Happy to add my name to UAF Scotland unity statement on proposed SDL march.  Ruth MaguireUnity Statement We the undersigned strongly oppose the planned city centre march in Edinburgh on 26 May 2012 by the racist groups of Scottish Defence League (SDL) and the English North West and North East Infidels.The SDL claim to oppose only... Continue Reading →

Watching the millionaire cabinet as the Tory/Liberal Democrat budget was announced yesterday I have to admit feeling a bit sick.To offer a tax break to the top rate earners in the country at a time when £10bn is being slashed from the welfare budget should leave no one in any doubt about the priorities of... Continue Reading →

I am happy to add my support to The Scottish Sports Alliances 3 goals.  Getting children into sport early provides them positive role models and establish's healthy behaviors, build confidence and belonging.  For the wider community sport socially connects individuals and groups. In terms of physical and mental health it can bring measurable differences in a relatively short space... Continue Reading →

Bob Doris MSPThere has been a lot of discussion in the media this week about the UK governments "Workfare" scheme.  A number of high profile participants have pulled out in the face of public criticism and boycott threats. The SNP back Inclusion Scotland in condemning the UK Government’s proposed Workfare Scheme for disabled people as... Continue Reading →

Monday nights constituency meeting in Ardrossan was an inspiring affair.Our guest speaker was Cllr Ronnie McColl leader of West Dumbartonshire Council talk who had kindly agreed to come and talk to our North Ayrshire SNP candidates about increasing participation and transparency in the council along with their approach to Youth Employment.Cllr Ronnie McCollWhen elected in... Continue Reading →

The Scottish ParliamentI was interested to read that Deputy Prime Minister’s PPS Jo Swinson MP is set to host a meeting of the Votes at 16 Campaign Coalition in Westminster.  For me it's only right to extend the franchise for all elections to include young people.  It seems ridiculous that 16 and 17 year olds can work... Continue Reading →

Great news today that The Electoral Reform Society have spoken out for the principle that no strings should be attached by the UK Government to Scotland's referendum.The ERS, which describes itself as “an independent campaigning organisation to champion the rights of voters and improve UK democracy”, says it examined legislation, took on board opinions and... Continue Reading →

Cunninghame South Candidates withMargaret Burgess MSP & special guest Humza Yousaf MSPLast nights Cunninghame South branch meeting was busy and buzzing with excitement.  The branch has welcomed nearly 100 new members this year so far.  I know it sounds like the sort of thing that people campaigning just say but there is a tangible sense... Continue Reading →

For me, imagining an independent Scotland very much includes thinking about how we engage more people in the democratic process.  How we vote might be a good place to start, could there be different ways to the traditional ballet paper?  Participation in shows on TV is huge I wonder, would the same number of folk... Continue Reading →

On a visit to GlaxoSmithKline in Irvine this week, Finance Secretary, John Swinney announced the creation of 4 enterprise zones in Scotland.  These zones will aim to generate new economic activity by increasing or bringing forward investment and stimulating new job creation.  Scottish enterprise will work closely with North Ayrshire council and the business community... Continue Reading →