Ayr by-election 2000

'The Tories tried to fiddle additionality to the point where former Scottish Secretary Bruce Millan, in his time as EU regional policy commissioner, blocked all funding until the Treasury respected the rules. Labour MEPs who complained about the Tories admit privately the Treasury today is playing by the same rules.' Murray Ritchie in the Herald, 17 th February 2000.

We can't blow it now

From the Ayrshire Post

She insisted: "We have made genuine proÐgress since Labour came to power less than three years ago.
"There must be no going back and no return to the dark days of the Tories." Mrs Miller was speaking as her team finalised details to bring in one of Labour's biggest hitÐters and most popular politicians.
Talking exclusively to the Post, Mrs Miller said: "I have been in direct touch with Mo Mowlam and it now looks certain she will make the trip to the constituency later this week.
"Being on the camÐpaign trail with Mo will be a real thrill for me but her visit to Ayr is also a sign of just how much effort Labour is putting into this election.
And of course, Mo is a reminder of just how Labour has changed this country in these three short years." Mrs Miller stressed: "This whole campaign is historic, as the first ever by-election to the Scottish Parliament - delivered by Labour.
"We have also set up the Assembly in Wales and Mo is a reminder to us all that - tough as it is - we have made sound progress in Northern Ireland." Although they regard the Tories as the main competition, Labour will also use the last week to turn its fire on the Nationalists.
And Mrs Miller added: "We have to take on the SNP too.
"Their spending plans add up to £3 billion and that would mean a Scottish income tax rate of 37p in the pound.
"Moreover, industries will flee across the border is the Nationalists get near political power.
"So in these final days of our campaign, we will hammer home the truth - the real role of the Nationalists here is Ayr is to attack Labour and put the Tories in by the back door.
"We must not let that happen - there can be no going back."

March 8 th 2000

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