Drowning Not Waving
Today's papers are full of stories about Labour's desperate attempt to re-launch its Scottish election campaign.
Where there's life there's hope - as they say - but even though it's Easter weekend I can't see Scottish Labour coming back from the dead.
The Labour party has no clear message for the voters - beyond we hate the Tories - which is hardly likely to deliver electoral success.
The lesson of history is that parties that broaden their appeal are the ones that win election victories.
Labour has withdrawn into its comfort zone - which is where its Scottish leader has failed.
When Margaret Thatcher fought her way to government in 1979 - she picked a fight with Labour on its own turf - 'Labour isn't working', council house sales and trade union power.
When Labour finally came out of the doldrums under Tony Blair in 1997 - New Labour promised a new approach and a new deal - 'Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime', 'A hand up, not a hand out' and 'Say what you mean, mean what you say'.
Now all we have is - 'Labour hates the Tories' - and occasionally the SNP as well.
The truth is that a party with such a dispiriting message - doesn't deserve to become the government of Scotland.
And I hope that's what the voters decide on 5 May.
Where there's life there's hope - as they say - but even though it's Easter weekend I can't see Scottish Labour coming back from the dead.
The Labour party has no clear message for the voters - beyond we hate the Tories - which is hardly likely to deliver electoral success.
The lesson of history is that parties that broaden their appeal are the ones that win election victories.
Labour has withdrawn into its comfort zone - which is where its Scottish leader has failed.
When Margaret Thatcher fought her way to government in 1979 - she picked a fight with Labour on its own turf - 'Labour isn't working', council house sales and trade union power.
When Labour finally came out of the doldrums under Tony Blair in 1997 - New Labour promised a new approach and a new deal - 'Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime', 'A hand up, not a hand out' and 'Say what you mean, mean what you say'.
Now all we have is - 'Labour hates the Tories' - and occasionally the SNP as well.
The truth is that a party with such a dispiriting message - doesn't deserve to become the government of Scotland.
And I hope that's what the voters decide on 5 May.
