Fear and loathing in Glenrothes

Nov 9 2008 Elaine C. Smith

AS people on one side of the world voted for hope and change, it seems the people of Glenrothes voted out of fear.

Amazingly, the SNP vote grew by 13 per cent but they still lost the by-election.

Inevitably the scaremongering from Labour hacks and MPs stuck.

Gordon Brown has had an easy ride during the economic crisis and was allowed to pretend he had nothing to do with it in the first place.

This opened the way for him to visit Glenrothes. His wife Sarah also went seven times - obviously the folks in Glasgow East weren't good enough to merit a visit when they fought that seat.

The decision to have the election two days after America's was cynical. If Labour lost, the London media wouldn't care. Yes, spin doctor Alastair Campbell is back and his dark hand was all over this. Politics is a dirty business.

When the interest rate cut was announced on the day of the by-election, I had the feeling the ba' was on the slates for the SNP.

Now they must change their strategy. Alex Salmond should go back to being the great politician and statesman he is. That's what Scotland needs because by spring, when people are losing their jobs and homes, Scotland will need a way out.

We need politicians of stature and intellect who will find a way through for Scotland.

Most of our troubles are due to the lack of power we have over our own economy and affairs - and the SNP need to make that point forcefully.