not a lot of substance to back it up. Anyway, she remarked that I must consider her to be a social oddity because she was doing her garden on a Saturday night. I suggested to her, that a woman walking the streets with a clip board speaking to people about politics was in no position to judge! She agreed.

By-election Update

2008-07-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

I was out in Glasgow East again today, and this time I succeeded in getting Anne McLaughlin to stand still long enough to take a quick snap!

Anne is the campaign coordinator for the by-election, and she is doing a fantastic job. The media always refer to the SNP's by-election 'machine', and that machine is people like Anne, me and all the other activists that chap on doors to speak to people, post leaflets through letterboxes and climb up lampposts to put up posters (although with no head for heights I don't help with that one). Then there are the volunteers making sandwiches for all those returning to the campaign rooms for lunch and tea breaks, the people making up all the campaign packs, bundling the leaflets, blowing up and tying up balloons, inputting information, making calls, and too many more jobs to mention. And Anne's job is to coordinate the whole spectrum of campaign activity.

Anyway, enough of 'behind the scenes'. I had a great day campaigning today. Jamie and I met loads of people who are voting SNP, and pretty much everyone we spoke to knew about the by-election. There also seems to be a lot of people wanting to join the SNP, and so a fair number of membership forms are also being handed out on the doorsteps.

I'm not familiar with the parts of Glasgow that the by-election covers, and from coverage in the media you would think it would be quite bleak. It has problems, like most areas, but it also has a lot of positives too. One thing that really strikes me so far is just how friendly everyone is. I've met some great people on the doorsteps, and had some really interesting exchanges. Another thing I've noticed is the number of people who have met John Mason over the years as their local councillor, and there is a lot of goodwill towards him.

A few people have asked me what our chances are of winning this by-election, and so people are really aware of the potential to upset the Labour Party that has so badly let them down.

I think having John Mason as the candidate, a well-known and well-liked local councillor for a fair chunk of the constituency, the growing popularity of the SNP and a Labour Party in disarray may be a winning formula...

Glasgow East By-Election

2008-07-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I'll blog on this topic a few times over the next few weeks, but I just wanted to reflect briefly on the campaign activity today.

Despite the rain (I am just about dry now), I had a fantastic day campaigning with SNP members from all over the country. I spoke to some great people on the doorstep, and was heartened to meet many people who consider themselves to be traditional Labour supporters, but either switched to the SNP for last year's election or who have decided to vote for the SNP since the election last May.

Out again tomorrow, so I'd better get some sleep now. Further campaign updates soon.

Labour's desperation...

2008-06-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

I found this news quasi-amusing.

First of all, Labour find out that hurling abuse is not necessarily the best way to get what you want. Apparently, having good manners and listening to what people say is the most appropriate way to behave. My parents taught me that at a very young age. Are manners a new concept for the Labour MSPs?

Secondly, this story about FMQs is indicative of the twisted way that media 'commentators' view politics. Yes, in the age of spin, the pantomime that is FMQs (and PMQs) does impact on the fortunes or perceived fortunes of political parties. But, while it may be an amusing spectacle to the political hacks, it is far from REAL politics and really quite off putting for a lot of people. Politicians hurling abuse just reinforces the negative view that people already have of those involved in party politics.

On the doorstep recently, I met a lady who was very angry about politics and politicians, who she believed to be 'sleazebags' - 'every single one of them'! Rather than have what I would call a political reaction to that assertion and try to claim that all politicians except for those in the SNP were sleazebags, I think I had a very human reaction. I must have looked a little wounded at the insult, because the lady immediately said - 'well, I can tell you're not a sleazebag' and a conversation ensued about why a 'nice girl' like me would want to stand as an MP. I told her because I believe we can make a positive impact, not just in our communities, but across our country and even the rest of the world if we all pull together and work towards it. She looked at me with a grudging respect, but also a wry look that said 'she'll soon learn'. I'm not naive. I know I can't change the world. But I would like to think I might in some small way help to make it a bit better for some people in some way. I would rather try than just sit back and accept what I believe to be an unjust or unacceptable situation.

Anyway, I think the fact that the Labour Party believe they can 'beat' Alex Salmond and the SNP but trying to outmanoeuvre him at FMQs once a week is proof that they have lost their way once and for all. Real politics is about representation. The clue's in the term elected REPRESENTATIVE. Getting out there and talking to the people that you want to represent is real politics in my view. Perhaps I'm an idealist. Verging on pious these days? (I hope not!) All I know, is that I do not want to be an MP so that I can sit and hurl abuse at politicians from other parties, but so that I can work hard to make things better for people.

Refugee Week

2008-06-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

I was at an event organised as part of Refugee Week today, in the People's Palace in Glasgow. The event included music, poems and spoken word performances from people now living in Glasgow, but who have come from all over the world.

I must say, if you'd said to me a year ago I would be attending an event with 'spoken word performances' I would have looked at you in disbelief. I am far from immersed in the cultural and artistic scene. I suppose that's because I'm always so busy with work and with SNP activities. There just aren't enough hours in the day. The mere suggestion that I would take an evening off to go watch a play, attend a poetry reading or to listen to live music seems so far-fetched. If I get an evening off, I usually head straight for the backlog of housework!

And that's a real pity, because I really enjoyed my experience today and met so many interesting people. My favourite performance though was that of two brothers from Zimbabwe, who played the most bizarre instruments I have ever seen. But the music and the singing was absolutely stunning, and I felt very privileged to be listening. As part of the event, people who have found themselves living in Scotland as refugees recounted their personal stories and they were very moving. So to listen to the music, after I heard about the experience of the musicians, became even more poignant.

From now on, I'm going to make a real effort to go to events that I wouldn't ordinarily consider for me - and I'm sure my life will be the better for it.

Alcohol

2008-06-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

This is a quick blog in response to a comment in the previous posting regarding the SNP Government's proposals to tackle problems with alcohol consumption in Scotland. I had planned to write a longer and more considered response, but I've only got 5 minutes before I need to catch a train.

First of all, I think it's ridiculous that we have got to the stage when we need to consider measures like this. After all, the vast majority of us enjoy the odd alcoholic drink without any problem. But I also think that, as a nation, our relationship with alcohol has become so problematic that we need to start looking at more radical action.

We need to change our attitude towards alcohol as a nation, but that doesn't happen overnight. And while availability is not the root cause of the problem (I could walk into the shop across the road right now and but all the alcohol I could carry, drink it and then most likely end up in hospital, but I CHOOSE not to), it is helping to fuel binge drinking - particularly among younger people. And governments can't change cultures overnight, but they can take steps that will help to begin to shift attitudes over time.

The SNP's proposals may not turn out to be universally popular, and I am open-minded about the arguments for and against these specific measures, but I think some credit is due for at least putting this on the agenda and for making some tough decisions about it too.

I'm sure if somebody had suggested these measures when I was a student, I would have been outraged too. But on reflection, I did drink more alcohol than I should have at university and no doubt unwittingly put myself in danger because of it too. Drinking vast amounts of alcohol and drinking to get drunk has become a social norm in Scotland, and a right of passage for many young people. But this is not the case in other countries, and I think people in Scotland deserve something better.

Right, I am ready for the backlash!

Gala day extravaganza

2008-06-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Photo 1: Abronhill with Cllr Willie Homer, Cllr Liz Irvine and Jamie.

Saturday 14 June was a very busy day indeed, with not one but THREE gala days taking place across the constituency! But I managed to make it along to all three, and I have photographic evidence too. And I strongly refute the allegation that I bought cakes at each event. Well, I did share them :o)

Photo 2: Abronhill with Cllr David Key and Jamie.

I'm glad I went along to these events in Abronhill, Kilsyth and then Kirkintilloch . Not only was it a great chance to catch up with local SNP members, running our various stalls, but also to get a chance to look round the other stalls and have a chat to people.

I particularly enjoyed talking to one lady about her membership of a certain organisation that is still struggling to come to terms with the fact that women are indeed members. We laughed at the fact that both of us have consciously avoided making coffee for people over the years either at work or in the various organisations that we are a part of, for fear of being pigeon-holed or playing to a gender stereotype. (Don't get me wrong, I do take my turn to make the tea and coffee in the office these days!) Anyway, our chat was interrupted by Jamie, who whisked me away to the next gala day, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one with an aversion to preparing hot drinks for men :o)

After the day of festivities it was down to Clydesdale for an SNP fundraiser there. It's a long story but I came home from the evening with a Scotland football top and a hat to wear to all these weddings I have coming up over the summer. And they say there is no glamour in politics!

Photo 3: Just me in Kirkintilloch - just before the rain started!

Mr President!

2008-06-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

So, the Republic of Ireland has said NO to the Lisbon Treaty

I can't say I'm surprised given the strong NO campaign. And to be honest, because there is so much in the Lisbon Treaty, there is bound to be at least something in there for everyone to disagree with. The SNP also has a couple of problems with the content of the Lisbon Treaty - but Scotland won't be given the opportunity to vote on this issue, because the Labour Government at Westminster will not putting this to the vote across the UK.

I'm no expert on matters European I'm afraid. I know what you're thinking - that doesn't usually stop me from commenting ;o) But I will leave the analysis of the impact of this decision to others.

But I will explain the title of this posting, and the photographs. The photo above is of me with Ian Hudghton MEP, who is the President of the SNP. This snap was taken outside a recent meeting of all the SNP's candidates for the European Parliament elections next year. The meeting was organised by Kirkintilloch branch of the SNP (half of which is in the constituency I'm contesting - hence my presence in Lenzie that evening). We heard speeches from all the candidates that evening (picture below), and I must confess to having been informed by them. The Irish vote on the Lisbon Treaty just wasn't on my radar before that.

Anyway, the European Parliament elections next year will be an important milestone for the SNP. The more MEPs like Ian Hudghton that Scotland has in Europe the better, and the SNP is fielding a strong team - who all know a lot more about the EU than me!

Good news for Cumbernauld!

2008-06-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Good news for Cumbernauld!

What a huge relief to see that 800 jobs are to be saved in the town, and to see that there is potential for even more opportunities in the future.

I can't begin to imagine the kind of stress that people have been under while they have been waiting to see if the site would be taken over. I'm so pleased that the government has been able to help secure these jobs.

I caught a bit of a programme on TV last night (don't know what it was) that covered the Thatcher years, and Tory after Tory appeared on screen dismissing job losses and high unemployment under their government as though they were nothing more than an unfortunate 'by-product' of their higher goal of capitalism. What these people forget is that the economy is there to serve people, and not the other way round. They talked about the 'human cost' of their policies, as though that was immaterial compared to the economic 'gains'. Well, behind every job loss and unemployment statistic is a real person, and there are hundreds of people in Cumbernauld tonight who will be feeling huge relief after today's announcement.

The day we lose sight of what politics is all about i.e. people, is the day the world turns Tory. And it is worrying that some people seem to be falling for the 'Dave' Cameron ordinary nice guy routine. Lest we forget, this man is a huge fan of Margaret Thatcher...

Condorrat Gala Day

2008-06-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

I went along to the Condorrat Gala Day this afternoon, with Jamie, my parents and their dog Abbie (smiling for the camera!). The photos here do not do the glorious weather or the great atmosphere justice!

The organisers of the event did a fantastic job, and everyone seemed to have a brilliant time. Yet again, the community spirit of Cumbernauld was on display. I have told my parents about this before, but they saw it for themselves today.

I must say though, having a cute dog with you does mean that you get into conversation with people more. Dogs are like people magnets! And Abbie was loving the attention.

We also popped along to the YSI stall at the gala day, run by the ever sophisticated Stephen Bowman. He was certainly a hit with the young ladies today, and he thought they were just interested in the free SNP and YSI pens ;o) That's Stephen with me and Jamie at the YSI stall in the picture above. For the avoidance of any doubt, he's the one with the shades!

Tiananmen Square - Remembered

2008-06-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's sod's law. I took a day off work today to get on with some packing, and I woke up feeling rotten! My throat feels like I've swallowed gravel, my head is pounding and my muscles ache...

But I'm not feeling sorry for myself - honest!

Instead, I've actually used this down time for a bit of reflection and to get back to full strength for tomorrow. I'll be in Edinburgh tomorrow, taking part in a demonstration to highlight human rights abuses by the Chinese Government, and to mark those dreadful events in Tiananmen Square on 4 June 1989 when the Chinese authorities massacred democracy protesters.

Tomorrow's demonstration will also focus on the Tiananmen Mothers - mothers who lost their children on that day and who bravely continue to campaign for justice.

You can sign a petition in support of the Tiananmen Mothers here.

Malcolm in Malawi

2008-06-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

No wonder my friend Malcolm didn't respond to my email today - he's in Malawi!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7433120.stm

Bread, Butter and Independence

2008-05-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

I've written a new article for this month's destiNation on 'bread and butter' issues and independence.

You can check it out via the link below:

http://www.destination.sco.eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=39

Eurovision humiliation

2008-05-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, I confess - I watched the Eurovision song contest last night! To be fair, I was combining this indulgence with a wardrobe clear out in preparation for our impending move.

Anyway, to call it a 'contest' would be a gross distortion of the word. Russia seemed to sweep up all the votes from neighbouring countries (for fear of having their oil and gas cut off suggested Terry Wogan - half in jest), while the UK received votes from only San Marino and the Republic of Ireland.

Now, avid readers of this blog will be well aware of my politics and how little I identify with the political entity that is the United Kingdom. But the reality is, when the UK was being hammered by a lack of votes last night, I didn't like it!

Why?

Well, firstly because the voting really didn't seem fair. Countries were voting for their neighbours, rather than judging each song and performance on merit. Of course, this has gone on for years, but last night it was more blatant than ever before.

Secondly, I think the guy who sang the UK's entry did an excellent job and the song wasn't half bad (especially compared to your average UK entry).

But there was another reason. Partly, it was because Scotland is still (but not for too much longer I hope!) part of the UK. So, I was being represented by that entry last night. But also because I do share a cultural identity with the other nations of the United Kingdom. I watched all the Scandanavian countries voting for each other last night with envy. They are independent nations with a great deal of goodwill towards their neighbours. I want that for Scotland. I want people in an independent Scotland to watch Eurovision and pick up the phone to vote for England or for Wales (but not to be too blatant in our favouritism for our neighbours of course...).

Yes, my point about Eurovision is very superficial, but I think it's indicative of a wider issue. The UK 'brand' is incredibly soiled. Other countries in Europe regard the UK as a state in the shadow of its imperialist past trying to recapture former 'glory', a warmonger in the Middle East and as anti-European. The UK hasn't exactly done a lot to endear itself to other European nations.

Independence would give the constituent parts of the UK an opportunity to present themselves in a more positive light in the international arena, to shake off the past mistakes from the 'union years' and to become a force for good on this planet.

Now, we wouldn't be doing all this JUST to win the Eurovision song contest - but it would be a bonus. I would love to see the Proclaimers win it for Scotland!

destiNation

2008-05-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

This month's issue of destiNation is now live:

http://www.destination.sco.eu/

Exposing More Labour Hypocrisy

2008-05-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

(In Cumbernauld with Jamie, local councillor Liz Irvine, SNP candidate for the European Parliament Anne McLaughlin and hard-working SNP activists)

We were out in Cumbernauld today, distributing a leaflet that exposed the hypocrisy of the local Labour MP over the abolition of the 10 pence tax rate. Rosemary McKenna has been making a big song and dance about campaigning against the abolition, despite having voted for this measure. Labour hypocrisy in action yet again.

In our local newspaper, Rosemary has attempted to deflect from her actions on the issue of the 10 pence tax rate by accusing me of possessing a ‘lack of knowledge of the parliamentary process’ and of issuing an ‘inaccurate’ statement.

What a novel approach for a Labour politician - attempt to patronise, mislead and generally bluster your way out of a situation.

Rosemary can try to pull the wool over peoples’ eyes in relation to her conduct over the abolition of 10 pence tax rate, but the fact of the matter is that she voted for this measure. The reality is that Rosemary’s actions as an MP are a matter of public record, and people can easily see for themselves how she has voted on each issue at Westminster. People don’t need to take my word for it; they can check out Rosemary’s record for themselves at websites such as www.theyworkforyou.com – which lists how each MP has voted.

She may well have called for a review of the abolition of the 10 pence tax rate, but we wouldn’t need a review if she and her Labour colleagues hadn’t voted for the abolition of the 10 pence rate in the first place!

As for Labour’s so-called U-turn on the 10 pence rate, that is nothing more than a compensation con (to use an already well worn phrase in this whole debacle). Not everyone set to lose from the abolition of the 10 pence rate will be adequately compensated by Darling's panic tax break and there is no guarantee that the tax break will continue next year. Labour MPs like Rosemary have been boasting about their victory in bringing about this U-turn from the Westminster Government, but this is a move that will still leave more than a million low paid households comparatively worse off.

As for my Labour opponent at the next Westminster election (Rosemary's standing down), well a few weeks ago I challenged him to condemn Rosemary McKenna’s actions over the 10 pence tax scandal. He refused to comment, to either condemn or support Rosemary. Not only is it strange that somebody who is putting themselves forward for election doesn’t seem to have an opinion on a matter as important as this, but also that he didn’t take the opportunity to back Rosemary McKenna’s actions. His silence speaks volumes.

Dizzy!

2008-05-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

It is now just a few short weeks until we move from Glasgow to Cumbernauld. I have packed only a single box of what I can only describe as things that make Jamie's eyes roll when I appear home with them - candles, decorative things and the like. And I've run out of bubble wrap already!

I always have an endless 'to do' list these days, and it's not going to change any time soon. As well as moving, I am working hard on our constituency campaign. There are always leaflets and surveys to design and get printed, workdays to organise, activists to mobilise, doors to knock, press releases to write, local events and branch meetings to attend.

The second issue of destiNation (check out the link on the right) is going live this weekend too, and so I've all the new articles to read as well as my own article and editorial to finish.

I'm the political education officer (sounds grand, doesn't it?) for my branch, and I put together a little magazine in that role. One due shortly...

Work is also really busy at the moment, but absolutely brilliant! So many exciting projects on the go there too.

Over the past year I have just become really really busy. Partly because of Jamie's election - I've found that being a politician's wife does make you busier in itself (although it would be difficult to put my finger on how or why exactly...). But also because I made the decision to stand for the SNP at the next Westminster election. Being a candidate really is a way of life. It's like having an extra job.

But this workload will be nothing compared to the task ahead of me if I am elected. This would merely be the warm-up! So no politics tonight folks, just a wee meander through my mundane observations about the practicalities of my life at the moment. I'm off to unwind for a bit and watch Heroes!

Independence - Bring It On!!!

2008-05-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Much like fellow SNP member, Richard (http://scotsandindependent.blogspot.com/2008/05/u-bendy.html), I have also delayed posting on developments regarding an independence referendum.

However, my delay was for slightly different reasons than Richard has given. I was not waiting for the dust to settle or confusion to lift so that I could offer a better quality analysis of events. No - I think my hesitation has been more due to disbelief!

Who could have predicted such an astonishing U-turn from Wendy Alexander? This is the woman who has for years told us again and again that the people of Scotland did not deserve the right to choose their own future in a democratic referendum. For her, such an opportunity was a mere distraction from the 'real' issues. She subscribed to the patronising view that Labour - and the other unionist parties - were better placed than the people of Scotland to decide what was in our best interests.

Suddenly, in a cynical and desperate attempt to 'outflank' the SNP, she has given us exactly what we want. We want the people of Scotland to be given the chance to have their say on the future of this country, in a democratic referendum on independence. The people of this country have never had the opportunity to choose independence in such a vote, and it is long overdue.

And the difference between the Labour Party and the SNP on this issue is this...

Labour want to rule Scotland and prevent us from flourishing as an independent nation. Their sudden conversion to a referendum is not because they have discovered their democratic credentials - this is about political survival and self-interest. The SNP, on the other hand, understand it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to govern Scotland, and we want both to give people the information they need to make a decision about independence and to offer the opportunity to make that decision in a referendum. The SNP argues the case for independence, and also for our right to choose our own future.

In our manifesto, on which we were elected last May, we pledged to put a bill before the Scottish Parliament on an independence referendum following wide consultation with the people of Scotland. That's exactly what we are doing with our National Conversation. So, we will indeed put our referendum bill before the Scottish Parliament. And now, with Labour's support (well Labour in Scotland anyway) that bill will pass and a referendum will be held.

Labour are now committed to supporting a referendum. The fact that they will subsequently be going round the doors telling people to vote 'No' is another matter, and I can't wait to hear the shoddy and vacuous reasons they come up with for opposing independence. I think people are fed up of being told that we, as a country, are too small, too poor and too stupid to run our own affairs. They are starting to see through the lies they have been told by generations of unionist politicians, more interested in their London fortunes than the people of Scotland.

Of course, I am just speculating about Labour's position on the independence referendum itself. At the rate Wendy seems to change her mind, she may well be advocating independence by then too! Bring THAT on!

Day of Action!

2008-05-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

I whirled round the constituency today, for the SNP's Day of Action across Scotland.

First Kilsyth, then Cumbernauld and then Kirkintilloch.

We were handing out the new 'Vision' leaflets, which outline the successes of the SNP's first year in Government and generally chatting to people in the town centres.

I must say, it is amazing to be standing talking to people about our RECORD in government. Before we were elected, I would so often have people say to me that all political parties are the same, and that they didn't think the SNP could run the country. And I always used to ask people to give us a chance, and allow us to show them that we could indeed do a good job on their behalf. And I think the SNP Government is repaying the trust that people across Scotland put in us when they cast their votes last May - many of whom were voting SNP for the first time.

But that's the first year in government over, and we must not spend too long dwelling on what we have been able to achieve so far. We have still so many goals to work towards - important work to be done in government using the powers that we currently have and campaigning for independence, to ensure that we have all the powers that we need here in Scotland to really start to transform our country for the better.

That's why I'll be out again tomorrow, chapping doors.

Impending anniversary

2008-05-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a momentous year for the SNP and Scotland.

I won't list all the achievements of the SNP Government here. The list is just too long... ;o)

Plus, Alex Salmond covers it all well:

http://www.snp.org/node/13750

I'm heading out tomorrow morning for a veritable whistle-stop tour of the constituency I'm standing in, where I will be joining SNP members in handing out our new 'Vision' leaflets to local residents.

The last year has passed so quickly in many ways, yet so much has changed. And I really feel like we are on the verge of a real breakthrough in our journey to independence. Now, that's motivation for getting up early on a Saturday morning!

Heading south...

2008-04-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

No, don't worry folks - I'm not emigrating! However, I am heading down to London tomorrow for work, which should be rather interesting given the local elections in England and the fight to become London Mayor.

I have often thought about who I would vote for if I lived in England - especially in conversation with friends in England who would quite like to have another party to vote for. I remember years ago when I worked at SNP HQ, a guy from London called to ask if there was any chance that Alex Salmond might consider standing in his constituency. He said they were crying out for a decent social democratic party down there and that it was a shame the SNP didn't contest seats in England!

He was obviously attracted by our progressive policies, and who can blame him?

So, who would I vote for if I lived in England? Well, if I lived in England then I would make sure I was still registered to vote here in Scotland. ;o) But if I had grown up in England and planned to settle in England, then I'm not sure what I would do.

Definitely not the Tories. New Labour have become the Tories. And the Lib Dems are the 'mid-point' party; their purpose is to sit somewhere in the middle between the Tories and Labour, which must be a very uncomfortable place to be.

Yet, I would have to vote. I believe very strongly that we all have a duty to vote to protect our democracy. What a dilemma - thank goodness it's not a choice I have to make tomorrow!

Must go, up at 4am...

Adoption Night

2008-04-28T10:50:00.001-07:00

In the SNP we have a great tradition - adoption nights! They are essentially a social event and fundraiser - held to celebrate the selection of our candidates and raise funds for our campaigns. I say it's an SNP tradition, because the other parties don't seem to hold them (but I could be wrong on this...).

Anyway, Saturday 26th April was the date of my 'adoption'. It was held in Cumbernauld New Town Hall, to mark my selection as the Westminster candidate for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East. I've done a bit of a report on the evening on my campaign website (link below), but I wanted to use my blog for more of a personal reflection.

http://www.juliehepburnsnp.com/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=27

The picture above (left to right) is of Jamie Hepburn MSP (AKA my lovely husband), John Swinney MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth), me, Cllr Derek Mackay (Leader of Renfrewshire Council) and Neil McCallum (my election agent and constituency convener).

The night itself was fantastic. We were entertained by two young musicians from the constituency - Colin Masterton and Jill Smithson. Amazing talent. In fact, they were so good, I'm sure some folk were wondering if we needed to bother with the speeches ;o)

But we did. Derek Mackay addressed the assembled SNP members and supporters, followed by John Swinney and then myself. Both Derek and John were far too kind about me, but I really appreciate their support and I only hope I can emulate some of what they have been able to achieve in their time as SNP representatives.

After the speeches, we were then lured on to the dance floor when the disco started!

So, that's an adoption night. Speeches, entertainment, fundraising.

I was especially pleased that my family came up from the Borders for the occasion. It was really interesting speaking to one of my brother's girlfriends afterwards. She told me on the way home that she had never voted before in her life. She said she thought politicians were all 'in it for themselves' and that politics was only for 'folk with money'. But, that shouldn't surprise me. After all, there are a number of people in Scotland who feel that way about politics unfortunately.

However, what did pleasantly surprise me is what she then said. She told me we had really opened her eyes that night. Because it was an internal SNP event, she heard us talking to ourselves and about what mattered to SNP members and activists. She realised how genuine our motives are, and was impressed by the passion and commitment we have for independence and using our independence to make Scotland a better place to live. She was surprised to meet such a diverse range of people from all walks of life and realised that politics did indeed matter to her. Maybe she was caught in the moment, but she also stated that she'd be voting in the future and casting her vote for the SNP!

I am so pleased that somebody from outwith the SNP was able to come along to an event like that, and go home impressed by our party and by our aspirations for her and everyone else in Scotland.

I feel so privileged to be representing the SNP as a candidate, and excited at the prospect of being able to represent this constituency. As an MP there is so much I could do to contribute to this area, and the opportunity to do so would be amazing. It may be a while yet before that Westminster election rolls round, but that just gives me more time to meet as many people in the constituency as possible.

SNP spring conference

2008-04-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, here I am 'in action' at SNP conference at the weekend. Worryingly (for me anyway), this is the most flattering shot! You can imagine how bad the others were...

Anyway, I'm finding it quite difficult to report on conference - it all went by in a bit of a blur! I had to get there early each day because I'm on the Standing Orders and Agenda Committee of the SNP. This rather dull sounding committee is elected by SNP delegates each year at our autumn conference and is charged with selecting the motions for debate at National Council and Conference which have been submitted by SNP branches, constituencies, organisations and elected members. We meet early each morning of these national meetings to discuss topical and emergency motions to be debated that day.

The picture above was taken while I was speaking to delegates on a topical motion, which condemned the Westminster Labour Government for abolishing the 10 pence starting rate of tax. This is an issue I previously blogged on, and feel very strongly about.

I addressed conference again that day, because I moved the motion on first aid training submitted by my branch, Cumbernauld North East. I'm glad that didn't make it on to the BBC webcast though - as I said my Dad was embarrassing! There is some context to that. You see my Dad is an ambulance technician and I was telling delegates about the first aid training I was lucky enough to receive growing up, and my embarrassment when my Dad came along to do the first aid training at the Brownies, etc. Sorry Dad!

I also attended the launch of the new Equalities Forum of the SNP. More on that at a later date, but this is a really positive step - aimed at providing an umbrella organisation to support a number of groups in the SNP.

Other than that, I spent time catching up with folk, posing for a photoshoot of Westminster candidates, listening to debates, drinking tea, and voting to select a list of candidates to put forward for the forthcoming European elections (special congrats to my friend Anne McLaughlin AKA Indygal who made the list - she would make an excellent MEP!).

One final thought... Alex Salmond has set the SNP a target of winning at least 20 seats at the next Westminster election. I'm doing all I can to make sure that Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East is one of those successes. So, I'd better get back to my campaign 'to do' list....

destiNation

2008-04-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been one hectic weekend, because I was attending SNP Conference in Edinburgh. More on that later...

On the Friday night before conference, a new website that I've been working on went live. It's called destiNation, and it's basically an online magazine/forum for articles and essays from a pro-independence perspective.

A huge thank you to Euan, who has been very patient with me over the last few weeks. You see, he's the technical whizz who has put the website together.

The idea of destiNation is to provide an online forum for commentary and debate about Scottish politics and public policy, from pro-independence contributors. Blogging has been a valuable vehicle for people - of all political persuasions and none - to air their views and stimulate debate. However, I felt that we were lacking a space that pulled together in a coherent fashion the ideas and contributions of those people who support independence. Most of the contributors to the first issue of destiNation are in fact bloggers - and you will find links to their blogs down the right hand side of this blog and on the destiNation website.

Please check it out, email a comment to me via the website or email if you would like to discuss an idea for submitting an article of your own.

www.destination.sco.eu

Yes, I really do enjoy feeling older!

2008-04-18T04:12:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7348989.stm

Labour in denial - Scotland won't wait for you

2008-04-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2192965.0.0.php

The latest poll has put independence ahead of the status quo. Great news. But even better, is the feedback I'm getting on the doorsteps when I'm out campaigning, which I'm sure is replicated across the country. Polls are one thing - opinions from people face to face are even better.

And people are increasingly telling me that they support independence - either when I speak to them in their community or in the surveys they return to our campaign team. It's wonderful to see so many people coming to the realisation that independence is not only normal, it's also desirable. They've seen what it's like to have a government looking after the best interests of Scotland in the devolved areas, and fancy a bit of good governance in the reserved areas too. If we can run our own health service and education system, why can't we run our own tax and benefits systems too? Well, of course, we can!

I am now beginning to cringe when I hear the response of Labour politicians to support for independence. Before, the lies they told and the fears they spread used to really annoy me - especially as people seemed to believe them without question. Now, those same arguments that the Labour Party and other pro-union parties have regurgitated for years are starting to look increasingly ridiculous. Poor Jackie Ballie is always wheeled out to deliver them too. Does everyone else refuse to do it because they know how daft they would look?

Just what will the Labour Party do when Scotland has voted for independence in a referendum? Will they still stand there and claim that most people don't want it? That independence is irrelevant? Surely not. At some point, they will get with the programme and tune in to the aspirations of the people of Scotland - and those aspirations are growing. The SNP is ready for the challenge to meet those aspirations. The Labour Party seem intent on limiting the ambitions of the people of Scotland. Denial can only last for so long, and the people of this country won't wait for Labour to catch up.

Lib Demery

2008-04-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

To mark the departure today of one of the volunteers from my office, I thought I would share something from one of our earliest conversations.

Miss X (I will protect her identity and spare her blushes) was talking to me about how she would like to get involved in politics, but didn't know which party to join. I advised her that she should join the party that best reflected her views on all the issues, to which she replied:

"Well, I have been thinking about the Lib Dems, but I just don't know... I'm not sure what I think about some issues - I kind of sit on the fence about a lot of things".

"Perfect!", I responded - "it's definitely the Lib Dems for you".

But apart from her Lib Demery, it has been a pleasure working with you L... eh, Miss X.

Gordon and his 10p tax band

2008-04-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

When being pressed by John Humphrys in March 1997, on why New Labour's 'progressive' taxation policy did not include the removal of the ceiling on National Insurance, Gordon Brown was keen to deflect and highlight his position on another tax matter.

A transcript of the interview from 'On the Record' on 23 March 1997 clearly demonstrates Gordon Brown's commitment to a 10 pence starting rate of income tax and his reasons for that commitment.

"What I would like to do is introduce a lower starting rate of tax at 10 or 15 pence in the pound and you see the reason for that is to encourage the unemployed back into work, to give the low paid a better incentive, to ensure that you have a break from the high marginal tax rates at the very bottom and that's where the difference of principle arises between us and the Conservative Party." Gordon Brown (then Shadow Chancellor) 23 March 1997

So where's the 'difference of principle' between New Labour and the Tories now then Gordon?

Why have you scrapped the 10 pence starting rate? Are there no unemployed people to 'encourage' back into work in 2008? Is everyone now earning a decent living? I take it there are no high marginal rates of taxation for people on low incomes these days?

Well, of course all of these remain a problem today.

And it's not good enough to say that the people the 10 pence starting rate was designed to help are now being helped by the National Minimum Wage and tax credits.

The National Minimum Wage has increased the incomes of many people over the years, but the cost of living has also risen. People are having to fork out a lot more for basic necessities like fuel for example. Plus, is that really the level of aspiration that Gordon Brown has for people? Working 40 hours a week for less than £12,000 a year? There you go folks, here's your minimum wage - but that's it, we can't have your incomes rise any higher. According to research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies, the abolition of the 10 pence rate will harm the incomes of those earning between £5,435 and £18,500. That's Gordon Brown's 'socialism' for you. No wonder Wendy Alexander has discovered a new fondness for it!

And consider the tax credit system for a moment. Yes, the payments have been a welcome boost to many families. But what about those who received over-payments ranging up to thousands of pounds, through no fault of their own, who have been plunged into debt by this overly complex system? I think most people will now know somebody who owes the Inland Revenue money because of this outrageous situation. People who would be eligible for tax credits have been put off from applying for this means-tested support as a result of this fiasco. We need a much simpler and more transparent system to support people than this discredited system.

So, this week, more than 300,000 people in Scotland face higher tax bills - many of whom will already be struggling. All courtesy of 'Brown's Britain'.

As Detective Columbo would say...

2008-03-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

- just one more thing...

I nearly laughed out loud at Gordon Brown's suggestion that the Labour Party is the first line of defence for the people of Scotland against the SNP Government.

Yes, that would be the same 'people of Scotland' who democratically elected the SNP Government last year! How patronising in the extreme. He is espousing the idea that somehow the citizens of this country need protection from the government they have democratically elected. Gordon Brown has forgotten that the SNP won the popular vote in the Scottish Parliament elections last May, and we had the highest number of MSPs elected.

This is just further evidence of the level of denial within Labour's ranks, and their belief that they somehow have a right to rule in Scotland. That kind of arrogance is exactly what turned so many people in Scotland away from Labour.

'Not the SNP' Conference

2008-03-29T08:01:00.001-07:00

I have now lost count of the number of times that the SNP has merited a mention at Labour's Scottish conference. Somebody really should tell them that they are not actually attending an SNP conference!

I can hear no new ideas, or positive and constructive debate from the Labour Party. It's just the same old rhetoric that we have heard from the UK Labour Party for a decade now. Yes, the National Minimum Wage was a key achievement of the Labour Government, but government is not about continued self-congratulation for old achievements -it is about having the competence to run the country in the present day and the ideas and vision for the future.

Just calling the SNP nasty names might be making Labour delegates feel better, but it certainly isn't showing them in a very good light and more importantly, it is not contributing to making Scotland a better place to live.

Well done Brian Taylor

2008-03-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

I've got the coverage of the Labour Party's Scottish conference on, while I get on with a few outstanding tasks.

I saw a little of Gordon Brown's speech, which I will come back to in another post, but I was impressed by Brian Taylor's commentary at the end. He referred to Gordon Brown's argument that Scotland can't be independent because issues like climate change cannot be tackled on an England-only or Scotland-only basis. Brian noted that climate change cannot be tackled on a Britain-only basis either, so if you were to take Gordon Brown's argument to its logical conclusion, then he is arguing for world government!

Well done Brian for highlighting some of the illogical and disingenuous arguments of the Labour Party for the continuation of the union.

I agree that there are many issues facing Scotland, such as climate change, that cannot be tackled on a national basis. But that's an argument for cooperation between the nations of the world, not an argument for the disintegration of national borders and governments. If Scotland cannot be independent because of climate change, then nor can France, Australia, Sweden, or even Gordon Brown's beloved Britain!

Independence, far from cutting Scotland off from the rest of the world, would allow Scotland to join the world community of nations and play a full and constructive role in tackling global issues like climate change.

Talking about Henry

2008-03-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

Shock horror - somebody in the Labour Party (a former First Minister no less) has said something positive about the SNP and independence! The Labour Party in Scotland is shocked to its core!

Here's the story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7311675.stm

So, basically, Henry McLeish has stated that he believes that the National Conversation, launched by the SNP Government as a way of debating Scotland's constitutional future, is a positive thing and that independence should be seen as a positive option for Scotland. Hardly earth-shattering stuff you would think?

But the Labour Party has got its knickers in a twist about it. The Labour Party in Scotland may well believe that Scotland is best ruled by London, but even they must acknowledge that there are many people who do not hold that view - quite legitimately. The whole point of the National Conversation is just that - a conversation. It doesn't say that the only option is independence, and that anyone who thinks the union has any good points needn't bother engaging with it. Indeed, the National Conversation, considers further devolution of powers to Scotland, short of independence.

The Labour Party in Scotland can only stick their fingers in their ears for so long, and try to ignore the 'I' word. However, in doing so, they will become even more removed from the people they say they want to represent. If the SNP Government is mature enough to debate the favoured options of the other parties in Scotland, then surely the other parties should be mature enough to debate independence. It simply isn't credible to just deny it's an issue. What are they afraid of anyway? They say that independence would be terrible, and we should just not talk about it. I suspect they don't want to debate independence because they know that the more people who are exposed to informed debate about Scotland's future, then support for independence will grow and grow.

Impending Disaster or History Repeating Itself?

2008-03-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Highfliers--could-flee-Scotland.3883477.jp

So, the latest scare story is that Scotland will see a mass exodus of rich people under a local income tax.

Does this ring any bells?

Before the New Labour victory in 1997, high profile high earners lined up to claim they would leave the UK if voters chose to kick out the Tories and elect Tony Blair's lot.

Before devolution, again stories appeared in the media arguing that businesses and individuals would flee Scotland at the prospect of us taking greater control over our own affairs. I remember, living in the Borders at the time, all the talk of Berwick-upon-Tweed becoming a haven for people who wanted to continue working in Scotland (primarily Edinburgh), but wanted to live in England to escape the 'dire consequences' of giving a Scottish Parliament control over services like the NHS and universities. It is somewhat ironic that a significant number of people of that town now want to be part of Scotland, for the opposite reasons!

An SNP victory, it was also suggested, would see people leaving Scotland to seek sanctuary over the border. Remember that noose emblazoned across one tabloid newspaper on the day of the last Scottish Parliament election?

Well, there was no mass exodus - at any of the points listed above, from either the UK or Scotland.

Opponents of a local income tax are becoming quite desperate in their attempts to find reasons to oppose it, and this latest attempt is more than a little pathetic. The people listed in the newspaper article above are super rich, and can clearly afford to pay more in local taxation. Has it ever occurred to any of those people who are commentating on this matter, than the rich individuals listed would be happy to pay more in local taxation if it meant that people who are really struggling to pay the Council Tax would have their bills cut? They really are assuming the worst of those people.

Last week, the critics were opposing a local income tax because it would only be levied on earned income, and not take into account those people in Scotland living off unearned income like dividends. A few points here. Firstly, are we really going to keep in place a discredited system like Council Tax, which is detrimental to so many people in this country because of how it will/will not impact on a handful of wealthy individuals? Secondly, if these wealthy individuals are not going to be liable for a local income tax, then they evidently aren't liable for income tax, which is reserved to Westminster. Perhaps people are pointing the fingers in the wrong direction on that one. Thirdly, the critics can't have it both ways. One week they are claiming that the local income tax will benefit the super rich, and the next the claim it will penalise them to the point that they will flee the country!

The people of this country will see through arguments that inconsistent - and can tell the difference between intelligent debate and opposition, and opposition for its own sake from a Labour Party, its cronies and other self-interested hangers-on bereft of any new ideas of their own, and certainly without any genuine drive to improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

Budgets of Contrast

2008-03-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

The latest Budget offering from Westminster was once again lacking in ambition and damaging to Scotland.

The Chancellor announced a £50 increase in winter fuel allowance. That's better than nothing, but at less than £1 a week it doesn’t begin to cover rising fuel costs, and the increase is only for one year. How are pensioners going to deal with their rising fuel bills after that? And what about other vulnerable people who are struggling to pay their fuel bills, who aren’t even eligible for the winter fuel allowance?

Alastair Darling made a big song and dance about getting people on pre-paid meters a better deal, but he’s really only making a vague commitment to talk to the energy companies about the issue. That's not going to address the fundamental issues around fuel poverty.

People need warm homes, not warm words from the Chancellor. The measures announced in the Budget are sticking plaster solutions to much wider problems, caused by unacceptably high levels of poverty in this country and spiraling fuel prices.

This Budget once again highlights the poor deal that Scotland gets from the union. The figures demonstrate that the UK Treasury is being bankrolled by Scottish resources like oil revenues, yet we merited not one single mention in the Chancellor’s Budget. Scotland is not only being short-changed by Westminster, but we are being dragged down by continued poor management of the wider UK economy, which is being led into greater and greater debt by this discredited New Labour Government.

The SNP Government in Holyrood was able to deliver a far more ambitious budget for Scotland, despite the limited powers of devolution and a tight financial settlement from Westminster. The New Labour Government at Westminster has had over a decade to tackle issues like child poverty, and they are still tinkering around the edges. It’s time we started to take important decisions over tax and welfare here in Scotland, to ensure that the people of Scotland are not short-changed by yet another Westminster Government.

What a weekend!

2008-03-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a whirlwind of activity!

On Saturday, Jamie and I joined the Cumbernauld & Kilsyth YSI (that's the Young Scots for Independence) to campaign in Cumbernauld town centre. We are pictured, above, with a few of the stragglers :o) Those of you with an eagle eye will spot fellow blogger BellgroveBelle http://bellgrovebelle.blogspot.com/

Then, we had a campaign team meeting before my charming election agent (or more accurately his lovely wife) cooked Jamie and I dinner, before we headed off to an SNP quiz night in Abronhill. No, my team didn't win, but nor did Jamie's - so that was some consolation! I did win an Easter egg though, for my stunning victory in a game that involved pulling wooden horses along on a piece of string. I've obviously had this 'talent' all my live, yet it has only just been discovered.

Then, today we had a team of activists out chapping doors with surveys in Milton of Campsie. We managed to get caught in a bit of a hail storm, but after the Kilsyth by-election in January I was thankful to be caught in JUST one storm!

Making work pay...

2008-03-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

...a 'whopping' 21 pence an hour more.

Yes, the National Minimum Wage is to go up from £5.52 an hour to £5.73 on 1st October.

Yes, it is an increase and yes, at least we now have a minimum wage. But it is far from a decent wage. Working a 4o hour week on the minimum wage would still leave you on less than £12,000 a year.

I know the UK Government is under pressure from business organisations, who are constantly lobbying for mere inflationary rises to the minimum wage. And it's not just because they are big, bad employers who want to treat their staff badly. Many smaller businesses do struggle to make a profit because of high operating costs. For labour intensive businesses like cleaning and catering companies, an increase in the minimum wage is a very significant cost to them.

I used to work for an organisation that supported small businesses, and it gave me an interesting insight. I spoke to many employers who would be happy to pay their employees more than the minimum wage, but they felt their hands were tied because their competitors wouldn't do the same (one of the major arguments for a National Minimum Wage in the first place). If everyone has to pay a certain minimum by law, then nobody is put at a competitive disadvantage by paying this agreed amount to their employees.

A large part of the problem is that employers have so many other high operating costs, which swallow money that could otherwise be invested in their staff. Surely it is to the advantage of employers, employees and society as a whole that we reduce the costs of operating a business (like those associated with unnecessary red tape), so that employers have no excuses for not paying decent wages.

I think a new 'contract' between government and business is needed. Government must reduce business costs, but employers must also pay a higher minimum wage. I don't know what an appropriate figure would be, but it would be a heck of a lot more than a 21 pence rise!

Although I recognise the difficulties faced by some employers in trying to manage wage costs, I don't think that is an excuse for the government to shy away from this issue. For it may become more difficult for some employers to make a profit with a higher minimum wage, but it is difficult for ALL EMPLOYEES earning just the minimum wage to make ends meet.

As a society, we have some very difficult decisions to make and interests to reconcile. We are constantly told that many people who are currently in receipt of state benefits don't see work as a financially attractive prospect. I wonder why? The cynics would have you believe that benefits are too high. Very rarely do you hear people point out that maybe it's the wages that are too low...

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/politics/Unions-hit-out-at-21p.3848595.jp

Control Freak

2008-03-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/politics/Sir-Menzies-reveals-Brown39s-secret.3842935.jp

I don't have much time to blog today, but I think this article pretty much speaks for itself. I wonder what the Lib Dem and Labour MSPs make of this... I doubt this will be a surprise to anyone in the SNP though.

Putin's Russia

2008-03-02T04:54:00.000-08:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7273130.stm

So, voting is underway in the Russian presidential elections, and no one is waiting with baited breath for the result. By all accounts, it is now just a matter of time before Dmitry Medvedev is elected the Russian President.

Not only is it a foregone conclusion for Mr Medvedev, given the unfair advantages he has had during this campaign, the Putin backing, and the inevitable voting irregularities, his election will ensure that Putin is still pulling the strings in Russia - as Medvedev has said he will make Putin his Prime Minister!

Vladimir Putin doesn't get as bad a press as he deserves in my opinion. He has presided over severe repression of Russian citizens, corruption and wide inequalities. For the minority of rich people in Russia, it's a great place to live. For everyone else, the future is bleak. The poverty that exists in Russia, for me, is very distinctive. Russia is not a developing country, and so people there aren't poor because there isn't industry and wealth in the country. They are poor because of corruption.

For all his faults, Yeltsin, at least started to take Russia in the right direction - he was at least interested in democracy. Putin's tenure as President demonstrates that he is not a democrat. His actions in Chechnya make him a war criminal. Those who speak out against Putin would not notice any difference from the way their voices were repressed under the Soviet regime. Young men are conscripted into the army, and kept in conditions in which it would be illegal to keep a dog in this country. The judiciary, although there are many people within it who are honest, is not independent of the Kremlin. If somebody in officialdom in Russia doesn't do what they are told, they are replaced by somebody who will. People often 'disappear'. The worlds of business and crime are inseparable. Not because everyone involved in business is corrupt, but because the only way to survive in the world of business is to be corrupt, or at the very least they have to pay off the crime lords. There are many documented cases of criminals buying up an operational factory, bleeding the business dry as a way of moving money around, the workers are never paid and they have no money for food. Young girls list prostitution as one of their top 'career choices' because they know that's about the only way they will be able to make money to scrape an existence out of this world. HIV rates in Russia are shockingly high. The prisons are bulging with young women with HIV, and they will receive no treatment.

I could go on, but it's far too depressing. And later on this evening, Russia will have 'elected' a new President who offers no hope of improvement. With Putin by his side as Prime Minister, what hope does Russia have?

Kelso girl caught in London earthquake!

2008-02-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

Can I get away with this 'headline' so reminiscent of 'Aberdeen Man Drowns' after the sinking of the Titanic? Why not!

Not sure I can quite claim to be a Kelsonian these days though, having left the town when I was 18, currently a resident of Glasgow and soon to move to Cumbernauld.

I'm even more certain that I can't get away with describing myself as a 'girl' these days either!

Anyway, I was indeed in London the night before last when the earthquake hit. I woke up to my bed shaking slightly, but then fell back asleep. It wasn't until I saw the big fuss being made on the news the next morning that I even remembered the incident!

While in London, I also got the local London BBC news. One report captured my attention. I was in London the day that parents across the city would receive letters telling them if their child has been accepted to their school of 'choice'. Apparently, only half of all children would be going to their school of choice (or more accurately the school of their parents' choice).

This is what I've always found so bizarre about the New Labour 'choice' agenda. By its very nature there are always going to be people who don't get the option they choose. If people feel the need to choose one school over an other, then it is usually because they think one school is superior. Given that parents make these decisions based on things like the attainment levels at various schools, there are always going to be schools that are seen as more desirable than the rest. And it follows that the vast majority of parents will want to send their children to these more desirable schools. It also follows, as places in these desirable schools are not infinite, that not everyone is going to get a place at one of them. So the pupils who get into one of the preferred schools chosen by their parents will feel that choice was a good thing. For the rest, what choice did they really have?

I survived!

2008-02-24T13:18:00.001-08:00

For anyone who may be interested (other than my mum), the speech that I was fretting so much about in an earlier post was last night. http://bidforfreedom.blogspot.com/2008/01/isnt-it-funny.html

Months of nagging apprehension, a week of being nervous and then a day of being absolutely petrified came to a head at the Burns Supper I spoke at last night. People actually laughed! And this is no thanks to the readers of my blog, because not a single joke was sent to me via the comments section!

I'm actually beginning to enjoy this public speaking lark, especially as each time I have been presented with a gigantic bouquet of flowers as a thank you. Now, I do realise that these gifts are more than a little sexist. As far as I could tell, the poor men that were speaking alongside me received zilch - charming! However, it would be rude not to accept them and they certainly brighten up the living room. Plus, as all my vases were already full of flowers come Valentine's Day, my husband was excused from buying me any. When my folks were visiting last weekend, my mum walked into the living room and said 'Oh, are these your Valentine's flowers? They are lovely!'. Jamie momentarily looked like he was going to take the credit, but thought better of it.

Soaring Energy Costs and Soaring Profits

2008-02-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7257153.stm

I'm pleased to hear that Ofgem is to investigate the energy market in response to concerns about soaring costs for consumers.

However, this will be a long process and there is no guarantee that anything will change as a result.

I'm not naive - I know companies like British Gas exist to make profit. Most people don't object to that (depending on how ethically that profit is generated and how excessive it is). But, boy, British Gas have made a substantial profit from us! And when that profit comes at the expense of people who are struggling to pay their rocketing fuel bills, to do basic things like heat their homes and cook their food, that profit does become immoral in my view.

Regular readers of this blog will know that the issue of fuel poverty is one that I feel passionate about. I'm not exaggerating when I say that people are literally dying from the cold in this country because they can't afford to heat their homes. Low incomes, like miserly state pensions, are part of the problem - but high fuel prices form the other part of the equation.

I think it's disgraceful that companies can make such an obscene profit from a product that is a basic requirement. We need energy to heat our homes, to turn on our lights when it's dark and to cook our food. Yes, there are a range of energy suppliers and switching can save some money - but there isn't that much of a price difference really.

The way that energy was privatised has left us in a bit of a mess in my opinion. I can't see any immediate remedy. I just wonder how the British Gas bosses, and their counterparts in the other energy companies, can sleep soundly knowing that their wealth comes at the expense of ordinary people who have very little choice about paying the high charges for the fuel that they need.

Anti-Englishness

2008-02-17T12:52:00.001-08:00

http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Moderator-says-antiEnglish-bigotry-is.3786145.jp

This article caught my eye, but I was originally wary about blogging on this sensitive issue - I suppose I still am...

However, I will try my best to articulate my views on this and do my best to avoid any ambiguous remarks that could be misinterpreted, and sweeping generalisations.

I am sensing a developing theme here, but I will once again return to my childhood. Growing up in the Scottish Borders, and so close to the border with England, brought with it a distinctive experience. As I said in my previous post, our family would make frequent trips up north to England, to visit the relatively larger town of Berwick. Quite a large number of people who I went to school with had one Scottish and one English parent, and liked the fact and would comment on how they would split their allegiances come the inevitable sporting clashes. It was never something that caused animosity. Why would it in an area where it was common to have a parent from both nations? Indeed, some people reveled in the fact that it made them more 'interesting'. That's not to say that friendly rivalry didn't exist - between neighbours, friends and even members of the same family in the run up to a football match or game of rugby. But in the Borders, there was friendly sporting rivalry between towns, so it didn't seem unusual for national games either.

Of course there are individuals in Scotland who hold prejudices about people from other countries; this kind of prejudice exists all over the world and I suspect that we are no better or worse than most places in this regard. As England is Scotland's immediate and larger neighbour, I suspect a large proportion of this kind of prejudice is directed at England. Friendly sporting rivalry is one thing, but such prejudice is unacceptable. We are all human beings, living on the same planet. We have many differences, but we all share one thing - our humanity. To dislike somebody based on the colour of their skin, their nationality, or for their accent is such a strange concept and one that is so damaging the world over.

We cannot deny that anti-Englishness exists in Scotland. It's only natural to try and cover up something that you are ashamed of, and I believe that's why so many people are inclined to assert that it doesn't exist. However, to deny it, in my opinion, is to tolerate the continuation of such prejudice.

Anti-Englishness was not something I was aware of until I went to university in Edinburgh. I was shocked to hear about the experiences of some of my English friends. A good friend of mine from London has Indian parents, and she had experienced racism in London based on the colour of her skin. During her four years in Edinburgh, she didn't experience (to the best of her knowledge) any racism based on the colour of her skin, but she did experience prejudice because of her English accent. It wasn't something she expected at all, but she wasn't alone in that regard. I was incredibly ashamed that people who came to live and study in this country were being made unwelcome by the disgraceful views and behaviour of a vocal minority.

And I do believe it is a minority of people in this county who hold such unpleasant views, and I also believe that such prejudice will lessen over time as our country grows in confidence. Although, this issue is entirely separate to the constitutional debate about Scotland's future, I do think that the prospect of an evolving relationship between Scotland and England is putting the spotlight on these issues more than ever before.

Tackling such prejudice is not easy, and it must NOT be bound up with the constitutional future of the UK. People in Scotland who support independence are not motivated by the idea of separation from England, they are motivated by independence for Scotland. When I have spoken to people in Scotland, England and elsewhere in the world, I have been so proud of the fact that the constitutional debate in Scotland has been driven by peaceful tolerant civic nationalism - a positive belief in equality for our nation and the benefits of independence.

To try and link the two issues would be highly irresponsible. It won't stop some people, like George Foulkes or others with a political interest in painting progress in Scotland as fuel for resentment between Scotland and England, but I do hope they will be widely condemned for it.

Berwick and borders

2008-02-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

I have a stat counter on my blog, which allows me to see how many visitors the blog has had, and interestingly, where in the world they have logged on to the computer. I appear to have a regular reader in Toronto for example, and visitors from all corners of the world. I would like to welcome the latest visitor, from Oxford University, to these pages and I hope they make interesting reading ;o)

I now turn to the point of this post...

I grew up in the Scottish Borders, and I have a certain fondness for Berwick-upon-Tweed. As the nearest town with a train station, arguably the best selection of shops that could be accessed without going all the way into Edinburgh, and the seaside - we spent a lot of time there as a family when I was growing up. So, it is very strange to see it hitting the headlines, with all this discussion about Berwick becoming part of Scotland.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7237802.stm

Personally, I don't see a problem with it from Scotland's point of view, but it really is for the people of the area to decide. One of the arguments put forward for the move is that people in Scotland are benefiting from better public policies than people living in England. Free personal care for the elderly, free prescriptions, the abolition of tuition fees, the freezing of Council Tax - all desirable and all happening in Scotland.

I don't subscribe to the view that public policy developments in Scotland will necessarily result in increased resentment towards Scotland from people in England, or Wales and Northern Ireland for that matter. Surely improvements in Scotland give people in the other constituent parts of the UK the evidence and leverage for other political institutions to follow suit? In the same way that Scottish politicians were able to point to the experience of Wales when they abolished prescription charges, the Scottish Government's decision now provides English MPs with the evidence they need to push for similar improvements in England. Apparently, improvements in the way that children from asylum seeking families are being treated in Scotland are also informing progress across the UK.

I believe that Scotland will be better off independent, but that doesn't mean that my concern for people ends at the border. Until we achieve independence, and after we achieve independence, I firmly believe that all the nations that make up the UK can learn from each other, and use differences in public policy to improve the governance of each nation. Obviously, the EU provides a wider opportunity to compare polices and raise standards - but there will always be a special relationship between those countries that currently constitute the UK.

Busman's Holiday

2008-02-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Jamie and I were in Pitlochry this weekend, with our friends Gareth Finn and Bill Kidd. We were combining a weekend break in a beautiful part of Scotland, with some campaigning in the council by-election there. The by-election is a result of the untimely death of Eleanor Howie - a much loved SNP councillor. Her sister Kate Howie has been selected as the SNP candidate to contest the Highland Perthshire ward.

This weekend was the first time I met Kate, and I was very impressed with her - she is absolutely lovely and sharp as a razor too. She is obviously dedicated to her community, and already well known and liked. She will make an excellent councillor for the area.

Saturday was spent knocking doors in Pitlochry itself, and it was great to get such a warm reception. We were invited in to so many houses! Our candidate in the recent by-election, Claire Fyvie, was also up to lend a hand - along with Cllr David Key. We all agreed that it was great to be out campaigning, and for it not to be raining - as it did practically every day of the Kilsyth by-election! Anyway, that's me in the picture above, with my canvass pack - on a quick break.

Today was spent distributing leaflets in Kinloch Rannoch and Tummel Bridge - in beautiful surroundings. And we did take the time to enjoy the sites on the campaign trail, courtesy of our local hostess and my friend Elaine Wylie. Jamie is pictured above at Killiecrankie, en route.

I'm looking forward to taking another break in Pitlochry soon. From the B&B we stayed in, to the warm welcome from local shopkeepers and the picturesque town itself, Pitlochry really is a great destination - and only a short train journey away from the central belt. No, I'm not angling for a job with visitscotland!

Labour's Budget 'Strategy'

2008-02-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

I am baffled by the Labour Party's response to the vote on the Budget today.

They put forward an amendment, which the SNP Government supported - yet they still didn't vote for the Budget as amended. Well, if the Labour group had more problems beyond the issue of skills academies and Modern Apprenticeships, why didn't they submit an amendment that dealt with those issues?

I'm sure it looked like a super-duper strategy to the Labour Party adviser of the month, whatever that strategy was...

But, yet again, the Labour group in the Scottish Parliament have left themselves open to ridicule. What were they trying to achieve today? A robust and fair Budget for Scotland? To score points against the SNP Government? To get through unscathed? I don't think they have achieved anything for themselves, the issues the claim to care about or the people of Scotland.

Perhaps things will be become clearer tomorrow...

Kilsyth by-election

2008-02-04T02:19:00.000-08:00

Well, it has taken me a number of days to get round to blogging about the by-election result. After one of the most hectic months of my life, the first day I had off (from work and campaigning) was yesterday, so I scheduled the task 'do nothing' in my diary!

Anyway, after a long, cold, wet and windy campaign, we didn't manage to win the council seat for Kilsyth ward - despite working hard, and having an excellent candidate in Claire Fyvie.

Lab 1855 - 62.95%
SNP 891 - 30.23%
GRN 66 - 2.24%
CON 50 - 1.7%
SSP 48 - 1.63%
L/D 17 - 0.58%

However, we did get a swing towards us after improving on our share of the vote from the council elections last May, and we have had a surge in membership applications in the area.

There is still massive loyalty to the Labour Party in this ward, so actually winning here was always going to be an uphill struggle. Generations of loyalty to Labour can't be undone during the course of a by-election. And while I find this loyalty to Labour frustrating, I can understand why people are still so attached to Labour and admire them for this loyalty in some ways.

Going round the doors in the area I was struck by just how many people mentioned their absolute hatred (and I'm not exaggerating) of the Tories, and their attachment to the Labour Party - who at the time of the last Conservative Government - positioned themselves as the defender of Scotland against the London Tories.

The Kilsyth ward is an ex-mining community. It suffered under Conservative rule, and it formed even stronger attachments to the Labour Party. I'm sure I've written about this before, but so many Labour voters in Scotland see Labour as part of their identity. They don't look at the different parties in the run up to elections, and weigh up who has the policies that would benefit them, their community, and their country. They ARE Labour, so they VOTE Labour. I had a number of people apologise to me during the Scottish Parliament elections because they were Labour, so they had to vote Labour. It's part of who they are, part of who their parents are and their parents before them. This kind of loyalty is admirable.

I do find it rather contradictory though, that in the age of the so-called consumer voter, that people do continue to vote out of loyalty rather than to put their own interests first. I was speaking to a man in Cumbernauld about 5 years ago, who told me that he was in his eighties, and that he had been a 'Labour man' all his life. He told me he was disgusted with them, particularly because of the miserly 75p increase in the state pension Gordon Brown had set soon after Labour formed the government. He felt absolutely betrayed because he thought that low state pensions and means-testing would be a thing of the past under a Labour Government. I asked him if he would consider supporting the SNP. 'Oh no', he said, 'I'm a Labour man - have been all my life - I'll give them another chance'. He smiled apologetically...

I don't think the Labour Party deserve this kind of loyalty, and I don't believe they can inspire it for too much longer. They have just become so removed from the founding principles of their party, and let people down too many times. People in Scotland deserve better.

I am incredibly proud of the SNP campaign for Kilsyth ward. We all worked extremely hard to get round as many doors as possible to speak to people, and when we did, we found a warm reception from most. I'm sure that with continued hard work, and with an excellent SNP councillor for the area in David Key, even more people will see that the SNP is on their side and fighting hard for their communities.

Hain, Hain, Go Away

2008-01-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

...Come again some other day?

So Peter Hain has resigned as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, due to the police investigation into donations to his campaign for Labour's deputy leadership.

As only one of a string of donation issues of late, this must surely point the way to state funding of political parties? Yes, I do see the irony that at a time when public opinion of political parties is so low, one long-term solution to this issue is to ask taxpayers to fund said parties.

But what else can be done?

Whether these donation scandals prove to be intentional or the result of incompetence, the rules governing funding of political parties that have been put in place are not being adhered to. Maybe that's because those flouting the rules have little respect for them, or they are more complicated or time-consuming than they need to be? I don't have the answers to those questions.

Either way, surely it makes sense to cut this problem off at source and introduce state funding for political parties, with stringent caps on what can be spent, limitations on how additional finance can be raised and indeed how much can be raised in addition to state funding. Lets cap what political parties can spend on elections, and try to ensure more of a level playing field.

Democracy costs. And, the reality is, political parties are the foundation of the democratic process. We all have an interest in supporting the function of these political parties, and ensuring they have the resources to tell people what their vision and policies are, so that electors can make an informed decision about who to vote for. Believe me, I don't want my taxes spent on running Tory HQ! But I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to fund our democracy.

I don't want people in politics to be distracted from the business at hand - that of trying to make their communities, country and wider world a better place. Nobody gets involved in politics to become a fundraiser for their own campaigns or those of their political party.

Why on earth was Peter Hain spending such an extortionate amount on an internal personal campaign anyway? Why did Wendy Alexander spend thousands to become the Labour leader in Scotland - when she was the sole candidate!?! Yes, campaigns cost some money - but it's a stretch to suggest that it's justifiable to spend that kind of money.

I think we need to drive out this spending culture from politics in general, otherwise we will end up emulating the US system where money buys political muscle and does all the talking. It costs nothing to knock on a door and speak to people about your policies and ideas, and leaflets won't break the bank. Politics should be a battle of ideas, not a cash war. But if one party has lots of money from big donations, then it puts the others at a disadvantage, so they need to raise funds to level the playing field more. It's a vicious circle, but it can be stopped.

My kind of politics

2008-01-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

As I may have mentioned before, a council by-election takes place in the Kilsyth ward of North Lanarkshire Council on 31st January. This by-election follows the very sudden death of a Labour councillor for the ward, and the local Labour Party has selected his 22 year old son to contest the by-election.

A Cumbernauld and Kilsyth branch of the Young Scots for Independence (YSI) was established a few months ago. The convener of this branch, Stephen Bowman, issued a press release about the by-election to the local newspaper, which received the following coverage.

http://www.cumbernauld-news.co.uk/news/YSI-urge-young-people-to.3683807.jp

In this story, Stephen has broken the 'golden rule' of politics by naming the candidate of another party, and indeed he has gone further and offered words of personal (not political) support for this candidate - who has recently lost his father. And I must say, I am very impressed by Stephen's words and his approach to politics.

Politics is a battle of ideas, not people. It is of constant concern to me that so many people view politics and people involved in it with disdain and even contempt. It is all too easy for the reporting of politics (and political campaigns themselves) to become a war of soundbites, with candidates criticising each other rather than promoting what it is they and their party have to offer.

I am heartened that our party and politics generally has people like Stephen involved - somebody who thinks like a human being first and foremost, and who is not consumed with landing political blows. If only more people thought and acted in this way, then politics would be a lot healthier for it.

Farewell Anne

2008-01-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

I spent most of today campaigning in Kilsyth for the forthcoming council by-election at the end of the month, but I had time this evening to attend a farewell gathering for my good friend Anne McLaughlin.

http://indygal.blog.com/

For those readers unfortunate enough not to know Anne, she is one of the loveliest people you will ever meet. She is only going to Sri Lanka for 3 months, but I will miss her a lot. Anne is one of those magnetic people that everyone likes to have around. She is very entertaining (often inadvertently) and utterly engaging. I used to work with Anne at SNP HQ, and not a day went by when she didn't have a hilarious story to tell.

Anne is fun, but she is also a sincere and true friend. I'm always telling her that she is sometimes too good a friend to other people and that she should look out for herself more.

Jamie and I also have a special reason to be fond of Anne, as she was our very own cupid. She knew we both liked each other from afar, and made sure we both knew about it. Thanks Anne :o)

Anne is off to Sri Lanka to work as a volunteer for a very deserving cause. I can't wait for her to return with a huge back catalogue of stories about all her adventures out there.

Good luck Anne!

Isn't it funny?

2008-01-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I hope so...

Avid readers of my blog will have observed that humorous commentary is not my strong point. People that know me in 'real life' will testify that I do have a sense of humour (I hope) and that I don't take myself too seriously at all. But when it comes to blogging, I usually write about the political issue that has preoccupied my thoughts that day. And said issue has normally dominated my thoughts because it's something I feel strongly about. The tone of my posts, it therefore follows, is ordinarily serious. Personally, I not one of those people who enjoys politics for its own sake. I'm interested in politics because it is the way we change the world around us for the better. So it follows that I'm quite serious when I discuss political issues.

Anyway, the point to this preamble is to share my nerves about a forthcoming engagement. When I was thinking about putting myself forward as a candidate, the aspect I was most apprehensive about was the public speaking role. Don't get me wrong - I have no problem getting up and speaking in front of people, even big audiences. However, in the past I have always been speaking about a topic I know - either in a work context or on an issue I am concerned about at events like SNP conference.

But now I've been asked to do something quite different. I have been asked to speak at a Burns Supper, and to a non-SNP audience! I wasn't too nervous about this until one of our constituency activists said: 'don't worry - you don't need to be political, just funny'. JUST funny!

So I now face one of the most daunting things I have ever had to do. I am terrible at remembering jokes and even worse at delivering them! And I have been invited along to entertain people with wit and humour - and I don't want to disappoint. So if you know any good jokes, please let me know. The comments section is moderated (not because anyone was making nasty comments, but because links to viagra sites kept appearing), so you wouldn't be posting publicly. Even if you like the thought of me suffering as I struggle to elicit even a pity giggle from people who have very kindly invited me along to their evening, then do it for them. :o)

Inequality

2008-01-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

After being deprived of internet access for a couple of days, I feel like there is so much to write about - but I will pick just one topic.

I would like to make an observation about a TV programme that I caught the end of the other night on BBC2 (presented by the Snow father and son combo). The programme was looking at the incomes of people across the UK and the jobs that they do. Two quite shocking statistics used in the programme really stood out for me. The first related to pay in the armed forces. A young soldier was featured, who had worked out that while he is on active service, the hours are so long and the pay is so low that he paid far less than the minimum wage. I think that is disgusting.

The second statistic was that the top 4,500 earners in the UK collectively earn the same as the lowest 2.5 MILLION earners (in the £0-10,000 bracket). That is shocking evidence of the huge gap between rich and poor. There were people in the programme trying to justify the multi-million salaries some are paid - by saying that they deserve that money for their exceptional talent and hard work. To a point, I agree. If people work hard and are good at what they do, then there should be some reward for this. But what about the talented and hard-working nurses? Do they get whopping bonuses? What about the young soldier risking his life in combat? Why should he be on less than the minimum wage, while somebody who can kick a ball about a field with style can command millions?

Well, it's because what we all earn is not based on what is fair, or on what people deserve - but on what the 'market' decides we are all worth. We now live in an era of increasingly mobile capital and labour. So we are all at the mercy of the market to a varying extent.

If we are to tackle inequality, then the world will have to change - not just Scotland. However, there are things that we can do within our nations to address inequalities and begin to seriously tackle poverty.

I am a firm believer that a Citizen's Income would be a strong foundation for tackling poverty, making work pay, breaking people out of poverty and unemployment traps, ridding us of dependency culture, instilling confidence in people and redefining the relationship between citizens and the state.

If we are to tackle poverty and inequality in Scotland, then there must first be a consensus that we should tackle inequality. While most people agree that we should try to eradicate poverty, there is not the same agreement about inequality. Some people think it is acceptable to have such huge gaps in income, so long as people at the lowest end of the income scale are not living in poverty. I am not one of them. I believe in society, and also I think that huge inequalities have an incredibly corrosive effect on our society. What does it do to a person, struggling to get by financially to have the wealth of others paraded in front of them daily? Just turn on your TV, open your newspapers and magazines, walk along the high street, pass the adverts on the bus shelters. We are relentlessly bombarded with images of rich people, and all their belongings - and celebrity culture compounds this. This is all fuel for our consumer society, where people aspire to acquire more and 'better' possessions - and an increasing number (as evidenced by the rising number of bankruptcies) are getting themselves into debt to pay for it all.

This posting offers no conclusions on these matters at present. I started to write and if I don't stop soon I may run out of space! I will most likely return to this issue, and would welcome comments.

The things we do for our political beliefs...

2008-01-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

I was out campaigning today in Kilsyth, in advance of the council by-election at the end of January. The weather was awful! Within 5 minutes I could no longer feel my feet, which were drenched and I also - rather strangely - lost the feeling in just one set of fingers. I have a circulation condition that means I really suffer from the cold. The blood drains from my hands and feet when I spend any length of time out in the cold, and it can cause an odd mix of shooting pains and numbness. The GP told me to get ski gloves, and try to stay indoors as much as possible in winter. Not great news for a political activist like me! And not a very practical way to live my life either.

So there I was, out and about today, shivering in the wind and the rain as I knocked on doors. I must admit, I was feeling really sorry for myself :o(

But no matter what the weather, like many political activists, what drives me to do it is my absolute passion for politics. Not politics for its own sake, but the power of politics to change things for the better.

That's why I believe so strongly in independence. But for me independence is only the start for Scotland. Independence is the foundation for building a fairer society, and a more prosperous nation. So, even after Scotland becomes independent, I'm sure I'll still be involved in politics and pounding the streets.

I know that knocking on the front doors of strangers at the weekend is, on the face of it, a very bizarre way to spend your time. As an activist - particularly a drenched and shivering one - you do sometimes get people looking at you with a combination of bemusement and pity...

Anyway, after contemplating what drives me to suffer in the cold for my cause, I returned home to switch on the TV and view more news about the political situation in Kenya. I may have been dodging the rain in Kilsyth today for my political beliefs, but over there activists are dodging bullets and machetes. So I am very privileged to be able to campaign without fear for my physical safety, and without fear of arrest or intimidation.

It may or may not rain tomorrow (it probably will), but I will still count myself very fortunate indeed.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T06:31:00.001-08:00

It feels like an eternity since I wrote my last blog entry...

For those who know me personally, you will know that I find it very difficult to 'switch off' and relax. I'm not really one for sitting about and taking it easy. However, that's exactly what I did manage to do over the festive period. Jamie and I spent Christmas down in the Borders with my parents, and we had a great and very relaxing time.

Now that we are back home though, I am back to writing the 'to do' lists that people have so frequently teased me about over the years. And boy, there is a lot to do! But my New Year's Resolution is to be far less stressed about everything that I have to do, and to take more time to reflect and to appreciate my family and friends.

Taking a break gave me a lot of time to think about why it is I work so hard, and what I hope to achieve. I'm not really an ambitious person career-wise. It's much more important to me to enjoy my job and to know that I am doing something worthwhile, than it is to earn loads of money and climb the status ladder. I am extremely privileged to be doing my current job, because protecting human rights is one of the biggest challenges facing this planet (as well as protecting the planet itself from threats like global warming). In my job I encounter so many horrific stories about how people have been treated by other human beings. I find it so difficult to comprehend what makes one person harm another. How can a human being torture another human being? How can they inflict such horrendous pain? How can they have such a capacity to hate? How can people get away with it? Why is it that we turn on our TV screens and open our newspapers every day to be bombarded with images and tales of intolerable suffering?

Apparently, the sheer volume of misery that we are faced with makes us more immune to images of suffering. Not me. It seems that the older I get, the more the turmoil and injustice of this world affects me, and I feel more powerless with it. The problems of this world are so huge and so complex, that trying to solve them seems impossible. Perhaps that's why so many people don't even try.

Anyway, before I descend into a blackhole of depression and take you with me, I do want to end on a note of optimism. As individuals we can only play a small part in making the world a better place. In my job, I am playing my part in defending human rights - here at home, and around the world. I am also politically active, and working hard to help achieve independence for Scotland - both to make my country a better place to live, but also so that Scotland can play a part in helping to make the world a better place too. On my own, I can play a small part. But I'm not on my own. I am a member of a growing political party that believes in equality for Scotland with independence. I am also a member of a human rights organisation with millions of supporters worldwide, campaigning and taking action to defend human rights.

Rather than making resolutions to eat more healthily and exercise more (which most of us should probably do anyway), just imagine what a difference it would make if we all pledged to do a little more to help others and make the world just that little bit better...

Graduate Endowment No More!

2007-12-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7154469.stm

Great news! MSPs today voted to scrap the Graduate Endowment, albeit narrowly.

I know I should be more charitable, given that Christmas is fast approaching - but I simply cannot believe the twisted logic that was presented as arguments against scrapping this unfair tuition fee.

Yes, universities could always do with more funding. When I was at university (an increasingly long time ago now), they were crying out for cash. They are crying out for more cash today, and I'm sure they will be doing so from now until the end of time.

All of our public services, for example, could do with more cash. The NHS would benefit from more money. Our schools could do with more money too. Scotland has suffered from massive underinvestment in our infrastructure for decades - public transport needs a massive cash injection, and so many of our roads are downright dangerous. We need investment across the board to make Scotland a better place to live - but we only have a certain amount of money to allocate.

So, yes, I get it - universities would like more money. But why does it follow that students should be getting into more debt to pay for it? Students already have to shoulder a huge amount of debt, just to get an education. Tuition fees and a steady erosion of student grants has massively contributed to the culture of debt that is now endemic in our society. This is not a simple matter (as many argue) of ensuring that people who are able to access higher education contribute financially to the cost of that education, in return for the 'benefit' they receive from it. If people earn more because of their education, then they will contribute more back to the state and wider society through higher taxes. If they don't benefit financially from higher education relative to what they might have earned otherwise, then they won't pay higher taxes. The idea is progressive taxation. It's something that the Labour Party once believed in. Why should a social worker pay the same back to the state in the form of a tuition fee than someone who becomes a high-earning lawyer? The Graduate Endowment was a regressive tax.

And for Labour's Rhona Brankin to argue that "abolishing the endowment does not tackle access issues and it does not tackle issues of student poverty" is missing the point entirely. Scrapping the Graduate Endowment does not, on its own, ensure that access to universities is widened or that the issue of student debt will be solved. Indeed not. But it's a start, and it's more than the Labour Party would have done for students had they been returned to government in May!

Lib Dems Cheated?

2007-12-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know what you are thinking. Given Nicol Stephen's astonishingly snide attacks on Alex Salmond (when he has patently done nothing wrong), here comes an SNP blogger to throw some mud back...

Not at all.

I am in fact referring to the coverage about the election of the UK Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg today. The media reporting of this so far has been very subdued in tone. Rather than a big 'unveiling of the new leader' style reports, it has been more ' oh yeah, and the Lib Dems elected the latest of a long line in leaders today, and he only won by the skin of his teeth...' They just can't catch a break. :o)

But then, there isn't really a lot of interest in the Lib Dems beyond the political anoraks, and even then the Lib Dems are only of interest to many because of how they will position themselves relative to the other parties.

And this is what I find so depressing about Nicol Stephen at the moment. While he was a Minister in the previous Lib-Lab Executive he was notoriously 'lazy' (in the words of civil servants in his department), and he lacked any zeal for his job. Now, he seems to have sprung to life in his quest to smear Alex Salmond and the SNP. I think this is quite telling about his character. He is clearly more motivated by a desire to damage a political foe than he is about governing Scotland well.

I just can't get over how spiteful he is allowing himself to appear, and I'm afraid that his conduct will only lower the opinion that people have of politics and politicians even further. As I have said before, the worst thing about Labour's donor woes for me was the damage it may do to politics in this country. Labour's donor problems are a legitimate issue of concern, and have to be publicly addressed. But it is wholly irresponsible to stoke up controversy over an issue like the Trump project purely for political point scoring, and perceived party advantage. I cannot understand why people think there has been any wrong doing on the part of Alex Salmond or the Scottish Government, other than because people like Nicol Stephen have been slinging mud.

N.B. I do hope I managed to make my point there without throwing any 'mud' at Nicol Stephen. The 'lazy' comment sails a bit close to the wind, but that is opinion rather than an accusation, so I hope that doesn't count...

Independent Future

2007-12-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, the flat is still in disarray after our recent ceiling disaster - but this story is worth taking a few minutes to pass comment on.
http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1907907.0.0.php

It certainly is good news that support for independence is growing, and it is interesting to note the even higher levels of support among younger people. It does remind me of a conversation I once had with somebody about this. When I asked them if they supported independence, they replied, 'well, about 20 years ago I would have, but I'm too old now.' [The emphasis is mine of course] I thought that comment was interesting on a couple of levels. Firstly, that the individual associated independence with being younger, and seemed to suggest that they no longer had either the energy to make it work or the capacity to care anymore. Secondly, I thought it was a very bizarre way to look at the world - that just because you are getting older, you don't care about what happens to younger generations.

Having spoken to a lot of pensioners about politics over the years (especially when I was doing research on pensions), I don't think the view above is common among older people. I had many a conversation with people campaigning for higher state pensions, who were very clear that they did not want that increase to come at the expense of childcare, or help for students, for example. As an aside, they were quite happy for higher state pensions to come at the expense of daft plans for ID cards and dangerous nuclear weapons...

Anyway, the point I am trying to make, is that lower support for independence among older people is unlikely to be because they care less about Scotland's future - after all, most have children and grandchildren.

I don't know how to explain it, other than to note that the increased support among younger people would seem to indicate a generational shift in attitude towards the union in which Scotland finds itself in the 21st century. A union that, to many, seems to have outlived any relevance it may have had. But in the context of globalisation, and the development of supranational bodies like the EU, then self-government becomes a must-have. The nation-state is the entity through which we engage with the rest of the world. For people growing up in modern Scotland, the limits of being classed as a 'region' within the wider UK state are becoming clearer - particularly when small nations like Malta have more say in the EU than Scotland.

But just because the benefits of independence seem to be clearer to Scotland's younger generation, this doesn't mean they will be the only ones to benefit from a future in which Scotland is independent. Independence will give us the powers we need to build a better future for our nation and everyone who lives here, and it will take time to build some of the more lasting foundations for success. But there are many things that we will be able to do almost immediately with those powers, such as introduce a Citizen's Pension - a policy that would benefit every pensioner in Scotland.

I do hope that, in the same way that Scotland's older citizens demonstrate their concern for younger people, that those young people who support independence will inspire Scotland's older generations to ensure that they make a positive contribution and leave a lasting legacy for Scotland - and choose independence.

Exclusive: Sky Falls Down Under The SNP!

2007-12-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Well, not quite. It is in fact our living room ceiling that is in the process of falling down at the moment. The plaster has developed a sudden attraction to the carpet for some reason, and this has unleashed a bit of chaos in the Hepburn household, as we have had to clear everything out of the room in preparation for the scaffolding (!).

Still, at this time of year, it is only right to spare a thought for those less fortunate...

Wendy Alexander, Charlie Gordon...

Seriously though, I can't believe this whole saga is still rumbling on. Am I the only one bored of revelation after revelation? It seems that Labour's strategy is to hang on to the main protagonists in this episode until the media, other political parties and everyone else in Scotland is too bored to call for resignations anymore.

After such continued exposure to Labour's sleaze, there is a danger that the natural outrage that people initially feel is diluted over time. Charlie Gordon may eventually have to resign as an MSP once the investigation is complete, but I suspect Wendy and co. may ride this storm.

This is a worrying state of affairs for the Labour Party, which will bear the scar of this debacle for some time. However, it is more worrying for the principle of accountability in politics. As I have stated before, when people makes mistakes, they should be accountable for those mistakes. To hang on, in my opinion, shows the contempt that the current Labour leader in Scotland has for the people of this country.

Wendy Alexander and THAT cheque

2007-12-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I have tried to avoid blogging on the whole donorgate affair - but it now seems that's all anyone is talking about!

I have no aspersions to cast I'm afraid, no insider information from the corridors of the Scottish Parliament and definitely no gossip - sorry :o(

Unlike a lot of people, I am not revelling in the misery of the Labour Party. And despite my immense dislike of Wendy Alexander as a politician (I don't think she is nearly as bright as the hype) and my low opinion of the Labour Party these days, I just can't muster the outrage that others feel.

Instead, I just feel disappointed. I don't understand why people break the rules, especially when they are in trusted positions and put themselves forward as leaders in our society. This whole affair won't just damage the Labour Party, it also damages the image of politics as a whole and all other politicians. It further undermines the faith of our citizens in politics, and ultimately damages our democracy. I can just hear the cries from sofas across the country:

"Well, it's no surprise really - they are all at it."

Or

"Politicians - they are all the same. Liars the lot of them."

I can also imagine that many members of the Labour Party are feeling disillusioned right now. They have a right to expect more from their elected representatives and leaders. I personally couldn't be a member of a party that had become so rotten at its core, and abandoned all its founding principles.

I understand that Wendy Alexander is hanging on to act as a protective dam against the tide of damage that her resignation would cause in London. Given that Tom McCabe has already admitted that Wendy Alexander has broken the law (either intentionally or unintentionally), I think the longer she stays as leader of Labour in Scotland, the more damage she does to Scottish politics as a whole.

Politicians aren't perfect. They are just people. Most of them try their best to do a good job for the people they represent and fight for the ideas they believe in - whatever their party. Sometimes they make mistakes, as human beings do. But when they do, they should take responsibility for these mistakes and do the right thing by their conscience.

Keeping Warm This Winter

2007-11-27T03:23:00.000-08:00

Further to my post on 15 November 'A Cold Winter', I made up my mind not just to complain about the issue, but to try and do something about it. So I decided to try and raise awareness, in the constituency I'm a candidate for and online, about the help available.

I've launched a local campaign aimed at helping pensioners to keep warm this winter.

As a candidate, there are limited opportunities to actually help people. You can campaign on issues, but it is difficult to affect real change for people, unless you then become their elected representative. However, by raising awareness of steps that people can take to keep warm this winter, if just a handful of people get extra help because of my campaign, then it is well worth it.

More information can be found on my campaign website: www.juliehepburnsnp.com

With the Westminster Government sitting on a pot £4.5 billion of unclaimed benefits for older people, we should be doing all we can to make sure pensioners claim the money they are entitled to. That £4.5 billion would go a long way to helping people stay warm this winter.

I've put together a short list of steps (with telephone numbers and web links) that pensioners can take if they are worried about keeping warm this winter. There is a lot of information out there, but it's not all easily accessible in one place. But it is now on my website, so if you are interested in raising awareness about the help available, please check it out.