What will be the fallout of the Glasgow vote?
From fitness classes and local gangs to the future of Parkhead fire station, it has not been the highest level of debate in Glasgow East, but the outcome will matter to at least three people at a very high level.
Tonight's result has the potential to provoke the downfall of Gordon Brown as Prime Minister, but it could also provide a significant check to the momentum of his two most dangerous rivals, north and south of the border. The voters of Glasgow East will have their say today and tomorrow they can watch the impact move swiftly into national politics. So if they vote for ...
A narrow Labour victory
Bookies' and pundits are backing this option, despite more unpredictable variables than usual.
Any majority would get an audible sigh of Labour relief. This would stop the momentum of the Crewe and Nantwich by-election (a safe Labour seat lost in northern England) and then Henley (a humiliating lost deposit behind the Greens and BNP).
It would not solve Gordon Brown's leadership problems, but it might give him summer breathing space to plan how he clambers back up precipitously bad poll ratings.
The SNP would crow about a sharp cut in Labour's majority, and offer statistics about the wipeout of senior ministers, including Chancellor Alistair Darling, if the same swing were applied in the General Election expected in spring 2010.
It would also be quick to put pressure on Margaret Curran to stand down from her Holyrood seat, giving the SNP a second chance of defeating Labour in a by-election - though it should not hold its breath for that.
But even a narrow Labour victory would be a set-back, perhaps the most significant check to SNP momentum since it taking power at Holyrood. Alex Salmond's talk of an "earthquake" would look lame.
A narrow SNP victory
Expect triumphant Nationalist air-punching. By-elections have long fuelled Nationalist fervour. The same swing at a General Election would unseat Gordon Brown from Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath.
But the attention would move swiftly to Labour and the future of Gordon Brown's leadership. It was signalled at the start of the by-election campaign by his critics at Westminster that defeat in Glasgow East would spark a revolt, or at least a delegation from party elders to tell him it is time to go.
If he fights to keep his job, a challenge would be hard to mount and could dominate politics for at least three months. There is no obvious replacement.
Although Westminster has started its recess, and Labour MPs next gather at the September party conference in Manchester, the Prime Minister still has to face a party pow-wow in Warwick today.
An SNP landslide
Expect a headless chicken reaction from Labour, as MPs calculate the implications for their own chances of election survival. It could make for a cleaner break from the Brown leadership, while Alex Salmond's only problem would be constraining his party's expectations of a Labour wipeout at the 2010 election.
A Labour landslide
A severe setback to Alex Salmond, not least for its surprise value. An endorsement of Gordon Brown's leadership, as he sets course to overturn the Tory Westminster poll lead, and the next Labour leader at Holyrood manoeuvres to oust the SNP minority government.
The battle for third place
Both Nick Clegg and David Cameron need progress out of such by-elections - the LibDem leader because he still hasn't found much momentum and the Tory chief because he needs to show his appeal spreads north of the border.
If his candidate, Davena Rankin, cannot make headway from the Tory 7% share in 2005, it looks like his huge polling lead is more anti-Labour than pro-Tory. Neither man can afford to let one of the smaller parties defeat them.
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Posted by: Luigi, Aberdeen on 10:32pm Wed 23 Jul 08
This article was written in cloud cuckoo land. This is a no-win situation for Labour - comprende? Talk of platforms for Gordon Brown's come-back is complete pisssh. Even a set-back for Salmond? In your dreams, bud.
This article was written in cloud cuckoo land. This is a no-win situation for Labour - comprende? Talk of platforms for Gordon Brown's come-back is complete pisssh. Even a set-back for Salmond? In your dreams, bud.
Posted by: Luigi, Aberdeen on 10:36pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Does anyone seriously believe that middle England gives a c'rap about who a bunch of weegies will vote for tomorrow?
The only party that really cares, the only party that can and will make a difference is the SNP.
[bold]C'MON GLASGOW - MAKE HISTORY[/bold]
Does anyone seriously believe that middle England gives a c'rap about who a bunch of weegies will vote for tomorrow?
The only party that really cares, the only party that can and will make a difference is the SNP.
C'MON GLASGOW - MAKE HISTORY Posted by: baffled, scotland on 10:37pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[bold]A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP
“ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE”
[/bold]
jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25.
Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic
ted or rejected that statement?
A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP
“ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE”
jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25.
Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic
ted or rejected that statement?
Posted by: George Laird, Glasgow on 10:40pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote][bold]baffled[/bold] wrote:
[bold]A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP “ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE” [/bold] jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25. Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic ted or rejected that statement? [/quote] Dear Baffled
Every SNP member is important.
Do you think someone in a senior position would bother with you a recognised halfwit on this board.
Tomorrow, New Labour meltdown beings.
Enjoy the moment, it may help you climb the greasy New Labour pole!
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
baffled wrote:
A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP “ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE” jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25. Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic ted or rejected that statement?
Dear Baffled
Every SNP member is important.
Do you think someone in a senior position would bother with you a recognised halfwit on this board.
Tomorrow, New Labour meltdown beings.
Enjoy the moment, it may help you climb the greasy New Labour pole!
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
Posted by: George Laird, Glasgow on 10:41pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote][bold]George Laird[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]baffled[/bold] wrote: [bold]A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP “ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE” [/bold] jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25. Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic ted or rejected that statement? [/quote] Dear Baffled Every SNP member is important. Do you think someone in a senior position would bother with you a recognised halfwit on this board. Tomorrow, New Labour meltdown beings. Enjoy the moment, it may help you climb the greasy New Labour pole! Yours sincerely George Laird The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University [/quote] Sorry typo
Tomorrow, New Labour meltdown begins.
George Laird wrote:
baffled wrote: A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP “ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE” jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25. Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic ted or rejected that statement?
Dear Baffled Every SNP member is important. Do you think someone in a senior position would bother with you a recognised halfwit on this board. Tomorrow, New Labour meltdown beings. Enjoy the moment, it may help you climb the greasy New Labour pole! Yours sincerely George Laird The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
Sorry typo
Tomorrow, New Labour meltdown begins.
Posted by: ditchgazza on 10:57pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Struth Dug. A narrow victory for liebour would be bad for the SNP.
The whole bloody press and media were attacking the SNP with their villeous bile and lies.
With the entire 'media' behind them anything short of a 25,000 majority would be a disaster for the New Sleaze and Corruption party and you, Dug, should hang your head in shame for dragging Scottish journalism to new depths.
Struth Dug. A narrow victory for liebour would be bad for the SNP.
The whole bloody press and media were attacking the SNP with their villeous bile and lies.
With the entire 'media' behind them anything short of a 25,000 majority would be a disaster for the New Sleaze and Corruption party and you, Dug, should hang your head in shame for dragging Scottish journalism to new depths.
Posted by: Vote for Scotlands Future, Vote for the SNP on 11:02pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Poor little baffled is getting [bold]REALLY[/bold] desperate.
Poor little fella.
If Labour win by just Curran will be claiming they have "halted the Nationalist Tide"
By making this a race that no one will call - the SNP have already won. Their win tomorrow night will just be icing on the cake.
Poor little baffled is getting
REALLY desperate.
Poor little fella.
If Labour win by just Curran will be claiming they have "halted the Nationalist Tide"
By making this a race that no one will call - the SNP have already won. Their win tomorrow night will just be icing on the cake.
Posted by: george alexander, north lanarkshire on 11:03pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote]But even a narrow Labour victory would be a set-back, perhaps the most significant check to SNP momentum.........[/quote]
The quicker this so called journalist moves on the better.
How in the name of goodness can a possible swing of around 18% - 20% be a "significant check to SNP momentum".
This is what is passing for journalsm in Scotland in 2001 !!
[bold]IGNORE TROLLS PLEASE !![/bold]
But even a narrow Labour victory would be a set-back, perhaps the most significant check to SNP momentum.........
The quicker this so called journalist moves on the better.
How in the name of goodness can a possible swing of around 18% - 20% be a "significant check to SNP momentum".
This is what is passing for journalsm in Scotland in 2001 !!
IGNORE TROLLS PLEASE !! Posted by: Iainbroch, Moray on 11:10pm Wed 23 Jul 08
I magine if the SNP wins this tomorrow - just imagine the tirade of anti Scottish lies, poison and vitriol the SNP and the cause of Independence will be subjected to. It will not just be the temporary aberation of a by election - it will be daily from Friday till the mext general election in 2010 and beyond!
I think worst case scenario is Labour to hold by 3.5/4,000 plus votes. I think the best case scenario is for SNP to win in recount but considering what I said above it migt be better just to settle for a close run thing!
The Tories and Labour will then turn on each other in the belief that SNP will go away!
Although I will admit to having a good gloat if the SNP do win it! In fact I will be rolling on carpet in stitches!More than likely **** oot o ma skull! The MacAllan will have been opened!
I magine if the SNP wins this tomorrow - just imagine the tirade of anti Scottish lies, poison and vitriol the SNP and the cause of Independence will be subjected to. It will not just be the temporary aberation of a by election - it will be daily from Friday till the mext general election in 2010 and beyond!
I think worst case scenario is Labour to hold by 3.5/4,000 plus votes. I think the best case scenario is for SNP to win in recount but considering what I said above it migt be better just to settle for a close run thing!
The Tories and Labour will then turn on each other in the belief that SNP will go away!
Although I will admit to having a good gloat if the SNP do win it! In fact I will be rolling on carpet in stitches!More than likely **** oot o ma skull! The MacAllan will have been opened!
Posted by: Vote for Scotlands Future, Vote for the SNP on 11:12pm Wed 23 Jul 08
If you don't believe in Scottish Press bias toward Labour, go back over the past week's editions and count the number of headlines mentioning Curran or Labour. How many articles in the same week has there been attacking LIT.
Marshal's Theft-by-Expenses has been common knowledge for weeks, yet it was only "uncovered" by the Scottish Press yesterday.
Still, we're used to it, and we don't expect anything else from the mouthpieces of the Labour Party in Scotland.
If you don't believe in Scottish Press bias toward Labour, go back over the past week's editions and count the number of headlines mentioning Curran or Labour. How many articles in the same week has there been attacking LIT.
Marshal's Theft-by-Expenses has been common knowledge for weeks, yet it was only "uncovered" by the Scottish Press yesterday.
Still, we're used to it, and we don't expect anything else from the mouthpieces of the Labour Party in Scotland.
Posted by: Iainbroch, Moray on 11:14pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote][bold]george alexander[/bold] wrote:
[quote]But even a narrow Labour victory would be a set-back, perhaps the most significant check to SNP momentum.........[/quote] The quicker this so called journalist moves on the better. How in the name of goodness can a possible swing of around 18% - 20% be a "significant check to SNP momentum". This is what is passing for journalsm in Scotland in 2001 !! [bold]IGNORE TROLLS PLEASE !![/bold] [/quote] It is not journalism - it is the second oldest proffession and it is so close to the first in apperance that it is hard to distinguish between the two!
george alexander wrote:
But even a narrow Labour victory would be a set-back, perhaps the most significant check to SNP momentum.........
The quicker this so called journalist moves on the better. How in the name of goodness can a possible swing of around 18% - 20% be a "significant check to SNP momentum". This is what is passing for journalsm in Scotland in 2001 !! IGNORE TROLLS PLEASE !!
It is not journalism - it is the second oldest proffession and it is so close to the first in apperance that it is hard to distinguish between the two!
Posted by: willie mac, Arden on 11:22pm Wed 23 Jul 08
What absolute tosh from the Glasgow Herald.
Labour will be humiliated by the close of play this evening and the message will be that there are no safe seats anywhere in Scotland.
Landslide, earthquake, call it what you will but the message will be clear.
Like Teddy Taylor, the labour Party might have to find somewhere for Big Gordy come 2010. But the question is - WHERE?
What absolute tosh from the Glasgow Herald.
Labour will be humiliated by the close of play this evening and the message will be that there are no safe seats anywhere in Scotland.
Landslide, earthquake, call it what you will but the message will be clear.
Like Teddy Taylor, the labour Party might have to find somewhere for Big Gordy come 2010. But the question is - WHERE?
Posted by: Iainbroch, Moray on 11:27pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Did anyone notice - 2 Pro labour articles and in header on one we get the expression Nuclear Stike and in the other mention of fall out!
Also the mention of the word Blitz! Is Nulabours langauge becoming increasingly warlike and miltaristic, is this further disturbing evidence of its drift to the extreme Far Right of the political spectrum?
Did anyone notice - 2 Pro labour articles and in header on one we get the expression Nuclear Stike and in the other mention of fall out!
Also the mention of the word Blitz! Is Nulabours langauge becoming increasingly warlike and miltaristic, is this further disturbing evidence of its drift to the extreme Far Right of the political spectrum?
Posted by: kt moo, scotland on 11:28pm Wed 23 Jul 08
why do they cut off the candidates names as they scroll up the screen, so no appearance of any surnames after H - same thing happened on STV teatime news. It's only a question before any trolls accuse me of paranoia...
Curran fair did squirm and screech when prodded about Marshall though. Why not just ANSWER THE QUESTION Mags, hen?
That lying corrupt labour lot do not deserve the trust of the people of Glasgow. Come on Glasgow! Show them we deserve better!
why do they cut off the candidates names as they scroll up the screen, so no appearance of any surnames after H - same thing happened on STV teatime news. It's only a question before any trolls accuse me of paranoia...
Curran fair did squirm and screech when prodded about Marshall though. Why not just ANSWER THE QUESTION Mags, hen?
That lying corrupt labour lot do not deserve the trust of the people of Glasgow. Come on Glasgow! Show them we deserve better!
Posted by: Grassy Knollington on 11:36pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Douglas , a bravura performance from yourself as usual, especially the idea of a huge swing to the SNP being a significant setback for them. You'll be a hard act to follow :O)
Douglas , a bravura performance from yourself as usual, especially the idea of a huge swing to the SNP being a significant setback for them. You'll be a hard act to follow :O)
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 11:38pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Baffled The Lapdug[quote]Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic
ted or rejected that statement?[/quote][bold]At least a hundred times, you lying squit!
THE SNP was founded by hard-left socialists and has stayed true to its roots, unlike Labour which ditched Home Rule for Scotland, and all pretence of socialist principles in the last ten years.[/bold]
Baffled The Lapdug
Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic
ted or rejected that statement?
At least a hundred times, you lying squit!
THE SNP was founded by hard-left socialists and has stayed true to its roots, unlike Labour which ditched Home Rule for Scotland, and all pretence of socialist principles in the last ten years.
Posted by: John Leven, Leven Fife on 11:42pm Wed 23 Jul 08
A landslide for Labour!
Just what are you on Douglas? You must be living in the land of Pia if you believe the rubbish you have just put your name to.
Labour say it is too close to call. That is Labour speak for we better pretend we have a chance of winning to get the few voters they have left out.
A landslide for Labour!
Just what are you on Douglas? You must be living in the land of Pia if you believe the rubbish you have just put your name to.
Labour say it is too close to call. That is Labour speak for we better pretend we have a chance of winning to get the few voters they have left out.
Posted by: Vivas, Embra on 11:45pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Dougies "fallout" article is predictable. So what the furk I guess... his writing has become increasingly irrelevent in recent times.
If John Mason is sent to the archaic Westminster governemt, all good and well. But the real story is not about "Mr. Mason goes to Westminster". Whether the SNP win by 2,000 votes or lose by 2,000 votes, the message to Labour is essentially the same. And that message is, in a declining economy, and with 2 years till the next election, and Brown at the helm, they will be facing slaugter in seats all across Scotland in 2010.
And even that is not the end of the story. A referendum in 2010 is the real prize and real opportunity for this country.
Whether Curran wins it tomorrow by a few votes or loses it by a few votes, the outlook for Labour is the same. It's bleak.
And remember Margaret ... the people of the east-end who you are "going to stand up for" will be watching you all the way. They might have stretched loyalty to breaking point this time, but come 2010 and with the east-end NOT about to receive any favours from Purnell, Darling and Brown, their judgement next time around will be savage.
Dougies "fallout" article is predictable. So what the furk I guess... his writing has become increasingly irrelevent in recent times.
If John Mason is sent to the archaic Westminster governemt, all good and well. But the real story is not about "Mr. Mason goes to Westminster". Whether the SNP win by 2,000 votes or lose by 2,000 votes, the message to Labour is essentially the same. And that message is, in a declining economy, and with 2 years till the next election, and Brown at the helm, they will be facing slaugter in seats all across Scotland in 2010.
And even that is not the end of the story. A referendum in 2010 is the real prize and real opportunity for this country.
Whether Curran wins it tomorrow by a few votes or loses it by a few votes, the outlook for Labour is the same. It's bleak.
And remember Margaret ... the people of the east-end who you are "going to stand up for" will be watching you all the way. They might have stretched loyalty to breaking point this time, but come 2010 and with the east-end NOT about to receive any favours from Purnell, Darling and Brown, their judgement next time around will be savage.
Posted by: Jimbo, Black Paw on 11:46pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote][bold]baffled[/bold] wrote:
[bold]A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP “ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE” [/bold] jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25. Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic ted or rejected that statement? [/quote] Why don't you tell us councillor!
Has anyone from the SNP ever specifically challenged, contradicted or rejected that statement?
Back to the topic:
[quote]But even a narrow Labour victory would be a set-back, perhaps the most significant check to SNP momentum since it taking power at Holyrood.[/quote]
Don't kid yourself Douglas; A check on momentum? They would consider a once safe Labour seat to now be a marginal. They would consider a narrow labour victory a stepping stone to greater things for the Nat cause.
baffled wrote:
A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP “ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE” jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25. Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic ted or rejected that statement?
Why don't you tell us councillor!
Has anyone from the SNP ever specifically challenged, contradicted or rejected that statement?
Back to the topic:
But even a narrow Labour victory would be a set-back, perhaps the most significant check to SNP momentum since it taking power at Holyrood.
Don't kid yourself Douglas; A check on momentum? They would consider a once safe Labour seat to now be a marginal. They would consider a narrow labour victory a stepping stone to greater things for the Nat cause.
Posted by: baffled, scotland on 11:57pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Help ma boab, another homophobic cyber gnat.
Help ma boab, another homophobic cyber gnat.
Posted by: Wilhelm on 12:02am Thu 24 Jul 08
Baffled more like thick
You should be out and proud. Shout it from the roof tops or better still employ Magaret Curran to shout it. She will be looking for a job on friday. son.
Baffled more like thick
You should be out and proud. Shout it from the roof tops or better still employ Magaret Curran to shout it. She will be looking for a job on friday. son.
Posted by: Morag, Peeblesshire on 12:02am Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote]Labour say it is too close to call. That is Labour speak for we better pretend we have a chance of winning to get the few voters they have left out.[/quote]You know, I'm beginning to agree with you. Even yesterday (Tuesday) they were saying they thought they'd done enough. Today that seems to have gone by the board.
People in the constituency aren't wearing their hearts on their sleeves. There are almost no posters on display in windows (I saw two SNP and one Solidarity, that's all). Yes, all the people who spoke to me while I was leafletting said they were going to vote SNP, but of course for all I know Labour leafletters (if there were any, they seem to be awfully thin on the ground) got the same reaction. People like to be nice.
I honestly don't know, and I don't think anyone does, but the Labour mood-music doesn't sound confident. (I just hope for the sake of the guy I had a sandwich with after the last leafletting round that the SNP do win, as he said he'd just put £250 on it!)
If it's true Labour are going to be bussing in activists from England, I wonder how that will go down with the local people? I wonder where they'll get the volunteers and how they'll organise it? Maybe one or two from each branch, sounds inefficient and expensive. Whereas many hundreds of SNP members simply got on the train or the bus or into their own and their friends cars and spontaneously turned up.
Who's winning in the long run?
Labour say it is too close to call. That is Labour speak for we better pretend we have a chance of winning to get the few voters they have left out.
You know, I'm beginning to agree with you. Even yesterday (Tuesday) they were saying they thought they'd done enough. Today that seems to have gone by the board.
People in the constituency aren't wearing their hearts on their sleeves. There are almost no posters on display in windows (I saw two SNP and one Solidarity, that's all). Yes, all the people who spoke to me while I was leafletting said they were going to vote SNP, but of course for all I know Labour leafletters (if there were any, they seem to be awfully thin on the ground) got the same reaction. People like to be nice.
I honestly don't know, and I don't think anyone does, but the Labour mood-music doesn't sound confident. (I just hope for the sake of the guy I had a sandwich with after the last leafletting round that the SNP do win, as he said he'd just put £250 on it!)
If it's true Labour are going to be bussing in activists from England, I wonder how that will go down with the local people? I wonder where they'll get the volunteers and how they'll organise it? Maybe one or two from each branch, sounds inefficient and expensive. Whereas many hundreds of SNP members simply got on the train or the bus or into their own and their friends cars and spontaneously turned up.
Who's winning in the long run?
Posted by: John F on 12:03am Thu 24 Jul 08
Excuses for Labour loosing the by-election.
Voter confusion Curran or Curran
Couldn't find a Labour candidate whose surname started with an A,Wendy A wasn't available.
Held during the Glasgow holiday forthnight
Des Browne and Harriet Harman by visiting
Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling by not visiting
There was another 8 candidates
This was to be expected during a government's mid-term
There was a software problem
Excuses for Labour loosing the by-election.
Voter confusion Curran or Curran
Couldn't find a Labour candidate whose surname started with an A,Wendy A wasn't available.
Held during the Glasgow holiday forthnight
Des Browne and Harriet Harman by visiting
Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling by not visiting
There was another 8 candidates
This was to be expected during a government's mid-term
There was a software problem
Posted by: AM2, Scotland, UK on 12:24am Thu 24 Jul 08
John Mason is of course a “hardline” nationalist. But it goes further than that.
He has said that his only reason for even being in politics in to break up Britain.
Here’s the exact quote: “I'm in politics for one reason and that is to break up the UK and so any suggestion of a strengthening of a link between Scotland and England is what I'm opposed to.”
His three main opponents are rightly appalled by this narrow–minded focus.
Ian Robertson said: “Local people want a local MP, who will focus on local issues. They do not want another career politician who is more interested in advancing the agenda of people whose "one reason" for being in politics is to break up Britain.”
Davena Rankin said: “He is obsessed. I’m more interested in Glasgow East.”
Margaret Curran said: “My opponent Councillor Mason says he’s in politics for one reason only: to break up the United Kingdom. I’m in politics for a fundamentally different reason: to fight poverty and stand up for the people of the East End.”
So if the people of Glasgow East imagine that this “colourless man in the shadows, often sporting a bitter expression” genuinely cares about all the issues his contrived rhetoric touches, they should think again. He’s a single issue politician – and that issue certainly isn’t to serve his constituents.
Any of the other three candidates would do a better job for the East End.
John Mason is of course a “hardline” nationalist. But it goes further than that.
He has said that his only reason for even being in politics in to break up Britain.
Here’s the exact quote: “I'm in politics for one reason and that is to break up the UK and so any suggestion of a strengthening of a link between Scotland and England is what I'm opposed to.”
His three main opponents are rightly appalled by this narrow–minded focus.
Ian Robertson said: “Local people want a local MP, who will focus on local issues. They do not want another career politician who is more interested in advancing the agenda of people whose "one reason" for being in politics is to break up Britain.”
Davena Rankin said: “He is obsessed. I’m more interested in Glasgow East.”
Margaret Curran said: “My opponent Councillor Mason says he’s in politics for one reason only: to break up the United Kingdom. I’m in politics for a fundamentally different reason: to fight poverty and stand up for the people of the East End.”
So if the people of Glasgow East imagine that this “colourless man in the shadows, often sporting a bitter expression” genuinely cares about all the issues his contrived rhetoric touches, they should think again. He’s a single issue politician – and that issue certainly isn’t to serve his constituents.
Any of the other three candidates would do a better job for the East End.
Posted by: democrate, central Scotland on 12:27am Thu 24 Jul 08
AM2 - plse remind me just what Mgt Curran has achieved in her political career thus far?
AM2 - plse remind me just what Mgt Curran has achieved in her political career thus far?
Posted by: Grassy Knollington on 12:27am Thu 24 Jul 08
found this superb paragraph in an article in The Guardian by someone called Tristram Hunt.
"The 1707-2007 commemoration of the Act of Union was a miserable failure with zero input from Whitehall departments. The history curriculums for Scottish and Welsh schools reveal an obvious promotion of romantic nationalism at the expense of British identity. Even the BBC - of all institutions - is promoting particularist Scottish, Welsh and English sensibilities with its differing news output and yet another "History of Scotland" TV epic."
See there's yer basic problem chaps and chapesses , too much Scottishness.
someone should write a limerick in reply, Tristram's surname is crying out for one.
found this superb paragraph in an article in The Guardian by someone called Tristram Hunt.
"The 1707-2007 commemoration of the Act of Union was a miserable failure with zero input from Whitehall departments. The history curriculums for Scottish and Welsh schools reveal an obvious promotion of romantic nationalism at the expense of British identity. Even the BBC - of all institutions - is promoting particularist Scottish, Welsh and English sensibilities with its differing news output and yet another "History of Scotland" TV epic."
See there's yer basic problem chaps and chapesses , too much Scottishness.
someone should write a limerick in reply, Tristram's surname is crying out for one.
Posted by: cee, Glasgow on 12:28am Thu 24 Jul 08
TRADERS ARE URGING VOTERS TO REJECT LABOUR IN GLASGOW EAST AFTER DODGY LAND DEAL UNCOVERED
On the eve of the Glasgow East by election, traders of Paddy’s Market in the city have expressed outrage as a Freedom of Information Act request has uncovered firm evidence that leading Labour councillors have misled the council and the public over a lucrative land deal. Traders, most of who live in the Glasgow East constituency are urging voters not to back Labour in tomorrow’s by election.
Councillor George Ryan who was originally tipped be Labour’s candidate in the Glasgow East by election until he failed to turn up for the selection meeting earlier this month, was the councillor responsible for presenting a factually incorrect and misleading report regarding the land deal which would see the closure of Glasgow’s 150 year old Paddy’s Market.
Council minutes as well as emails show that claims by Councillor Ryan in his report that the landowners would be prepared to give the council a much reduced rate, have been proved to be incorrect. Documents also reveal that leading Labour Councillors were also fully aware of the inaccuracies when the report was presented to Council but failed to have the information corrected.
The report, which Councillor Ryan presented to council, recommended that the council give the go ahead for negotiations commence with the landowners which would see the council to take over the prime development land. However, the documents revealed under FOI show that a number of Labour councillors and officials were already well on the way to closing a deal without any authority to do so.
One trader said:
“I have been a Labour voter all of my life but in view of the underhanded and dishonest way in which Labour have attempted to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes; I won’t ever be voting Labour again. If they can do this sort of thing to everyday people, the very people they claim to represent, then Labour cannot be trusted at any level of government.”
Documentation also shows that eleven Labour councillors, including the Council leader, Steven Purcell, failed to declare possible conflicts of interests at a meeting which decided on whether or not the land deal should be negotiated.
TRADERS ARE URGING VOTERS TO REJECT LABOUR IN GLASGOW EAST AFTER DODGY LAND DEAL UNCOVERED
On the eve of the Glasgow East by election, traders of Paddy’s Market in the city have expressed outrage as a Freedom of Information Act request has uncovered firm evidence that leading Labour councillors have misled the council and the public over a lucrative land deal. Traders, most of who live in the Glasgow East constituency are urging voters not to back Labour in tomorrow’s by election.
Councillor George Ryan who was originally tipped be Labour’s candidate in the Glasgow East by election until he failed to turn up for the selection meeting earlier this month, was the councillor responsible for presenting a factually incorrect and misleading report regarding the land deal which would see the closure of Glasgow’s 150 year old Paddy’s Market.
Council minutes as well as emails show that claims by Councillor Ryan in his report that the landowners would be prepared to give the council a much reduced rate, have been proved to be incorrect. Documents also reveal that leading Labour Councillors were also fully aware of the inaccuracies when the report was presented to Council but failed to have the information corrected.
The report, which Councillor Ryan presented to council, recommended that the council give the go ahead for negotiations commence with the landowners which would see the council to take over the prime development land. However, the documents revealed under FOI show that a number of Labour councillors and officials were already well on the way to closing a deal without any authority to do so.
One trader said:
“I have been a Labour voter all of my life but in view of the underhanded and dishonest way in which Labour have attempted to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes; I won’t ever be voting Labour again. If they can do this sort of thing to everyday people, the very people they claim to represent, then Labour cannot be trusted at any level of government.”
Documentation also shows that eleven Labour councillors, including the Council leader, Steven Purcell, failed to declare possible conflicts of interests at a meeting which decided on whether or not the land deal should be negotiated.
Posted by: ditchgazza on 12:31am Thu 24 Jul 08
Another pathetic rant, AM2.
The SNP have done more for Scotland in 12 months than the Slab/Dums did in 8 years.
John Mason will do more for the East End in two years than the New Sleaze and Corruption party did in 50.
That is, of course, if call me Gogs doesn't throw his toys out of the pram and tries to throw a spanner in the works at every opportunity.
Another pathetic rant, AM2.
The SNP have done more for Scotland in 12 months than the Slab/Dums did in 8 years.
John Mason will do more for the East End in two years than the New Sleaze and Corruption party did in 50.
That is, of course, if call me Gogs doesn't throw his toys out of the pram and tries to throw a spanner in the works at every opportunity.
Posted by: Wilhelm on 12:32am Thu 24 Jul 08
[bold]bold[/bold] AM2
Have you got a sex life ?
or do you post comments on the Scotsman, pravda 24 hours a day ?
YES or NO ?
Just answer the question , I havent got all day.
AM2
Have you got a sex life ?
or do you post comments on the Scotsman, pravda 24 hours a day ?
YES or NO ?
Just answer the question , I havent got all day.
Posted by: Wilhelm on 12:33am Thu 24 Jul 08
[bold]bold[/bold] AM2
Have you got a sex life ?
or do you post comments on the Scotsman, pravda 24 hours a day ?
YES or NO ?
Just answer the question , I havent got all day.
AM2
Have you got a sex life ?
or do you post comments on the Scotsman, pravda 24 hours a day ?
YES or NO ?
Just answer the question , I havent got all day.
Posted by: WJ, Ayrshire on 12:33am Thu 24 Jul 08
Douglas Fraser - Honour Student from Comical Ali Media Studies College.
There can be no other explanation for the surreal news article.
A 15-20% swing from Labour to the SNP would be a good result for Labour and a poor result for the SNP? ON WHAT PLANET WOULD THAT BE THEN DOUGIE??
Just because you're going to work with your wife at the BBC doesn't make La LA Land a reality.
Douglas Fraser - Honour Student from Comical Ali Media Studies College.
There can be no other explanation for the surreal news article.
A 15-20% swing from Labour to the SNP would be a good result for Labour and a poor result for the SNP? ON WHAT PLANET WOULD THAT BE THEN DOUGIE??
Just because you're going to work with your wife at the BBC doesn't make La LA Land a reality.
Posted by: baffled, scotland on 12:33am Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Grassy Knollington[/bold] wrote:
found this superb paragraph in an article in The Guardian by someone called Tristram Hunt.
"The 1707-2007 commemoration of the Act of Union was a miserable failure with zero input from Whitehall departments. The history curriculums for Scottish and Welsh schools reveal an obvious promotion of romantic nationalism at the expense of British identity. Even the BBC - of all institutions - is promoting particularist Scottish, Welsh and English sensibilities with its differing news output and yet another "History of Scotland" TV epic."
See there's yer basic problem chaps and chapesses , too much Scottishness.
someone should write a limerick in reply, Tristram's surname is crying out for one.[/quote]
I think most historians would agree about the romantic nationalism bit.
Grassy Knollington wrote:
found this superb paragraph in an article in The Guardian by someone called Tristram Hunt.
"The 1707-2007 commemoration of the Act of Union was a miserable failure with zero input from Whitehall departments. The history curriculums for Scottish and Welsh schools reveal an obvious promotion of romantic nationalism at the expense of British identity. Even the BBC - of all institutions - is promoting particularist Scottish, Welsh and English sensibilities with its differing news output and yet another "History of Scotland" TV epic."
See there's yer basic problem chaps and chapesses , too much Scottishness.
someone should write a limerick in reply, Tristram's surname is crying out for one.
I think most historians would agree about the romantic nationalism bit.
Posted by: indyleith, edinburgh on 12:34am Thu 24 Jul 08
If as predicted SNP slash Liebour's huge majority then this seat has become a marginal and there is no seat that is safe for Liebour in Scotland anymore.
That is a win - win situation for the SNP but as usual Fraser is all spin spin.
Maybe he's practicing for his new role at the ebc.
If as predicted SNP slash Liebour's huge majority then this seat has become a marginal and there is no seat that is safe for Liebour in Scotland anymore.
That is a win - win situation for the SNP but as usual Fraser is all spin spin.
Maybe he's practicing for his new role at the ebc.
Posted by: Sneachdag, Aberdeen on 12:34am Thu 24 Jul 08
Baffled who's this Boab friend of yours? Is he another troll?
Baffled who's this Boab friend of yours? Is he another troll?
Posted by: John F on 12:36am Thu 24 Jul 08
Tory Tebbit supports Labour Brown.
Tebbit hits out at Tories and names Brown as Thatcher's natural heir.
Lord Tebbit declared that Mr Cameron was regarded as out of touch by ordinary people and that it was only natural that Mr Brown should make himself the “heir to Thatcher”.
The Times - September 26, 2007
Tory Tebbit supports Labour Brown.
Tebbit hits out at Tories and names Brown as Thatcher's natural heir.
Lord Tebbit declared that Mr Cameron was regarded as out of touch by ordinary people and that it was only natural that Mr Brown should make himself the “heir to Thatcher”.
The Times - September 26, 2007
Posted by: baffled, scotland on 12:36am Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote][bold]indyleith[/bold] wrote:
If as predicted SNP slash Liebour's huge majority then this seat has become a marginal and there is no seat that is safe for Liebour in Scotland anymore.
That is a win - win situation for the SNP but as usual Fraser is all spin spin.
Maybe he's practicing for his new role at the ebc. [/quote]
Is this the first by election you've experienced?
indyleith wrote:
If as predicted SNP slash Liebour's huge majority then this seat has become a marginal and there is no seat that is safe for Liebour in Scotland anymore.
That is a win - win situation for the SNP but as usual Fraser is all spin spin.
Maybe he's practicing for his new role at the ebc.
Is this the first by election you've experienced?
Posted by: Wilhelm on 12:37am Thu 24 Jul 08
AM2
Thanks for boring us all rigid. It must be a gift from God to be soo bloody boring. Thanks for nothing !
AM2
Thanks for boring us all rigid. It must be a gift from God to be soo bloody boring. Thanks for nothing !
Posted by: indyleith, edinburgh on 12:42am Thu 24 Jul 08
Get Liebour out Glasgow East, they are a bankrupt party with bankrupt policies.
SNP are in power now in Scotland, all the opinion polls have been showing more and more people satisfied with the SNP Government. Councils also fell to the SNP. Scotland has broken the Liebour grip on Scotland and they dont like it up them.
Liebour vote in freefall. Things [italic]will[/italic] get better once you get rid of Liebour.
Get Liebour out Glasgow East, they are a bankrupt party with bankrupt policies.
SNP are in power now in Scotland, all the opinion polls have been showing more and more people satisfied with the SNP Government. Councils also fell to the SNP. Scotland has broken the Liebour grip on Scotland and they dont like it up them.
Liebour vote in freefall. Things
will get better once you get rid of Liebour.
Posted by: Wilhelm on 12:44am Thu 24 Jul 08
Twit AM2 says
''Councillor Mason says he’s in politics for one reason only: to break up the United Kingdom''
Sacrea Bleau ! Hold the front page. The SNP want independence. Well I never. Who would have thunk it ! Zut Alors !
Twit AM2 says
''Councillor Mason says he’s in politics for one reason only: to break up the United Kingdom''
Sacrea Bleau ! Hold the front page. The SNP want independence. Well I never. Who would have thunk it ! Zut Alors !
Posted by: Sneachdag, Aberdeen on 12:54am Thu 24 Jul 08
I don't think Broon is as bad as Thatcher the Snatcher, but there is not much in it anyway, by a snout perhaps. Once long ago he was even a socialist, but now he cronies up to her. But Lieaah is about privilege and aiding the rich, the Tory Poll Tax was bad, but Liebaah would, if it could, have us all pay the unfair Council Tax. While the porkers still have their snouts in the trough.
I don't think Broon is as bad as Thatcher the Snatcher, but there is not much in it anyway, by a snout perhaps. Once long ago he was even a socialist, but now he cronies up to her. But Lieaah is about privilege and aiding the rich, the Tory Poll Tax was bad, but Liebaah would, if it could, have us all pay the unfair Council Tax. While the porkers still have their snouts in the trough.
Posted by: willie mac, Arden on 12:56am Thu 24 Jul 08
Doogie ma man.
Are you all right ma big mucker. Whit's up wi ye. Comments, c'mon now, comments yr better than that.
Bril, get right intae they bawbags that read the Jacko. Tell them how it is. Ah mean, you'r the man. Big Joab in the BBC, you must've done well.
Gone Big Man, gies it like it is. Aye and a wee comment or two after aw thon censoringship, pretty cool. Ace even.
Top man Dooagie. Top man.
Doogie ma man.
Are you all right ma big mucker. Whit's up wi ye. Comments, c'mon now, comments yr better than that.
Bril, get right intae they bawbags that read the Jacko. Tell them how it is. Ah mean, you'r the man. Big Joab in the BBC, you must've done well.
Gone Big Man, gies it like it is. Aye and a wee comment or two after aw thon censoringship, pretty cool. Ace even.
Top man Dooagie. Top man.
Posted by: Andrew BOD, Aberdeen on 12:57am Thu 24 Jul 08
AM2 @ 12:24am
Your post is a copy and paste from the headline story on the Scotsman thread. You used to be capable of reasoned debate, but it seems your real game is PR.
Are you on Gordon Brown's £6 million bankroll for spin docs?
AM2 @ 12:24am
Your post is a copy and paste from the headline story on the Scotsman thread. You used to be capable of reasoned debate, but it seems your real game is PR.
Are you on Gordon Brown's £6 million bankroll for spin docs?
Posted by: frank mcbride, lusitania on 1:10am Thu 24 Jul 08
# Baffled.
If you were more abstruth with your posts, we would ALL be BAFFLED, then who/where would you be?
BTW, the CAPITALS are for the assistance of THE Baffled.
# Baffled.
If you were more abstruth with your posts, we would ALL be BAFFLED, then who/where would you be?
BTW, the CAPITALS are for the assistance of THE Baffled.
Posted by: baffled, scotland on 1:15am Thu 24 Jul 08
[bold]A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP
“ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE”
[/bold]
jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25.
Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic
ted or rejected that statement?
A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP
“ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE”
jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25.
Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic
ted or rejected that statement?
Posted by: Wilhelm on 1:25am Thu 24 Jul 08
A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM LIEBOUR“
ANY NOTION THAT THE LIEBOUR PARTY IS A LEFT WING PARTY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE”
Gordon Brown shagging Magaret Thatcher in Downing Street 10th March 2007. We saw the photos.
A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM LIEBOUR“
ANY NOTION THAT THE LIEBOUR PARTY IS A LEFT WING PARTY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE”
Gordon Brown shagging Magaret Thatcher in Downing Street 10th March 2007. We saw the photos.
Posted by: Wilhelm on 1:26am Thu 24 Jul 08
[bold]bold[/bold] A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM LIEBOUR“
ANY NOTION THAT THE LIEBOUR PARTY IS A LEFT WING PARTY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE”
Gordon Brown shagging Magaret Thatcher in Downing Street 10th March 2007. We saw the photos
A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM LIEBOUR“
ANY NOTION THAT THE LIEBOUR PARTY IS A LEFT WING PARTY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE”
Gordon Brown shagging Magaret Thatcher in Downing Street 10th March 2007. We saw the photos
Posted by: Wilhelm on 1:29am Thu 24 Jul 08
Baffled
How do you get in bold black type ? , Im baffled.[bold]bold[/bold]
Baffled
How do you get in bold black type ? , Im baffled.
Posted by: Iainbroch, Moray on 1:31am Thu 24 Jul 08
Has the befuddled one got stuck under a stylus? Or did somebody forget to swith off the robot at JS HQ?
Has the befuddled one got stuck under a stylus? Or did somebody forget to swith off the robot at JS HQ?
Posted by: Wilhelm on 1:32am Thu 24 Jul 08
[bold]bold[/bold] Baffled
How do you get in bold black type ? , Im baffled.
[bold][italic]bold[/italic] [italic]italic[/italic] [/bold]
Baffled
How do you get in bold black type ? , Im baffled.
bold
Posted by: doonhamer on 1:49am Thu 24 Jul 08
I think the cat is the only thing left at John Smith House and is walking on the keyboard. That is why we are getting silly wee repeated posts from AM2 and the baffled bloke.
Maybe that explains the problems with the computer system, the cat must have P!shed on the server.
I think the cat is the only thing left at John Smith House and is walking on the keyboard. That is why we are getting silly wee repeated posts from AM2 and the baffled bloke.
Maybe that explains the problems with the computer system, the cat must have P!shed on the server.
Posted by: Sneachdag, Aberdeen on 2:09am Thu 24 Jul 08
To ditchgazza
Gogs that warlord of the whirlybirds, I suppose war mongering is safer than facing the wrath of the goodly Scots folk!
To ditchgazza
Gogs that warlord of the whirlybirds, I suppose war mongering is safer than facing the wrath of the goodly Scots folk!
Posted by: John, Scotland on 2:19am Thu 24 Jul 08
Disappointing that such a seasoned political journalist as Douglas Fraser would seek to portray a narrow Labour victory in a Westminster election as a "set back" to the SNP. I hesitate to suggest that his political slip is showing. It might not be raining in Paris, but its definitely pouring in Shettleston. This is one of Labour's safest seats in Scotland; the fact that we're even discussing the possibility of an SNP win at all is a political earthquake.
Disappointing that such a seasoned political journalist as Douglas Fraser would seek to portray a narrow Labour victory in a Westminster election as a "set back" to the SNP. I hesitate to suggest that his political slip is showing. It might not be raining in Paris, but its definitely pouring in Shettleston. This is one of Labour's safest seats in Scotland; the fact that we're even discussing the possibility of an SNP win at all is a political earthquake.
Posted by: Donald Anderson, glasgow on 6:41am Thu 24 Jul 08
If Labour managed to even hold on by one vote the British Media in Scotland will be crowing, whilst the English media proper will be baying for Broon's heid.
C'mon Eastenders. Get out and vote for John Mason and break the dead hand of London careerists.
If Labour managed to even hold on by one vote the British Media in Scotland will be crowing, whilst the English media proper will be baying for Broon's heid.
C'mon Eastenders. Get out and vote for John Mason and break the dead hand of London careerists.
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 7:00am Thu 24 Jul 08
Vowt liebah 'cause liebah is faw the wookahs.
____________________
Wheys my blaady mahney - fink I soy this shoit faw the funiv it moit?
____________________
Rmembah - vowt liebah !
Vowt liebah 'cause liebah is faw the wookahs.
____________________
Wheys my blaady mahney - fink I soy this shoit faw the funiv it moit?
____________________
Rmembah - vowt liebah !
Posted by: earman, Dumfries on 7:11am Thu 24 Jul 08
I would have thought that Douglas Fraser would see a narrow Labour victory for what it was...just one in a long line of setbacks for Labour.
As I have asked previously, have the Labour Party reached the point where they can find reason to rejoice if not [italic]every single one[/italic] of their 13,507 majority have lost [italic]all[/italic] faith in them?
From where I'm standing, losing a sizeable chunk of these voters can in no way be described as anything other than "a lucky break" for Labour....one which would have no effect whatsoever on the advancing tide.
I would have thought that Douglas Fraser would see a narrow Labour victory for what it was...just one in a long line of setbacks for Labour.
As I have asked previously, have the Labour Party reached the point where they can find reason to rejoice if not
every single one of their 13,507 majority have lost
all faith in them?
From where I'm standing, losing a sizeable chunk of these voters can in no way be described as anything other than "a lucky break" for Labour....one which would have no effect whatsoever on the advancing tide.
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 7:12am Thu 24 Jul 08
The English don't seem to think Glasgow matters !
[quote]Warwick, not Glasgow, can hurt Brown
Peter Riddell, Political Briefing
Win or lose in Glasgow, Mr Brown will remain Prime Minister and Alex Salmond will retain the initiative in Scottish politics. But what is being called Warwick 2, after the original deal with the unions there in 2004, will have a crucial bearing on Labour's future.
Mr Brown has opposed any return to the past on union rights and John Hutton, the Business Secretary, is strongly resisting changes to labour laws and regulations that would threaten the competitive position of British business.[/quote]
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/comment
/columnists/peter_ri
ddell/article4386982
.ece
The English don't seem to think Glasgow matters !
Warwick, not Glasgow, can hurt Brown
Peter Riddell, Political Briefing
Win or lose in Glasgow, Mr Brown will remain Prime Minister and Alex Salmond will retain the initiative in Scottish politics. But what is being called Warwick 2, after the original deal with the unions there in 2004, will have a crucial bearing on Labour's future.
Mr Brown has opposed any return to the past on union rights and John Hutton, the Business Secretary, is strongly resisting changes to labour laws and regulations that would threaten the competitive position of British business.
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/comment
/columnists/peter_ri
ddell/article4386982
.ece
Posted by: juankerr, Scotland on 7:17am Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote][bold]baffled[/bold] wrote:
[bold]A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP “ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE” [/bold] jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25. Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic ted or rejected that statement? [/quote] I rather think your getting way ahead of yourself on how important your trollistic comment has affected the SNP. I doubt they even know about it.
Back to being ignored.
baffled wrote:
A MESSAGE TO THE VOTERS OF GLASGOW EAST FROM THE SNP “ANY NOTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE A LEFT WING COUNTRY IS DELUSIONAL NONSENSE” jim mather, snp minister for enterprise ‘less tax please’, holyrood 95, 22 september 2003, p25. Has anyone from the SNP (I mean anyone of importance, not some no mark cyber gnat) ever specifically challenged,contradic ted or rejected that statement?
I rather think your getting way ahead of yourself on how important your trollistic comment has affected the SNP. I doubt they even know about it.
Back to being ignored.
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 7:21am Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote]Politics: Scotland Labour hoping for narrow victory in today's Glasgow East poll
Severin Carrell, Scotland correspondent
The Guardian, Thursday July 24, 2008
Scottish Labour officials believe they will narrowly win today's Glasgow East byelection but with a dramatically reduced majority after a fiercely-fought campaign by the Scottish National party.
Labour will put 400 activists into the constituency today to help their supporters get to polling stations. The party is desperate to avoid an embarrassing defeat by the SNP in a previously rock-solid seat, where it is defending a 13,507 majority.
Party sources admit their vote is "soft" and fear the summer holidays and anger over rising food and fuel costs could lead many supporters to stay at home, allowing the SNP to snatch a win. The SNP expects its core supporters will turn out in large numbers, but it needs a 22% swing.
The SNP leader, Alex Salmond, claimed last night that voters wanted to use today's poll to protest against Gordon Brown's government and the rising cost of living. He said the two parties were "neck and neck", adding: "The ground is shaking and shuddering. I think the earthquake is coming and it will arrive on time."
Clear signs of Labour's increased concern came in a switch of tactics against the SNP's candidate, John Mason, and a hardening of anti-SNP rhetoric.
In its continued use of negative campaigning, Labour circulated a leaflet ridiculing the local councillor as a Salmond "message boy" while portraying its candidate, Margaret Curran, as a champion for local constituents.
Curran also implied she would rebel against the government to defend the needs of her constituents.[/quote]
Politics: Scotland Labour hoping for narrow victory in today's Glasgow East poll
Severin Carrell, Scotland correspondent
The Guardian, Thursday July 24, 2008
Scottish Labour officials believe they will narrowly win today's Glasgow East byelection but with a dramatically reduced majority after a fiercely-fought campaign by the Scottish National party.
Labour will put 400 activists into the constituency today to help their supporters get to polling stations. The party is desperate to avoid an embarrassing defeat by the SNP in a previously rock-solid seat, where it is defending a 13,507 majority.
Party sources admit their vote is "soft" and fear the summer holidays and anger over rising food and fuel costs could lead many supporters to stay at home, allowing the SNP to snatch a win. The SNP expects its core supporters will turn out in large numbers, but it needs a 22% swing.
The SNP leader, Alex Salmond, claimed last night that voters wanted to use today's poll to protest against Gordon Brown's government and the rising cost of living. He said the two parties were "neck and neck", adding: "The ground is shaking and shuddering. I think the earthquake is coming and it will arrive on time."
Clear signs of Labour's increased concern came in a switch of tactics against the SNP's candidate, John Mason, and a hardening of anti-SNP rhetoric.
In its continued use of negative campaigning, Labour circulated a leaflet ridiculing the local councillor as a Salmond "message boy" while portraying its candidate, Margaret Curran, as a champion for local constituents.
Curran also implied she would rebel against the government to defend the needs of her constituents.
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 7:27am Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote]Brown faces by-election earthquake, says SNP
* Labour win by more than 3,000 – excellent result.
* Lab win by 1,500 to 3,000 – relief for Brown. Are government fortunes picking up?
* Lab win by less than 1,500 – poor result, but not calamitous.
* Narrow SNP win – thevultures circle over Downing Street. Questions over Brown's leadership intensify.
* Comfortable SNP win – Brown doomed. A new leader could be in place in weeks.
[/quote]
http://www.independe
nt.co.uk/news/uk/pol
itics/brown-faces-by
election-earthquake-
says-snp-875763.html
Brown faces by-election earthquake, says SNP
* Labour win by more than 3,000 – excellent result.
* Lab win by 1,500 to 3,000 – relief for Brown. Are government fortunes picking up?
* Lab win by less than 1,500 – poor result, but not calamitous.
* Narrow SNP win – thevultures circle over Downing Street. Questions over Brown's leadership intensify.
* Comfortable SNP win – Brown doomed. A new leader could be in place in weeks.
http://www.independe
nt.co.uk/news/uk/pol
itics/brown-faces-by
election-earthquake-
says-snp-875763.html
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 7:37am Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote]Glasgow East by-election: Gordon Brown risks disastrous defeat
Gordon Brown is facing the disastrous prospect of losing one of Labour's safest seats as voting begins in the Glasgow East by-election.
By Simon Johnson and Tom Brown
Last Updated: 7:16AM BST 24 Jul 2008
Hundreds of both Labour and Scottish Nationalist activists have converged on the constituency for last minute campaigning, with polls appearing to show both sides are capable of claiming victory.
Losing Labour's 25th most safe seat, which was held with a majority of 13,507 in 2005, would cause huge
embarrassment to the beleaguered Prime Minister and his party. The loss of the deprived Labour heartland constituency would prove one of the sternest tests of his short and troubled premiership and pile pressure on Mr Brown to step down.
Some senior campaign team sources last night said they thought Labour would hold the seat by a thousand votes, but others claimed to have seen figures showing the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) 500 ahead.
The count is likely to be so tight that victory could depend on the weather and which party is best able to motivate its supporters.
Alex Salmond, the SNP leader and Scottish First Minister, said: “It is on an absolute knife-edge but I still believe Glasgow East can be the epicentre of something big.
“There is already a tremor taking place across the constituency and when the votes are counted we could feel the full force of the political earthquake.”[/quote]
http://www.telegraph
.co.uk/news/newstopi
cs/politics/labour/2
452121/Glasgow-East-
by-election-Gordon-B
rown-risks-disastrou
s-defeat.html
Glasgow East by-election: Gordon Brown risks disastrous defeat
Gordon Brown is facing the disastrous prospect of losing one of Labour's safest seats as voting begins in the Glasgow East by-election.
By Simon Johnson and Tom Brown
Last Updated: 7:16AM BST 24 Jul 2008
Hundreds of both Labour and Scottish Nationalist activists have converged on the constituency for last minute campaigning, with polls appearing to show both sides are capable of claiming victory.
Losing Labour's 25th most safe seat, which was held with a majority of 13,507 in 2005, would cause huge
embarrassment to the beleaguered Prime Minister and his party. The loss of the deprived Labour heartland constituency would prove one of the sternest tests of his short and troubled premiership and pile pressure on Mr Brown to step down.
Some senior campaign team sources last night said they thought Labour would hold the seat by a thousand votes, but others claimed to have seen figures showing the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) 500 ahead.
The count is likely to be so tight that victory could depend on the weather and which party is best able to motivate its supporters.
Alex Salmond, the SNP leader and Scottish First Minister, said: “It is on an absolute knife-edge but I still believe Glasgow East can be the epicentre of something big.
“There is already a tremor taking place across the constituency and when the votes are counted we could feel the full force of the political earthquake.”
http://www.telegraph
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rown-risks-disastrou
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Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 8:04am Thu 24 Jul 08
I don't normally report posts - but the above is so clearly an effort by unionists to disrupt the thread on a polling day - I had no choice. You are a disgusting little troll who seeks to undermine democracy and free speech. Begone.
I don't normally report posts - but the above is so clearly an effort by unionists to disrupt the thread on a polling day - I had no choice. You are a disgusting little troll who seeks to undermine democracy and free speech. Begone.
Posted by: subrosa on 9:05am Thu 24 Jul 08
Not too much of a slaughter in the Daily Record.
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