STEVENSON CLAIMS MORE EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE BEHIND INCREASED SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENCE

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson today claimed that the rising support for independence in Scotland is down to the SNP Government proving to be more effective in governing the nation than the previous Labour Lib Dem coalitions. Mr Stevenson’s comments come off the back of the latest poll showing 41% of Scots in favour of independence with 40% against.

Commenting on the poll Mr Stevenson said:

“It has come at no surprise to us that there is increasing support for independence on the back of our first year in power. We are showing the people of Scotland that the most effective form of governance is to have a party in power that does not have split allegiances like that which is seen with the multiple nation parties whose focus is South East England. .

“The interests of Scotland are distinct not only from those of Wales and Northern Ireland but also that of the North, East, South and West of England. The public are increasingly recognising that the best form of governance is under a party that does not have split allegiances and internal party conflicts, a party that by being free from toeing the party line dictated from London can make decisions solely based on the national interest of Scotland.

“We ran a positive campaign during the Scottish elections putting forward our vision for Scotland, a manifesto that really struck a cord with the Scottish electorate. Since coming into power we have worked hard at fulfilling our manifesto and the benefits from policies such as lowering business rates and looking to create a new relationship with local government are now being recognised.

“Our policies and competence in governance are such that support is being generated not only among the Scottish public and business class’ but within the Labour Party. With Henry McLeish coming out in support of the SNP’s National Conversation to the recent call by the Labour Councillor and President of COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) Pat Watters to support the SNP’s local authority reforms we are seeing recognition of our achievements across the board. When you have a Labour councillor describing the SNP’s new local authorities concordat as ‘a bold and ambitious step’ you know you are doing something right.

“We intend to continue to work hard for the people of Scotland and that will naturally lead to increased support for independence. This we will do by listening to and acting on the ordinary people of Scotland like my constituents in Banff and Buchan, something we are more capable of doing than those parties who need to confer with London first.”