Snp Learn Hard Truth Of Power

Nov 9 2008

BILLY MONTGOMERY voted for Labour's Lindsay Roy for a very simple reason.

The disabled ex-miner wanted his SNP-led council to reverse home care charge increases that have seen his bill rise from £4 a week to £11 an hour.

Thousands voted the same way in the Glenrothes by-election that is the first serious jolt that Alex Salmond has suffered in his 18-month extended honeymoon period as First Minister.

His party is now paying the price for cuts in council services and increases in charges that are happening across the country.

Voters happy to have council tax frozen are now realising that windfall comes with a price tag.

But that is not the only reason Labour won. The Prime Minister's reputation for decisive leadership has been bolstered as the worldwide financial crisis deepens.

Predictably, the SNP accuse Labour of running a negative campaign on local issues.

But they better get used to it.

They've got the power now - and with it responsibility.