SNP say 'it's time' for power at Holyrood
Thursday, 12 April 2007 12:00 AM
The SNP launched their manifesto today, amid increasing optimism that the pro-independence party could take power at Holyrood.
Touted under the banner "it's time", flagship policies include a commitment to abolish council tax and instead fund local services through a three pence income tax rise - the maximum allowed by the devolved government.
The SNP claim this is a fairer option and would see half a million pensioners paying nothing.
Other commitments included policies on small business, crime, education, health and Scottish independence.
Stating "it's time to back small businesses", the SNP pledged to abolish business rates for 120,000 firms and bring rate relief for 30,000.
The SNP committed to increase the number of police on the street, restrict access to all firearms, including airguns, and clamp down on the sale of drink to under 18s in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour.
It also pledged to reduce student debt, claiming this would encourage graduates to invest in Scottish property or business. To do so it would abolish tuition fees, restore grants and meet the student loan repayments of Scottish domiciled graduates.
Smaller class sizes from primary age to 18 will improve education standards and the manifesto also announced plans for a 50 per cent increase in free nursery education.
With the call, "it's time to keep healthcare local", the SNP pledged to halt the planned closure of A&E departments, provide individual waiting time guarantees and give the public a say on the future of local hospitals.
Reiterating their commitment to Scottish independence, the manifesto concluded "It's time Scotland had a voice in the world." An independent Scotland would scrap Trident and would not have gone to war in Iraq, the SNP promised. The money saved could be invested in public services.
The SNP have been enjoying a comfortable five to ten point lead in opinion polls. The latest Times/Populus poll predicted the SNP could take 50 seats at Holyrood, beating Labour into second place with 43.
However, this would still not give the party a majority in the Scottish Parliament, forcing them into a coalition. In a set back to the SNP, potential coalition partners the Liberal Democrats said yesterday they would block any referendum on Scottish independence.
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