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Labour boosted by poll results

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Published Date: 16 March 2009
LABOUR yesterday hailed a poll which shows the party has overtaken the SNP in Holyrood voting intentions.
It comes amid falling support for an independence referendum. A YouGov survey found the SNP remains ahead on the constituency vote with 35 per cent, compared with Labour's 34 per cent. But on the regional vote Labour is on 32 per cent and the SNP on 30 per cent.

This would give Labour 49 seats – up three, while the SNP would drop to 44 – down three.

"Labour is back under the leadership of Iain Gray," said Labour MSP Duncan McNeil.





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1

Thomas79,

Ayrshire 16/03/2009 00:55:23
The above article 'forgets' to mention that the First Minister is not only more popular than Mr Gray, but more popular than all the opposition leaders put together.

And the SNP have not had their spring conference yet, polls usually go up after that.

When the 2011 election arrives Mr Salmond will once again be a formidable weopon, especially when compared to what the opposition leaders have to offfer.

The more presidential the contest, the better for the SNP.
2

,

16/03/2009 00:57:19
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3

Edward,

16/03/2009 01:12:49
I look forward to looking at the details on the table when its published- if its published!
Just wondering how many Labour, Tory and Libdem voters made up the 1380 sampling?
4

Brian Hill,

16/03/2009 02:01:06
Even if these figures were accurate they would still be very good news for the SNP, a Government in its mid term.

And of course #3CiE mentions Dundee where a real poll showed the SNP on 48% and Labour on 32%. I think that may be a bit more accurate than this poll.
5

Moonraker007,

16/03/2009 02:34:49
how big was this polls selection, was in carried out in Margaret currans front room the article details are extremely vague!

Or are they meant to be? Or will we find out from a proper paper it was 5 folk polled in the East lothian Labour club?
6

,

16/03/2009 05:30:32
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7

For Scotlands Future,

Vote for the SNP 16/03/2009 05:43:43
"Labour is back under the leadership of Iain Gray," said Labour MSP Duncan McNeil."

The Scotsman should have a section for the funniest quote of the week. That's about the Labour Party in Scotland would win.

The hold their conference in Dundee and within a week get drubbed in a by-election, in a council that they only control with an alliance with the TORIES!!!!

Nationally they are 20+ points behind the Tories.

Labour are so far behind that Mr Gray thinks he's first.
8

,

16/03/2009 06:08:01
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9

Dr. James Wilkie,

Vienna 16/03/2009 06:25:28
Even if this poll is accurate it can be no more than an incidental hiccup on the general trend. The direction of that trend has been perfectly clear over many decades, and like all such moves towards autonomy it has progressed in a series of waves, each one reaching a higher point than its predecessor. I seem to detect a certain flattening of the trend in the wake of the financial crisis, but I have no doubt that the graph line will shoot up again after the next Westminster election.

10

steve 1511,

aberdeen 16/03/2009 06:38:31
a vote for lybour is a vote for
unemployment
bust banks that the taxpayer is paying for
wrecked economy
illegal wars
house prices in a downward spiral
pensions wrecked
intrest on savings wiped out
immigration out of control
law and order, well what can you say
the poor are poorer since lybour camr to power
sleaze and corruption at every level as the trough feeders get fat at westminster at the expense of the tax payer,IE jackie smith for one
peter hain £100k
rip off energy companies
100 of thousands losing their home
the list is endless of lybours failures

and they think we beieve they are in the lead in a poll


WE ARE DOOMED WITH BROON,DOOOMED

11

McNasty,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 06:55:37
Watching Duncan McNeil with that permanent sneer on his face is more fun than listening to Ian Gray and his miserable rants.

One does wonder if that sneer is natural, or he has to work at it?
12

tartan army 2222,

16/03/2009 07:43:26
You can't concentrate on a single poll. You have to look at the trend - this helps eliminate the blips. And this is a blip. But we can always trust the Scotsman to extrapolate the unquestionable voting intentions of the Scottish people from it.
13

nabodican,

Rural Scotland 16/03/2009 07:52:37
Alex Salmond is making such a mess of things that if labour win it will be by default,not because they are any good.
I can see a lot of people not voting.
14

gus1940,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 08:06:48
I didn't know that YouGov used postal voting.
15

donald anderson it's me,

glasgow 16/03/2009 08:08:52
Was watching "Young Guns II" on telly. Billy the Kid's gang was approaching a township, when a young gang member noticed a sign, "This Town Don't Tolerate No Scum" and asked what scum meant. Bill Kidd, SNP, MSP, turned on his hoarse and said, "it means Bankers and Politicians".
16

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 08:15:33
Oh come on !!!!. No way on earth are Labour becoming more popular. Only the real nuckle draggers among the "Flock" while buy such trash.

We saw recently in Dundee, that even with the recent presence of the Labour Party Big Wigs, they still could not win a council election.

Their hall was a 5th full, and that's only because some of the flock wer bussed in.

They are dead in the water, and have been for a lnog time. Taking a pole only in lanarkshire will maybe get you such a laughable result, but now with Labour infuriating the local membership with their PC drenched dogma in Airdrie, even victory in Lanarkshire now seems beyond them.

Oh yes McNeil : "Labour is back under the leadership
of Ian Gray".

Priceless.
17

TWC,

Ex Labour 16/03/2009 08:16:08
I do not believe this poll and I also have doubts about the Statistical significance of the Scottish sample.
The total sample for ALL of UK was only 1800.
I think the Scottish sample alone neeeds to bo approx 1000.
18

tartan army 2222,

16/03/2009 08:24:19
TWC

Didn't realise this was a small sample. The last small one I saw had the SNP and the Tories neck and neck.
19

TWC,

16/03/2009 08:33:52
19 tartan army 2222,

It must be me but I don't understand your comment
20

Marian,

16/03/2009 08:43:49
Brown and Gray are the charisma-bypassed "leaders" of this increasingly irrelevant bunch of champagne socialists who have farcically, via their so-called "Scottish" Labour Party, run (and ruined) the entire UK since 1997.

We have had two Scots prime ministers in that time: one a lying war criminal responsible for more than a million civilian deaths in an illegal war in Iraq; and the second - responsible for the destruction of the 4th greatest economy in the world.

Now we have a Scots Chancellor - Darling - who has started the printing presses that will spew forth rivers of paper pounds - effectively devaluing the real pound for the second time in one year and creating hyper-inflation which will ruin savers and pensioners for good this time.

As a Scot I am ashamed to say that these Scots New Labour politicians have bankrupted 60 million people - and you aint seen nothing yet, if they are ever elected into power again.
21

,

16/03/2009 08:54:10
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22

TWC,

ExLabour 16/03/2009 09:06:14
22 Vincent-W, thanks, 1380 is significant but I thought the sample was 1840 for the whole UK.

I still have grave doubts about the result because if anything I see people deserting Labour down here in the west
23

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 09:11:18
There was a somewhat larger poll carried out last week in the Dundee Maryfield council by-election.

The results were as follows:-

SNP 1550 47.60%

LAB 1013 31.11%

Lib Dem 354 10.87%

Con 224 6.88%

Reports of the demise of the SNP appear a trifle premature.
24

,

16/03/2009 09:14:20
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25

Luigiana,

Aberdeen 16/03/2009 09:19:59
Labour may still be able to rely on a large core vote in Scotland (for at least another ten years). However, the reality is that they are going to be completely trashed south of the border. What happens then - have the scottish media really thought this one through yet?

It's going to be a very difficult script for unionism - can they hold it together one more time? I wonder.
26

TWC,

Ex Labour 16/03/2009 09:24:22
vincent,

I was really basing my feelings on places like Dalry and Beith swinging to the Nats and more recently Dundee. These places were so pro Labour(almost Communist) that they give a real clue to the thoughts of the people. Scottish Labour still need to take a big step along the Fiscal Autonomy route if they are to win back their old support.
27

ExpatNL,

glasgow 16/03/2009 09:26:19


Lies,
damned lies
and YouGov statistics.


28

Queen D,

Glasgow 16/03/2009 09:30:04
It is a poll for the benefit of the Labour party.
Some time ago I read an article on a particular favourite polling company of Gordon Browns.
They used to bring out counteracting polls for the Labour Party after a particularly good poll for the opposition by Comres or some such.
Eventually the con was discovered and someone sacked
( not from government).I believe that Guido will still have the details.
No one in their right minds could believe this travesty of a poll and no one in their right minds should believe any poll.
29

Calum10,

16/03/2009 09:32:08
The SNP gained a seat from Labour on Dundee City council in the Maryfield by-election. The SNP recorded 48% of the vote in a humiliating defeat for Labour only a week after their party conference was held in the city and Gordon Brown praised the Labour run council in his speech.

This week the SNP will take control of Dundee, the first time it has done so in the city's history.

In the real world the SNP are still stacking electoral victories, all without the need for the electoral roles and votes to mysteriously disappear.
30

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 09:40:35
The attitude of the SNP bloggers on this site makes me want to vote Labour.

They're so smug and self-righteous, they think it must be lies and conspiracies if anyone dares to disagree with them.
31

ExpatNL,

glasgow 16/03/2009 09:43:51


#34

Don't you remember the polls just before the Glasgow East by-election showing a lead for New Labour?
32

Number 6,

In search of a Labour Supporter. 16/03/2009 09:44:41
Oh how this is getting the unionistas writhing.

Only the truely dense would think this is anything but pure gibberish. Who on this god's earth is going to turn to Labour, especially after their totally disasterous handling of the economy.

As if their lies, sleaze and corruption were not bad enough, they are now imposing all women candidate lists in Scottish constituencies that oppose them.

They walk all over their flock, gambiling that they will never have the courage to vote SNP.

Once again, I ask : Are there any posters here, apart from "Stan Butler" prepared to admit they plan to vote Labour at the next election..... anyone ????????.

Where on earth are their supporters ?.
33

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 09:48:44
#36 You illustrate my point perfectly
34

,

16/03/2009 09:52:12
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35

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 09:52:47
Why would anyone vaot for stupid labour? They were instrumental in getting this country into the state it is in now...

The only sensible way ahead lies with the Tories.
36

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 09:59:13
#35 But if you're happy to start making accusations of corruption, how can you be sure it was the poll and not the by-election result that was rigged?

I'd have more respect if you guys would engage with the issues rather than just slinging mud.

Like explain to me what the SNP Government has actually done for us voters since they were elected, apart from pick fights with Westminster and moan about theit lack of power.

I mean, can you name one piece of legislation thay have enacted that has actually made a difference to people across the whole of Scotland?
37

brownlie,

16/03/2009 10:03:27
34 Heretic

Excellent post! we unionist are never smug or self-righteous with only a very few minor exceptions.

How self-righteous are we about the Iraq invasion?
38

Nik,

Embra 16/03/2009 10:04:27
40

The council tax freeze.
39

brownlie,

16/03/2009 10:04:49
40 Heretic

Quite right again. Picking fights with Westminister is a lot worse than picking fights with innocent Iraqis.
40

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:07:53
#41 Iraq is indeed an important issue, but foreign policy is determined by Westminster, not Holyrood.

This poll asked about voting intentions for Holyrood, which governs domestic policy.

41

Phil C,

16/03/2009 10:09:43
Who are these people? This poll must have been taken from residents of our esteemed psychiatric hospitals, or maybe by asking in the Labour clubs. Either way, it's beyond comprehension that anyone would vote Labour ever again!
42

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:10:30
#42 I'd question whether spending less on local services has benefited people across the whole of Scotland
43

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:13:04
#43 Interesting that you describe Saddam Hussein as "innocent".
44

brownlie,

16/03/2009 10:16:32
47 Heretic

Sorry, my mistake - I didn't realise that he was the only Iraqi in Iraq. The rest must be on the postal voter's register.
45

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:18:02
Forgive me, but wasn't the war against his regime rather than the people of Iraq?

46

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:19:05
Anyway. let's get back on topic - I ask again, what piece of legislation have the SNP enacted since they came to power that has actually benefited people across the whole of Scotland?
47

Queen D,

Glasgow 16/03/2009 10:21:05
46 feel free to vote for whoever floats your boat.
Nobody cares.

I will vote for whoever puts my country and its people before personal gain.
I will vote for whoever stops Trident 2 from being housed in Scotland, nearest to the largest population in Scotland.
I will vote for whoever prevents young Scottish soldiers being sent abroad to an illegal war, I therefore want my country to make an independent choice.
I will vote for whoever gives the Scottish taxpayers a fair and sensible deal while demonstrating their own frugality with OUR money.

48

,

16/03/2009 10:23:57
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49

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:24:13
#51 So the SNP haven't enacted a single piece of legislation in two years in power that has benefited the people of Scotland?

And you can't believe their poll ratings are slipping?
50

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:31:48
I rest my case.
51

brownlie,

16/03/2009 10:35:25
49 Heretick

Yes, quite right - after our dodgy dossier, which we, quite rightly, were smug and self-righteous about, was found to be a load of nonsense we claimed that the invasion was to facilitate a "regime change" which is against international law.

The fact that innocent Iraqis were killed in their thousands we can, smugly and self-righteously, call "collateral damage" which sounds infinitely better.
52

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 10:35:31
Good grief Heretic, your a right sanctamonious twonk are you not? Is it any wonder SNP are laughing at the ludicrous suggestion that such a corrupt, inept,sleaze ridden rabble like Labour could possibly be garnering support, even in Scotland?

The very idea is insane. Look how the unionista flock are writhing here. Poor old Vincent has once again been deployed to attack everyone of my posts.

His desperation for me to acknowledge him is becoming slightly disturbing, but i'm sure as soon as they stabilise his medication regime, he may be a bit more rational.

Who will you be voting for at the next election? Or are you yet another unionista who is too ashamed to state who he will actually be supporting ?.
53

Nik,

Embra 16/03/2009 10:38:12
54

You were provided with a piece of legislation.
54

TWC,

Ex Labour 16/03/2009 10:42:23
53 Heretic_,
I'm not a Nat and I don't believe this poll, the conference was a wash-out, I agree with Vincent the Opposition are all over the place.
None of the opposition Parties have come up with concrete proposals for Scottish policies just wishy washy hints at Calman powers. If this poll had followed a declaration of intent I may have believed it but not without a a Big Labour policy shift.
55

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:42:33
#56 You offer nothing but playground insults. I'm still waiting for some actual evidence of the benefits that the SNP administration has supposedly broguht to the people fo Scotland during their two years in power.

The SNP's problem is that they will now be judged on their record rather than on promises that we now know they don't keep.

56

Stan Butler,

16/03/2009 10:43:02

Fat N'Eck Salmond was on the telly yesterday.

What a size he is.

It looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer for the fitness and diet video.

Strange thing though, he appeared alongside Douglas Alexander, and so far as I know he is not the leader of the Labour Party. I thought Fat N'Eck refused to do telly with anyone who isn't a party leader (beneath his dignity, don't you know).

Has there been a change of policy?
57

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:43:27
As to my voting intentions, I haven't decided yet. Not impressed by anyone at the moment.
58

Phil C,

16/03/2009 10:44:22
Heretic, Not my list but here's some.......Freezing Council TaxLocal Government Agreement giving Greater AccountabilityForth & TA Bridge Tolls ScrappedMaking a decision on the New Forth Road BridgeMore Police on the StreetRecord Funds to cap Public Transport FareCarbon Index on Future BudgetsNew Drugs Rehabilitation BillCutting Small Business RatesNew Money for Community Climate Challenge FundExtra Captial Spending for EdinburghNew Health Screening ProgrammesPhasing out prescription chargesReducing hospital waiting timesTackling Poverty Fund of £145m.Dealing with Alcohol Misuse with tough new measuresDealing with Smoking, Obesity & Heath in Scotland's YoungPromoting Europe's Largest Wind Farms & New Hydrogen PlantGiving the go-ahead for Scotland first commercial Tidal project.Increasing Energy Efficiency FundsReduced class sizes in Early Years50% more nursery places for 3-4 Year OldsExtending Free School Meals PilotUniversities and Colleges Investment of £1.7bnNew Partnerhsip between Universities & GovernmentGrant Support for Students of £509m.Scrapping the Endowment FeeImproved Rail Links, Giving the Go Ahead for the Borders RailwayDualling Sections of the A9Increasing Social Housing through HomeSTAKEControl over Fisheries Conservation MeasuresSupporting the Scottish Fishing Industry with Action Plan & FundingExtending NHS Screening Programs for MenSetting up the Scottish Futures TrustReducing Classes for P1-2 to 18Introducing PiP's, saving Buyers £7M annuallyReforming Health BoardsIntroducing tighter Smoking Advertisement Rules.......
59

Stan Butler,

16/03/2009 10:45:26
#56 Number 6

'Is it any wonder SNP are laughing...........'

The gnats laughed a lot at Glenrothes.

At least until the result was announced.
60

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:46:36
#57 Nik

The council tax freeze is not a piece of legislation.

And in any case, it's questionable whether spending less on local services has benefited the people of Scotland.
61

brownlie,

16/03/2009 10:48:21
Mr Salmond notes your constant fascination with his size and appreciates your dedication. It is a scientific fact that one's brain power decreases as one's waist increases.
62

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 10:49:12
59 Heretic, WAKE UP !!!!!!

Decades of Labour rule in Scotland has left us with "Some of the most deprived areas in Europe".

It has also left us at the bottom of almost every social scale. Yet you and the rest of the hand-ringers, are demanding immediate results, half way through the SNP's first term.

Again this breath taking hypocrisy is the barrier behind which the flock hide their fear of taking responsibility for their own country.

Shameful and pathetic.
63

,

16/03/2009 10:50:22
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64

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 10:50:59
#63 Good grief Stan

If that's the best you can do i'd bin it now mate.

Glenrothes is still very much a tainted result. Have they found those electoral records yet ???.

65

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 10:52:18

#59
A few more examples:-

Help for households to beat the credit crunch, providing extra funding for councils to freeze the Council Tax for another year.
- Another cut in the cost of single prescriptions from April, down from £5 to £4... with 12-month pre-payment certificates cut by £10 to £38. But in England, Labour are increasing prescription charges to £7.10.
- Business rates for 120,000 small businesses will be abolished, helping shops and local firms cut costs and protect jobs in these tough times.
- £230 million of accelerated infrastructure spending to keep the Scottish economy moving and support 4,700 jobs.
- Extra funds to help train 1,000 additional police officers, to put more bobbies on the beat and improve safety on our streets. While police numbers are falling in England under Labour rule.
- £15 million to help provide home insulation for 90,000 homes - targeted on those most in need.
- £16 million to recruit 18,500 new apprentices.

- £300 million more for the NHS. Slashing waiting times even further.
- £70 million more to invest in affordable housing.
- £60 million more for town centre renewal.
- £40 million more in funding for free personal care for the elderly.
- A total of £1.8 billion in additional expenditure - securing a total of 35,000 jobs!
Under the SNP 5700 public sector houses were started in 2007/08, the highest figure since devolution and the SNP government is committing £1.5 billion over the next 3 years.
In 2007/08 432 council houses were built compared to a total of 6 built in 2006/07 by the last Labour / Lib Dem administration

66

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 10:52:39
#62 I may be wrong but I only see one pice fo actual legislation in that list - the abolition of bridge tolls in Fife, which hasn't exactly benefited the whole of Scotland (tell that to the people on the West coast who now subsidise the bridges' maintenance).

Good to see you haven't lost your sense of humour, including the Scottish Futures Trust as a benefit to the whole of Scotland! :D

I'm less amused that you claim P1 and 2 class sizes have been reduced to 18 however - my 5-year old is currently in a class of 26, so that's just another broken SNP promise I'm afraid. :(
67

Number 6,

Searching for the lost labour voter. 16/03/2009 10:54:08
UPdate of request at #56 : Still no unionista has nailed his/her colours to their party's political mast.

Why are you all so reticent in showing your support.

Your all quick enough to criticise the SNP
68

,

16/03/2009 10:56:04
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69

Arfur,

16/03/2009 10:57:34
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha - where was this poll done. Labour HQ? I doint think there is enough thick p
70

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 10:57:53
67 Vincent-W

“This was an independant (sic) poll and doesn't make good reading.”

How about the real poll in Dundee Maryfield?
71

brownlie,

16/03/2009 10:58:18
70 Heretic

I'm sure we would all be interested to know which primary school has a class of 26 for 5 year olds. My daughter is in a primary school class of 11.
72

frank mcbride,

lusitania 16/03/2009 10:58:41
As I've said about all OPs, they are simply a guide; no more, no less.

This OP gives NuLab a lead of 2pts, well within its magin of error.

OPs should be looked at as highlighting trends, but as there has not been a series of OPs, in Scotland, over the period from May 2007 it is impossible to discen a trend, on this basis.

However, it is possible to discern a trend towards the SNP if one looks at ACTUAL POLLS carried out since May 2007. These elections have shown a consistantly higher vote for the SNP, and, in general, NuLab's vote dropping or not increasing at the rate of the SNP.
73

,

16/03/2009 11:00:21
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74

,

16/03/2009 11:01:13
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TWC,

Ex Labour 16/03/2009 11:01:24
66 Number 6,Germany

There is a point here that SNP haven't shot the fox yet, Labour are useless but they haven't been quite killed off, that means if somebody Smart tells them to steal the Libdem Fiscal proposal they could make a comeback(in Scotland). The only thing stopping this is Brown and he will go in parallel with calling the election.

You are kidding yourself if you can't see this
76

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 11:02:08
#71 I don't think I'm a "unionista" but I'll tell you why I'm not nailing my colours to any mast.

None of the political parties in Scotland currently has much credibility. Labour is tainted by its erosion of civil liberties and the economic crisis, the Tories are still Tories, the Lib Dems don't seem to know what they stand for, and the SNP have achieved very little of substance since they came to power, apart from a poor working relationship with Westminster.

Those of us who stop and think and vote based on the arguments and the evidence, rather than "nailing our colours to a mast" and voting for that party no matter what, are still to be convinced by anyone.
77

,

16/03/2009 11:02:55
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78

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 11:03:56
#75 Robert Douglas Memorial School in Scone, Perthshire.

Both Primary 1 classes have 26 pupils.
79

,

16/03/2009 11:06:22
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80

brownlie,

16/03/2009 11:08:53
82 Heretic

I'm seriously interested in this. Is there only one teacher in charge of a class of 26 or is it a case of lack of space meaning that the class cannot be broken up further?
81

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 11:14:19
#79 TWC,

No where have I said the SNP will walk the next election. I would not trust Westminster even if Labour scored 0% in a poll.

The SNP must not let up, they must convince the Scottish people they are the way forward for Scotland, and not to stagger zombie like into the future.

Local elections show the SNP are still popular, indeed winning a council seat in Dundee shortly after the Labour Circus came to town was rather impressive.

Couple that with the PC drenched madness being unleashed by Labour in the form of all women candidate lists, only furthers the SNP's chances.

Already there is talk of a break away party in Lanarkshire in protest. This is exactly what happened when they imposed an all women list in a Welsh constituency. Needless to say they went on to humiliating defeat at the hands of the male independent .

Logic would dictate that such a dreadful, inept, sleaze ridden and corrupt party would have no chance whatsoever in an election, and while that will be the case in South Britain, we are talking Scotland here.

It's the dependency mindset that the SNP has to defeat, not Labour and their non existent policies.
82

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 11:16:26
#80 Herertic

That's the classic default answer. Tell me then, if you dont mind, who did you vote for at the last general election?
83

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 11:24:04
#86 At the last General Election I voted SNP, because where I live it's them or the Tories. Voted Labour at the Holyrood election because at the time I worked for the NHS and could see real improvements as a result of Scottish Executive policy.

For the reasons stated previously, however, neither of these parties can bank on my vote next time.
84

,

16/03/2009 11:25:22
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85

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 11:32:06
88 Listen my personal little stalker.

If I want any advice from you i'll ask for it. Get treatment for your problems as your beginning to look weird.

Go and find someone else to play with and stop chasing me around these threads, it's getting embarresing.
86

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 11:32:09
#84

The number of P1 classes with more than 25 pupils has actually increased since the SNP came to power:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iYs6-5FA0JCzMabVmqUax1naUduw

Empty promises I'm afraid.
87

,

16/03/2009 11:36:45
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88

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 11:39:52
#81

From Alba Publishing
A Summary of all votes in all Local Authority by-elections carried out in 2008.


Scottish National Party 15,215 36.24%
Labour 13,402 31.92%
Conservative & Unionist 5,933 14.13%
Liberal Democrats 3,014 7.18%


89

Thomas79,

Ayrshire 16/03/2009 11:40:57
90 Heretic_,

Your comment on the Holyrood relationship with Westminster is interesting, but I do not understand why people blame the SNP for the so called poor relationship.

Even before the SNP won in 2007 Gordon Brown was telling us he could not work with them, and even after they won Tony Blair never bothered to contact our new First Minister.

Does this sound like a Westminister that is keen to have good relations.
90

Mr. Lachie Todd,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 11:42:37
The very nature of the voting system at the Scottish Parliament makes it highly unlikely that any political party could win an outright majority.

In 3 parliamentary sessions, no political party has so far managed this outcome. Not even in the previously Labour-dominated Scotland. We currently have a minority Government and prior to that we had two coalition Governments.

It would take a massive percentage swing in voting for any Scottish political party to gain a sufficient majority at Holyrood to govern alone.

According to this poll, the Nationalists and the Labour Party in Scotland are now neck and neck.
However, this was obtained from a small voting sample, and transferring it into a 3 seat gain would not give Labour, or any other Holyrood party, a majority government. Labour, or any other party, would once again have to enter a coalition Government.

In years to come do not be surprised if Labour has to accept coalition support from the Nationalists.

t would have to



91

Heretic_,

16/03/2009 11:44:03
#93 - fair point
92

brownlie,

16/03/2009 11:48:48
90 Heretic

I'm actually more interested in the pupil/teacher ratio at your school - and others.
93

alanh,

ek 16/03/2009 11:54:12
how many people were asked and what were the questions?
94

,

16/03/2009 11:54:32
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95

TWC,

Ex LAbour 16/03/2009 12:49:51
98 Vincent-W,
Cross party co-operation would be wonderful but it is Labour's total Ante SNP stance which has
really upset me. Leaving Independence aside I thought many Nat policies were traditional Labour policies but the hate is the key decider. Primarily I sought Fiscal Autonomy and failure to give a lot of ground here will result in me supporting the Nats, though it isn't my Natural Stance.

I was shocke by the Oil Revelations on BBC ALBA where the party I and my family supported were shafting me
96

Observer,,

Glasgow 16/03/2009 13:03:53
Heretic you are just about as believable as Blairs dodgy dossier - incidentally it is illegal to invade another country for the purpose of regime change (your post 49)which is why Labour made things up, just like you are.
97

,

16/03/2009 13:04:21
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98

fiferjohn,

16/03/2009 13:57:36
if labour did come up with something i would not trust them. they have showen what a load of lying theiving scum that they are. as long as theare alright shod everybody else .thats labour right now and it's going to take a long time for them to be trusted .still dodn't trust the tories and then lib dems are all over the place so it just leaves the snp.
99

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 14:06:14
98 Vincent-W,16/03/2009 11:54:32
“bully wee alba,

thanks - that suggests either little movement or a modest change to labour.”

Not exactly, as the following verifiable data suggests:-


The total votes, percentages and percentage changes for all by-elections since May 2007 is as follows:

Party: Votes - % (% Change)
SNP: 15,215 - 36% (+7%)
Labour: 13,402 - 32% (-4%)
Tory: 5,933 - 14% (0%)
LibDem: 3,014 - 7% (1%)
Other: 4,388 - 10% (-4%)

A 5.5% swing from Labour to SNP

The total votes are from the following by-elections:

Kilsyth (North Lanarkshire) 31st January 2008
Elgin City South (Moray) 14th February 2008
Highland Ward (Perth & Kinross) 21st February 2008
Lerwick South (Shetland) 28th February 2008
Cambuslang East (South Lanarkshire) 6th March 2008
Troup (Aberdeenshire) 1st May 2008
Abbey (Dumfries & Galloway) 1st May 2008
Baillieston (Glasgow) 18th September 2008
Forth (Edinburgh) 6th November 2008
Baillieston (Glasgow) 6th November 2008
Ballochmyle (East Ayrshire) 11th December 2008
Kilbirnie & Beith (North Ayrshire) 11th December 2008
100

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 14:32:45
VINNY-W
Ref your quote at 72 :

"No party is going to change the face of Scotland quickly - you are deluding your self to think that the SNP can turn things round in double quick time - even given a clear majority. Being in Govt is a lot harder than it looks from the opposition benches.


Try getting some good old fashioned down to earth realism into your ludicrous 'Ultra Nationalista' posts."

No where have I said the SNP are going to turn the country around in double quick time.

If you hand ringing unionista basket cases can't open your gobs without lying, then it's better to keep them shut.

Your doing your "movement" no good whatsoever.
101

,

16/03/2009 14:54:15
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102

Observer,,

Glasgow 16/03/2009 15:06:10
107 A rat up a trouser leg ? I thought the saying was ''like a rat up a drainpipe''. I'd be worried if rats were running up my trousers, I think I'll stick to skirts.
103

Westfield Bairns,

Falkirk 16/03/2009 15:14:18
Can anyone seriously imagine any alternative to the SNP Government,they have been a breath of fresh air. Ian Gray as FM now that would be an embarrasment
104

Number 6,

Germany 16/03/2009 15:46:42
#107 I am posting from Germany because like most of the Scottish Diaspora, I could not forge a decent path in Scotland .

In the 70's Glasgow was a dirty, miserable hell hole.

Nearly 40 years of union control later Scotland is dirtier and more violent than ever.

Miles behind the rest of Europe in almost every sphere.

Yes, Scotland is a wonderful country, but not to live in or raise a family. That's the tradgedy .

Im believe independence will lift the apathy that blights so many of it's inhabitants. Where else would you find so many people who as the First Minister stated :"Feel they are uniquley incapable of running their own affairs".

It's that mindset that has held Scotland back for so long and prevented so many of us from returning on a permanent basis.
105

walter,

16/03/2009 15:54:53
#26
I would not take that as an indication of growing support for the SNP.
The SNP received 638 votes less than in 2007, Labour received 158 votes less.
If voting intentions remain the same at the next council elections as they have in 2007 and now then the SNP will lose the seat they have just won.
106

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 16:13:47
#110

In a recent survey carried out by those named below, it was established that over 50% of the current membership of the SNP had spent 6 months or longer living and working outwith the boundaries of our country.

Like yourself, I can count myself within that number.

Stop the world, we want to get on!

“Who are the SNP?

ESRC RES-062-23-0722
James Mitchell, Lynn Bennie and Rob Johns
(Strathclyde and Aberdeen Universities)”

107

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16/03/2009 16:21:13
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108

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 16/03/2009 16:31:43
111 walter,16/03/2009 15:54:53
I have just realised that post was aimed at me.

I am happy to bandy statistics if you wish.

The SNP share of the vote in Maryfield increased from 44.36% in May 2007 to 47.60% in March 2009.

This does not appear to indicate that the SNP are in any immediate danger of losing this seat at the next election.


109

,

16/03/2009 16:45:03
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110

fiferjohn,

16/03/2009 16:53:36
theres a saying if it isn't broke don't fix it.
well the status quo scotland has got is broke and needs fixed and the only way is independance .as long as london has a say scotland will come off second best and for that is not Expectable.
example the work that glasgow dockyards got ,it only got it as porstmouth couldn't cope so they grugdly gave it to glasgow.
111

TWC,

Ex Labour 16/03/2009 16:58:33
115 Vincent-W,
Vincent on another Paper someone is saying that the sample basis for the Scottish gigures was 160 from the total UK sample of 1840.
Do you know the exact figures. 160 would be a useless sample to base anything on.
112

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16/03/2009 17:24:56
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113

Sanny,

16/03/2009 17:45:24
If the BBC were to repeat the recent Gaelic programme “Secret” but this time broadcast in English on National TV; I wonder what effect it might have on the Polls. I can think of many countries where this would spark a revolution. Perhaps we should revive the “Auld Alliance” and take a French approach.

Before the next election all true Scots must ensure that this programme and its implication are placed squarely before the Scottish people.
114

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16/03/2009 18:35:54
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115

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 16/03/2009 20:37:41
The interesting thing about what Number 6 says @110 and bully wee alba @ 112 is that any Scot who has lived in a sovereign country outwith the UK realises what is going on with regard to Scotland within the UK. It is even obvious when you stay in England after having lived abroad or in Europe.

It is an experience which all our population should undertake.

This obviousness need not apply to certain posters on here. They require braille for those with eyes that will not see.
116

Observer,,

Glasgow 16/03/2009 20:43:47
123 A good point, I am one of many on here who has lived and worked outside Scotland, and it is a definite eye-opener. That's why I always find the charge of ''parochial'' being laid against nationalists amusing, in my experience it is the complete oppositte.
117

Observer,,

Glasgow 16/03/2009 20:44:42
oops sorry 123 was for 122

Smee - it's on You tube. Worth a look.
118

Observer,,

Glasgow 16/03/2009 20:55:39
I've no problem whatsoever with a multiple levels of national/state identification. I don't have any problem with a multi-entity union in theory, it's the practise I don't like. There is nothing parochial about that, it's a pragmatic belief based on evidence and experience.

To be honest the programme didn't really tell me a lot more than I already knew before. It just packages it up nicely, and for non political anoraks, it's probably fairly new. You wouldn't like it.
119

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 16/03/2009 22:19:30
Smee @ 125. You are mistaking your ward for multiple personality disorders for countries in the world.

Name me some countries you have been to like the UK.

As usual you talk garbage.
120

Phil C,

17/03/2009 08:15:05

This joke of a poll becomes clearer when you know the following...

From Traquair, Alba....

Of the 1380 surveyed, the breakdown in terms of Political Party Identification was (excluding 312 out of 1380 who expressed no preference):

Labour 550 51%
Conservative 181 17%
Liberal 82 8%
Others 255 24%

Indeed strange for a Scottish Survey they
don't even have a category for the SNP !
SNP Assuming 90% of Other (which is if anything
generous) we have 229.5 = 21% !!!!

see - tinyurl.com/cshd9r

It would appear a reasonably good guess would be
that the polling was done in Glasgow area Labour
fiefdoms (such as Paisley and Inverclyde)
and apparently also Bearsden judging by the
Tory poll numbers relative to the SNP :)

So at least twice as many people surveyed were affiliated with the Labour party as opposed
to the SNP!!
121

Number 6,

Germany 17/03/2009 09:11:41
#128 Phil,

I doubt it matters how they run their polls. The overwhelming majority of Scots have had enough of Labour lies and corruption.

If they can't even hold Dundee, then what chance will they have at the next GE? Especially with "Brown's Boilers" hogging all their candidate lists. LOL!!!!
122

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17/03/2009 11:53:17
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123

,

17/03/2009 12:17:50
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