Alex Salmond cautious over SNP's chances in Glasgow North East by-election

Published on Wednesday 14 October 2009 16:12

SNP leader Alex Salmond says his party has a strong chance of winning Glasgow North East but has stopped short predicting victory.

Scotland's First Minister today launched his party's campaign for the by-election in the Glasgow constituency which will take place on November 12.

At the last election, where he stood as the Speaker, the major parties with the exception of the SNP did not field candidates against him and Mr Martin was returned with a majority of more than 10,000.

Alex Salmond said that the SNP would be at an advantage entering the campaign as 'underdogs'.

"Yes, we can win," he said.

"We don't have to demonstrate that, because it's been demonstrated by action locally and the by-election last year.

"People know for the first time there is a chance of an SNP win,

"But I think it's a better position, on reflection, not to boast that we will win but just to say that we can win, if the people so choose.

"We are expecting a brammer of a by-election with a monster result for the people of Glasgow North East and the people of Scotland."

Last year's by-election in neighbouring Glasgow East – a campaign which was to end with a sensational SNP victory over Labour – began with Mr Salmond accurately predicting a political earthquake in that contest.

Launching the campaign of SNP and former BBC journalist candidate David Kerr, Mr Salmond said: "This campaign is a two-horse race between the SNP and Labour and David Kerr's got what it takes to win and end decades of Labour neglect.

"The by-election will be a contrast between two years of an SNP Government supporting people and investing in jobs and 74 years of Labour failing to protect this community."

Mr Kerr said jobs, education and independence would loom large in the campaign.

He said the constituency had the highest unemployment in Scotland, Labour-controlled Glasgow City Council was guilty of "betraying" youngsters through class sizes and school closures – and support for independence outstripped support for SNP.

Mr Kerr said: "From canvassing, I am certain that if we can win over the independence vote in this area, we can stand a good chance in this by-election."

The SNP candidate, whose membership of the Roman Catholic group Opus Dei had been highlighted by opponents, faced questioning on his views on civil partnerships.

He also faced questions on the Scottish Government's decision to axe a proposed rail link between central Glasgow and Glasgow Airport in order to save money – and a comment two years ago where he said Glasgow Caledonian University "did not have a reputation to tarnish".

That comment, he said was made and received "in jest" adding: "If anybody was offended, no offence was intended and I'm sorry."

The Liberal Democrats, fielding Eileen Baxendale, launch their campaign later today.

Labour, whose candidate is Willie Bain, will launch their candidate on Monday.

The Tories are fielding candidate Ruth Davidson – like the SNP's Mr Kerr, a former BBC journalist.

John Smeaton

Other candidates declared so far include the Greens' David Doherty, Solidarity party leader Tommy Sheridan, and Glasgow Airport terrorist attack hero John Smeaton, for the Jury Team.

Mr Smeaton was today reported to be considering pulling out on health grounds.

But he insisted: "I am committed to the people of Glasgow North East and to this election.

"I have not been well the past two weeks but I am on the mend and look forward to getting out into the constituency and talking to people over the next few days."