Daily Record
Jul 29 2004
THE Scottish Socialists are the most active MSPs at Holyrood, according to an on-line survey.
Every MSP's contribution was assessed by taking into account speeches in the chamber, voting records and other activities around parliament.
The SSP come top of the league table, followed by the SNP and the Scottish Greens.
The coalition parties of Labour and the LibDems came next, while the Scottish Tories trailed in bottom place.
The average contribution per MSP for the SSP was 226.3, the SNP came next on 195.1 and the Greens scored 189.1.
Labour came in at 140.1, closely followed by the LibDems on 138.6 and the Tories trailed the field on just 124.1. The survey by politics.co.uk also analysed the topics most discussed at Holyrood.
Constitutional issues came top with an index score of 3209, followed by the NHS on 784, personnel issues on 385 and public health on 357.
Rural communities came next on 252, then energy on 225 and education on 224.
Children scored 212, the criminal justice system 208 and the issue of roads was last on 192.
The SSP claimed the survey was vindication of the work record of their MSPs, who give half of their pay to the party.
Nationalist MSP Stewart Stevenson had attacked the SSP's lack of attendance in the chamber, singling out Rosie Kane.
SSP leader Tommy Sheridan said: 'Clearly, Scotland's Socialist MSPs represent the best value for money.'
Friday, July 30, 2004
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
How the SNP could have avoided debt
Letter in the Herald
I sincerely hope rank-and-file SNP members do not dig deep in to their pockets to alleviate the £750,000 deficit the party finds itself in. Members voted last year for their elected representatives to pay a levy of £250 per month. According to The Herald (July 27), most or all have refused to pay anything. It doesn't take an accountant to work out that had they undertaken this modest sacrifice their party would, after 12 months, have been £102,000 better off. No small amount, I am sure you'll agree.
There are perhaps two reasons for the shortfall. Either the elected representatives have ignored a binding decision of conference, or they have decided to pocket the money because it was voluntary donation. Either way, the rank and file must surely now question the commitment these politicians have to the party.
The Scottish Socialist Party, however, has a very different approach. It makes it clear from the very start to those who wish to represent the working class by being elected that they will only take the average wage of a skilled worker – approximately £24,000. The rest is paid to the party. If the SNP had the same policy, it would have £544,000 in the bank from that alone.
Te effect of this policy is twofold. It makes sure that they do not become accustomed to the lavish lifestyle that featherbeds other politicians. Secondly, it means extra resources can be targeted at supporting causes and struggles of the working class in their constituencies.
Not for the first time, the SNP rank-and-file has been betrayed by its leadership. The future looks little different with the antics of those vying for leadership of the party.
Davy Landels, west of Scotland regional secretary, SSP, 35 George Street, Paisley.
I sincerely hope rank-and-file SNP members do not dig deep in to their pockets to alleviate the £750,000 deficit the party finds itself in. Members voted last year for their elected representatives to pay a levy of £250 per month. According to The Herald (July 27), most or all have refused to pay anything. It doesn't take an accountant to work out that had they undertaken this modest sacrifice their party would, after 12 months, have been £102,000 better off. No small amount, I am sure you'll agree.
There are perhaps two reasons for the shortfall. Either the elected representatives have ignored a binding decision of conference, or they have decided to pocket the money because it was voluntary donation. Either way, the rank and file must surely now question the commitment these politicians have to the party.
The Scottish Socialist Party, however, has a very different approach. It makes it clear from the very start to those who wish to represent the working class by being elected that they will only take the average wage of a skilled worker – approximately £24,000. The rest is paid to the party. If the SNP had the same policy, it would have £544,000 in the bank from that alone.
Te effect of this policy is twofold. It makes sure that they do not become accustomed to the lavish lifestyle that featherbeds other politicians. Secondly, it means extra resources can be targeted at supporting causes and struggles of the working class in their constituencies.
Not for the first time, the SNP rank-and-file has been betrayed by its leadership. The future looks little different with the antics of those vying for leadership of the party.
Davy Landels, west of Scotland regional secretary, SSP, 35 George Street, Paisley.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Half of Scots OAP's Living in Poverty
The Scotsman
The problem was highlighted by Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan, who asked for details of pensioner income.
Finance minister Andy Kerr revealed that 280,000 pensioner households, or 44 per cent, have an annual income of less £10,000. A further 28 per cent make between £10,000 and £15,000 a year, while only 14 per cent have an income totalling more than £20,000.
The problem was highlighted by Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan, who asked for details of pensioner income.
Finance minister Andy Kerr revealed that 280,000 pensioner households, or 44 per cent, have an annual income of less £10,000. A further 28 per cent make between £10,000 and £15,000 a year, while only 14 per cent have an income totalling more than £20,000.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Cannabis smokers take to streets
BBC News Online
Campaigners have been holding a march and rally in Glasgow calling for the legalisation of cannabis.
The group, part of the Scottish Socialist Party, has been campaigning to change the drug laws since 2000.
Scottish Socialist Youth (SSY) argues that cannabis is less harmful than either alcohol or tobacco. The SSP made reform of the drug laws a major plank of its election manifesto, claiming that the policy of drug prohibition has failed.
The march, from the city's George Square, moved on to a rally in Kelvingrove Park.
Smoking joints
An SSY spokesman said: "Most of those taking illegal drugs are young people involved in occasional recreational use.
"The vast majority of these smoke cannabis, which has been proved to be far less harmful than alcohol."
The party wants the immediate legalisation and licensed sale of cannabis and the decriminalisation of all other illegal drugs.
Strathclyde Police said the Bring Your Own Joints event passed off peacefully without any arrests.
Several members of the crowd of more than 100 were openly smoking joints, which police confiscated.
Campaigners have been holding a march and rally in Glasgow calling for the legalisation of cannabis.
The group, part of the Scottish Socialist Party, has been campaigning to change the drug laws since 2000.
Scottish Socialist Youth (SSY) argues that cannabis is less harmful than either alcohol or tobacco. The SSP made reform of the drug laws a major plank of its election manifesto, claiming that the policy of drug prohibition has failed.
The march, from the city's George Square, moved on to a rally in Kelvingrove Park.
Smoking joints
An SSY spokesman said: "Most of those taking illegal drugs are young people involved in occasional recreational use.
"The vast majority of these smoke cannabis, which has been proved to be far less harmful than alcohol."
The party wants the immediate legalisation and licensed sale of cannabis and the decriminalisation of all other illegal drugs.
Strathclyde Police said the Bring Your Own Joints event passed off peacefully without any arrests.
Several members of the crowd of more than 100 were openly smoking joints, which police confiscated.
Friday, July 16, 2004
Sheridan call to axe council tax
Glasgow Evening Times
TOMMY SHERIDAN was fronting a stall in Glasgow city centre today in a bid to get support for a replacement for council tax. The Scottish Socialist Party leader is touring the country urging the public to give its views on dumping the tax and putting one based on income in its place. He was in Argyle Street, encouraging people to take part in the consultation process for legislation which would introduce a replacement. The SSP wants a Scottish Service Tax - a graduated tax which Mr Sheridan claims would save low-income households up to £30 a week. The consultation on his Abolition of Council Tax (Scotland) Bill runs until October 8, with the draft Bill expected a month later.
TOMMY SHERIDAN was fronting a stall in Glasgow city centre today in a bid to get support for a replacement for council tax. The Scottish Socialist Party leader is touring the country urging the public to give its views on dumping the tax and putting one based on income in its place. He was in Argyle Street, encouraging people to take part in the consultation process for legislation which would introduce a replacement. The SSP wants a Scottish Service Tax - a graduated tax which Mr Sheridan claims would save low-income households up to £30 a week. The consultation on his Abolition of Council Tax (Scotland) Bill runs until October 8, with the draft Bill expected a month later.
Parties react to Salmond move
BBC NEWS UK Scotland Parties react to Salmond move:
"TOMMY SHERIDAN, SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY LEADER
'Alex Salmond's amazing back flip spotlights the depth of crisis in the SNP leadership and the small pool of talent they possess.
'Four years after walking away from the job, Salmond has been forced either to re-apply or see it slip away from his anointed successor who clearly doesn't have the support to win.
'The two SNP big fish are now in a desperate bid to keep control of the party and net the leadership and deputy leadership.
'As for Kenny MacAskill he now knows what its like to be slapped in the face with a wet fish, in this case a Sturgeon.' "
"TOMMY SHERIDAN, SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY LEADER
'Alex Salmond's amazing back flip spotlights the depth of crisis in the SNP leadership and the small pool of talent they possess.
'Four years after walking away from the job, Salmond has been forced either to re-apply or see it slip away from his anointed successor who clearly doesn't have the support to win.
'The two SNP big fish are now in a desperate bid to keep control of the party and net the leadership and deputy leadership.
'As for Kenny MacAskill he now knows what its like to be slapped in the face with a wet fish, in this case a Sturgeon.' "
Monday, July 12, 2004
Martin may move on to SSP
Scotsman.com News
CAMPBELL Martin, the MSP expelled by the Scottish National Party at the weekend, admitted yesterday he was considering a move to the Scottish Socialist Party.
CAMPBELL Martin, the MSP expelled by the Scottish National Party at the weekend, admitted yesterday he was considering a move to the Scottish Socialist Party.
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Politician beds down for charity
BBC News Online
Socialist MSP Rosie Kane will be camping out in a make-shift street bedroom to raise cash for the homeless.
She has invited people to join her on Saturday in George Square, Glasgow.
Ms Kane is raising money to support Scotland's Homeless World Cup team which will be taking part in the challenge later this month.
There will be 32 teams competing in the tournament in Gothenburg. Ms Kane said the people taking part were the "pride of Scotland".
Socialist MSP Rosie Kane will be camping out in a make-shift street bedroom to raise cash for the homeless.
She has invited people to join her on Saturday in George Square, Glasgow.
Ms Kane is raising money to support Scotland's Homeless World Cup team which will be taking part in the challenge later this month.
There will be 32 teams competing in the tournament in Gothenburg. Ms Kane said the people taking part were the "pride of Scotland".
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Minister's doubts over health plans
icDunbartonshire
SCOTLAND’S health minister Malcolm Chisholm last week hinted that he may reject NHS Argyll and Clyde’s health proposals for this area.
Mr Chisholm has been put under enormous pressure to knock back the clinical review after politicians from all parties backed Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran in her condemnation of the document.
SCOTLAND’S health minister Malcolm Chisholm last week hinted that he may reject NHS Argyll and Clyde’s health proposals for this area.
Mr Chisholm has been put under enormous pressure to knock back the clinical review after politicians from all parties backed Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran in her condemnation of the document.
Minister pours scorn on leaders as soldier is laid to rest
The Herald
George McNeilage, a friend of the family, also paid tribute to the teenager during the 50-minute service. Mr McNeilage, secretary of North Pollok community council and an activist with the Scottish Socialist party, revealed that he had tried to talk Fusilier Gentle out of enlisting.
He described the young man as an "economic conscript", but said the teenager had been determined to carve out a career in the forces.
Mr McNeilage recalled: "He told them he wanted to make something out of his life and not be like other teenagers in the schemes who hang around the street corners with nothing to do."
Mr McNeilage added: "He was an economic conscript. He was literally signed up when he went to sign on the buroo. His words to me were: 'Big man, I am only getting a bit of work here and there. At least I'll get my driving licence, I'll get to see parts of the world I wouldn't get to see, I'll get a permanent wage and I might get a trade out of it.'"
Tommy Sheridan, the SSP MSP, also paid his respects.
Neil Mitchell, 63, from Pollok, was one of hundreds of people who listened to the service, relayed outside through loudspeaker.
With tears in his eyes, he said: "My two sons went into the army because there were no jobs around here. They got out safe. But poor wee Gordon, it's a tragedy. He had his whole life ahead of him. I blame the UK government. He should never have been out there."
George McNeilage, a friend of the family, also paid tribute to the teenager during the 50-minute service. Mr McNeilage, secretary of North Pollok community council and an activist with the Scottish Socialist party, revealed that he had tried to talk Fusilier Gentle out of enlisting.
He described the young man as an "economic conscript", but said the teenager had been determined to carve out a career in the forces.
Mr McNeilage recalled: "He told them he wanted to make something out of his life and not be like other teenagers in the schemes who hang around the street corners with nothing to do."
Mr McNeilage added: "He was an economic conscript. He was literally signed up when he went to sign on the buroo. His words to me were: 'Big man, I am only getting a bit of work here and there. At least I'll get my driving licence, I'll get to see parts of the world I wouldn't get to see, I'll get a permanent wage and I might get a trade out of it.'"
Tommy Sheridan, the SSP MSP, also paid his respects.
Neil Mitchell, 63, from Pollok, was one of hundreds of people who listened to the service, relayed outside through loudspeaker.
With tears in his eyes, he said: "My two sons went into the army because there were no jobs around here. They got out safe. But poor wee Gordon, it's a tragedy. He had his whole life ahead of him. I blame the UK government. He should never have been out there."
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
GMB Change Labour Funding
GMB Change Labour Funding
LABOUR'S general election campaign suffered a potentially devastating blow last night when one of the country's biggest unions announced it would fund MPs directly, with the money only going to those who supported its aims.
The move involves £750,000 of campaign funds and could hinder the re-election chances of any of the 108 Labour MPs – 13 Scottish – who are supported by the GMB but who fail to sign up to the aims of the UK's fourth largest union.
LABOUR'S general election campaign suffered a potentially devastating blow last night when one of the country's biggest unions announced it would fund MPs directly, with the money only going to those who supported its aims.
The move involves £750,000 of campaign funds and could hinder the re-election chances of any of the 108 Labour MPs – 13 Scottish – who are supported by the GMB but who fail to sign up to the aims of the UK's fourth largest union.
Friday, July 02, 2004
SSP condemn holyrood entrance fees
You paid £431m … now pay to see it
AFTER huge costs to the taxpayer, there was fresh controversy for the new Holyrood parliament last night: visitors will have to pay to see it. Members of the public, having handed over £431m, must now pay a further £3.50 to tour the unique architecture.
The news emerged on the last day of the parliamentary term after Tommy Sheridan, Scottish Socialist party leader, raised it at first minister's question time. He said taxpayers were being "double-charged".
AFTER huge costs to the taxpayer, there was fresh controversy for the new Holyrood parliament last night: visitors will have to pay to see it. Members of the public, having handed over £431m, must now pay a further £3.50 to tour the unique architecture.
The news emerged on the last day of the parliamentary term after Tommy Sheridan, Scottish Socialist party leader, raised it at first minister's question time. He said taxpayers were being "double-charged".
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Iraq Death
BBC NEWS: "Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan also paid tribute to the teenager whom he had known for a number of years.
He said Fusilier Gentle, of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, was a fantastic boy and a man of whom the local community could be proud.
Fusilier Gentle's mother Rose has made an angry public attack on the prime minister and Defence Minister Geoff Hoon over the death of her son.
The young soldier from the Pollok area of Glasgow was killed on Monday by an improvised explosive device while on mobile patrol in Basra.
Two other soldiers were also injured on the day the US-led administration handed over power to the new Iraqi government.
Mr Blair's sympathy message to Mr Gentle's family came in a statement on the latest developments in Iraq.
Mr Sheridan said Fusilier Gentle's mother had spoken volumes.
He went on: 'She is a grief stricken mother but she is still able to see through her tears the irrelevance of the Iraq war to ordinary people's lives, and that fact that young men like Gordon should not be there in the first place.
'All that remains to be said is bring the rest of these young men home now.
'He was a young lad who did what he thought was right, and he used to help organise the Pollok gala day.'"
He said Fusilier Gentle, of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, was a fantastic boy and a man of whom the local community could be proud.
Fusilier Gentle's mother Rose has made an angry public attack on the prime minister and Defence Minister Geoff Hoon over the death of her son.
The young soldier from the Pollok area of Glasgow was killed on Monday by an improvised explosive device while on mobile patrol in Basra.
Two other soldiers were also injured on the day the US-led administration handed over power to the new Iraqi government.
Mr Blair's sympathy message to Mr Gentle's family came in a statement on the latest developments in Iraq.
Mr Sheridan said Fusilier Gentle's mother had spoken volumes.
He went on: 'She is a grief stricken mother but she is still able to see through her tears the irrelevance of the Iraq war to ordinary people's lives, and that fact that young men like Gordon should not be there in the first place.
'All that remains to be said is bring the rest of these young men home now.
'He was a young lad who did what he thought was right, and he used to help organise the Pollok gala day.'"
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