Livingston by-election 2005

'ID cards won't catch criminals, more police will.' Cllr Angela Constance, 25 th September 2005.

Salmond: "Squabbling partners in crisis in Livingston"

From the SNP 27 th September 2005

Commenting on the latest street scrap between Labour and Liberal activists in Livingston today, SNP Leader Alex Salmond MP said: The Labour Party and Liberal Democrats are an embarrassment. This is the second time the two parties have been involved in an unseemly scrap in the constituency.

Mr Salmond said:

I think they look ridiculous. They are partners in power in the Scottish Parliament and share the blame for cuts in local services. No wonder they are reduced to childish squabbling in the streets.

On the day we learn of a threat to close the mortuary at St John's and centralise this service to the ERI, Labour and Liberals are playing silly games. They are behaving like spoiled children. The people of Livingston deserve better.

Our returns show that this is a clear two-horse race between the SNP and a discredited Labour Party. The Liberals are shedding votes and staggering towards defeat. They are reduced to battling with the Tories for fourth place.

Only the SNP can beat Labour in Livingston. More and more voters are telling us they will be switching from Labour to the SNP because they know SNP success will make a difference for Livingston.