THE OPTIONS FOR SCOTLAND'S FUTURE

• A WEALTHIER SCOTLAND
• A FAIRER SCOTLAND
• A GREENER SCOTLAND
• A HEALTHIER AND SMARTER SCOTLAND
• A SAFER SCOTLAND
• A STRONGER SCOTLAND
• A MODERN SCOTLAND

I have been a member of the SNP since leaving the Royal Navy in 1982. The reason I became involved with the SNP is that in politics, I realised earlyon that it doesn't matter which political party rules in Westminster, the aspirations of the working man and woman are always neglected. This is as true now as it was then. Cash for questions, cash for peerages, expenses scandals and an unelected second house that should have, at least, been modernised or better still, abolished.

I have a sense of social justice and will fight to protect those who can't fight for themselves. That is why I am active in my union, representing and fighting for fairness for my colleagues and workmates. I do the same in representing the people of  Bellfield, Caprington, Kirkstyle, Riccarton and Shortlees.

When the SNP took control of East Ayrshire Council in May, 2007, we changed the way the council was governed. Previously, decision making was conducted under a committee structure. Policy was decided in each individual department. Under our Cabinet decision making structure, we feel there is more democracy, as every decision can be scrutinised and questioned by other elected members not involved in the respective department making a policy decision.