PHONE SCAM

MAIL AND PHONE SCAM

Just a short post to suggest you all check out this article in the Evening Times, it highlights the lengths some people will go to scam normal hard working people, if you get a card like this PLEASE report it to the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of the Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS).

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

SNP MISCHIEF


The full council agenda at item 14 has a motion which could be construed as mischief making by the SNP. Keeping in mind that we have a by election soon what do you think they are getting at with this motion...?

“This Council resolves to support the retention of all public swimming pools in Renfrewshire and would not support any move to close any pool. Further, the Council would support the extension of opening times for existing facilities.”

My feeling is that they are going to try and suggest that the Labour Administration are going to try and close the Elderslie Swimming pool! This is something they suggested the last time and it is as true then as it is now! That is to say it is a complete fabrication! If you see anything printed by the SNP/SSP or any other political party that suggests this feel free to put it where it belongs - in the bin!!!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENTS

Check out the full council agenda for Thursday's meeting and you will see that at item seven the ex SNP Councillors Martin and Vassie have officially formed their own group, Cllr Martin is the group leader (eventually he made it! after three attempts to be the SNP group leader) and Cllr Vassie is the Secretary (no comment!). The point is to ask the council to look at the make up of the policy boards to include the independents. You will also notice the SNP trying to remove Martin from their allocation of places on the boards, watch this space for more information!

FIRE FIGHTERS APPEAL QUASHED

APPEAL DENIED

I have just noticed online that the fire fighters in Glasgow who refused to offer safety advice to the Gay Pride march. The problem here is that the Manager has had his punishment reduced, the original disciplinary action was that he should be demoted, the appeal officer has over turned this.

Check it out and tell me what you think?

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

CHILDRENS SERVICES

Tomorrow morning Renfrewshire Council launches a version of the Children's Services plan that is targeted at young people. To this end the Council and it's partners in Health, Police and the voluntary sector engaged a group of young people from throughout Renfrewshire to represent the plan in a more young people friendly way, the young people then produced a CD ROM of the plan called sourced.

The launch of the plan is tomorrow in Paisley Town Hall the event has been organised by the young people and will include drama presentations on issues affecting young people, bands from the local high schools and Carmen Pieracini from River City will be one of the key note speakers. The event will also include electronic voting those involved will then be re polled in eight months time to see if they are more or less aware of the services on offer. The CD ROM will be distributed to every S3 pupil in Renfrewshire, and be put in every Library and given to all of the partners.

Renfrewshire Council is as far as we know the first council in Scotland to present it's children's services plan this way and the first to give the young people control over it's re branding and I am extremely proud of all of the partners, the young people and the council officers involved who have all worked extremely hard, congratulations go out to them and good luck for tomorrow.

TORIES AND HECKLING

EXPOSED

Interestingly enough the news tonight carried Cameron's ridiculous suggestion that young people who complete a course in civics could get to drink, buy fireworks and have sex at a younger age, they chose not to cover the fact that one of the young men had heckled him suggesting that he did not know what he was talking about.

Not surprising as the BBC and others seem to be having a love affair with the Tories at the moment, just a shame for Cameron that no one else is buying it!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

G.A.R.L. PROGRESS

Reading the Evening Times this evening I noticed that the Scottish Parliament's Glasgow Airport Rail Link Committee have advised that central to the progression of the bill is the commitment to replace and upgrade the pitches at the St James playing fields.

The Labour Administration of Renfrewshire Council have been arguing for the retention, upgrading and replacement of pitches, the SNP meanwhile have only asked for the link NOT to be built, they have completely ignored the fact that the Council had no say in whether it went through or not, but that they could argue strongly for the provisions which are now assured with the Committee's help.
Maragaret Jamieson Labour MSP for Kilmarnock and Loudon and Chair of the committee said...

"We will amend the Bill to increase significantly the protections offered to those affected by the rail link's construction and to ensure greater consultation rights for local people during this period."

SSP IN TROUBLE

RMT ABANDON SSP

According to the BBC website the RMT Union has abandoned the SSP calling off their two year affiliation with the party. This will be a financial blow to the party who are in serious financial trouble already according to previous news reports, according to the RMT they gave £10,000 in affiliations and donations to the SSP last year.

The SSP have already admitted to losing 30% of their members to the Solidarity Party. According to the Solidarity website the joining fee for the party is a 'suggested' donation of £5 if you are unwaged, £10 if you are 'low waged' and £15 if you are 'higher waged' without any explanation of these terms. Why are they asking a low waged person to pay £120 a year? or and unwaged person £60 a year? Answers on a postcard please!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

PUMPKIN TRIALS

Well I know this is not as impressive as the ones on the BBC but given that it only took around twenty minutes with sub standard tools (I lost the pumpkin carving kit from last year!) I am proud of it! It also has stars cut out all the way round the pumpkin so that when it is pointing out the window I can still see the light coming out! It is not as hard as you would think and it is a lot of fun!

QUESTION FOR KANE

CORNTON VALE BOUND

My question for Rosie Kane is as follows...

Given that the SSP are always trying to make the point that there are too many Scottish women in Prison, why did she feel the need to refuse to pay the fine imposed on her for breaking the law, knowing that this would result in a custodial sentence?

The problem seems to be that Ms Kane and her colleagues think that they are above the law of the land, suggesting that she had NOT committed a crime despite being found guilty, instead of working to change the law she would rather represent the West of Scotland by taking part in what can only be called stunt politics, they achieve nothing and cost the tax payers thousands, yet again! I only hope the voters remember this at the elections next year!

FISH TANK

NAKAMURA

My big sister when she moved into her flat in Edinburgh was given a novelty fish tank by my mum for Christmas, she then bought two fish white cloud mountain minnow fish (I think!). Unfortunately one died and we are left with Nakamura! The tank recently started to leak so it was decided that I would buy a new tank and keep Nakamura.

He is now in a big tank which I will be adding more fish to just to keep him company, so I will update you all soon!

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

INDIA

While watching my mum's TV I switched onto an English speaking Indian news channel and was delighted with their top story!

The story was that the FIRST arrest of domestic violence has been made in India this week. About four days ago now the Prevention of Domestic Violence act came into force and two days later the first arrest was made. The situation as explained on TV was this was not the first complaint the wife had made and prior to this law being enforced the only thing that the police were able to do was offer counselling.

Well done to India for legislating to make sure that ALL people know that domestic violence will not be tolerated!

NATIONALIST DRIVEL

SUNDAY MAIL

I don't normally read the Sunday Mail, I definitely don't buy it but while at my parents this afternoon I thought I would see what they were saying. Unfortunately I made the BAD choice of reading Elaine C Smith's column, normally I give it a berth ever since she suggested that 'men' don't listen to her because she is female! My answer to that was I don't listen to you and I am female it is cause you talk complete and utter drivel!

Well she has done it again, this time she is attacking Wendy Alexander MSP, one of the brightest women in the Scottish Parliament. Ms Smith shows how ignorant of the Scottish Economy she actually is! She suggests that EVERY new job in Scotland is 'low waged, non-unionised and part time?' where does she actually get this stuff from? My suggestion was that she gets it from the SNP who are well known for their lack of research and their lack of understanding when it comes to the economy (the fact that they frequently miscalculate their policies shows this), rumbled again eh Elaine!

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS

The above photo shows from left to right, my dad, Cllr Tommy Williams, me and Cllr Mark McMillan. Other Councillors present on the night included Cllr Sam Mullin who provided the disco and Cllr Bob McGerty. This week the Paisley Daily Express contacted me to ask if they could do a feature on party etc I advised they could and provided them with the information as well as a photo, although a little tacky (me with a photo of Tebo) if it helps get more money for Leukemia Research I am all for it.

Remember the page is open until the 23rd of November!

RUSH LIMBAUGH IS AN IDIOT

MICHAEL J FOX

As I am not American I did not hear Mr Limbaugh attack Michael J Fox for his appearance on a Democratic Hopefuls advertisement, if I had I think I would have broken the radio! Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease affecting the motor functions of the body, as someone who has watched a close family friend fight the disease I was appalled by Mr Limbaugh's attack.

His apology was not much better! He said 'IF I am wrong in characterising his behaviour (Michael J Fox's behaviour) on this commercial as an act' then he would admit he was wrong and apologise! I cannot help but think that it may have been better if Mr Limbaugh had actually researched (or paid someone to do it for him) the topic of Parkinson's disease and found out what the symptoms are.

I think that Michael J Fox is extremely courageous putting himself in the firing line and standing up for his beliefs. Before the last elections I emailed George Bush and asked him to reconsider his stance on stem cell research I pointed out that he had been lucky enough that none of his immediate family had been blighted with a condition (to the best of my knowledge) which could benefit from stem cell research. I never received a response, not even an acknowledgement that they had received the email, I didn't expect a response from Mr Bush but even a campaign worker or low level staffer saying your views have been taken on board would not have been out of order!

So to Michael J Fox I say, good for you and always remember ...

If your opponents are attacking you, you must be doing something right!

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

PHOTO TIME

OK the above is a photo of my family that were present at my 30th Birthday part, the photo was taken by my friend Vanessa (thanks Vanessa) and although there were a few of the family missing due to work and what not it was great to see so many of them there!

And before anyone points this fact out to me and I know that I am getting phototastic but it is fun!

Sri Lanka and Norway

PROTESTING IN ROME

The above is a photo of protesters in the Centre of Rome, on Thursday the 19th of October, I must admit to being somewhat confused as to what the banners were on about so I have recently googled it and found out a wee bit more about it!

It turns out that Norway has been playing a 'peace keeping' role in Sri Lanka, according to the information I have found there is some dispute about their impartiality! I am going to keep reading but if you know anymore about it, please leave a comment!

The Police presence was interesting to say the least, the march seemed extremely peaceful despite the riot gear and massive police presence.

ROMA 2006

ROMA 2006

This is me on my mobile to my dad, while he was stuck in Paisley and I am on the open top bus outside the Colosseum, my sister Clare took the photo, she was laughing because my dad had called for advice on a computer glitch! It is excellent how you can keep in touch when you are so far away!

The above photo is above is me on the last night of the holiday during our meal, which was fantastic, I will have to get the name of the restaurant and give it a plug on here because the food was excellent!

ROMA 2006

ROMA 2006 PHOTOS

These are just a few of the photos I took in Rome, these ones were taken on the open top bus, on the tour we saw the Colosseum, the Vatican, Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Giardini del Quirinale and Finnegans Irish Pub for the Celtic game! If you spot yourself on the photos above you were obviously on the bus at the same time and I hope you had as much fun as we did. The first photo is NOT of the Colosseum but a building which was constructed sometime after the Colosseum and meant to look like it! The second photo is of St Peters Square and the Vatican, and the third photograph is of the Colosseum itself in all it's splendour!

IN FLIGHT SECURITY

FOR OUR SECURITY?

OK the title above is a little misleading I actually have no problems with the added security requirements, although I think there are slight problems with them that need to be addressed.

The biggest glitch I found was that when coming home we took advantage of the Duty Free and bought a few bottles of wine and the like, at the cashiers desk the teller put the bottles into a clear plastic bag, tied the top and put a security tag (which you would have had to cut to get to the bottles) with a number on it. There were no problems getting onto the plane with the bottles at Champino airport, the problem came when we went to check in for the Belfast to Glasgow flight.

The problem was that when we went to check in, the girl at the desk advised that we could not carry the bottles onto the plane we had to put them into the hold luggage. Now this was a little traumatic for us as we had to then try and rearrange the contents of the suitcase on the concourse of Belfast International Airport, but we managed and thanks to our request for a fragile sticker the bottles were in tact at the other end.

Question what happens if you are flying with BA or a similar company and it is a connecting flight so your bags go straight through? Are you then not allowed to buy duty free (ie alcohol)? Surely as the tag has a number on it and they use your boarding pass to register it, the purchase can be traced and checked? I think I will write to the Transport Minister Douglas Alexander and ask!

SNP UPSET

NATIONALIST FORUM

Well it turns out that this website is being read by some not of the Labour persuasion, just for those people who are posting on the 'Free Scot review' forum neither me nor my dad have posted or will post messages on your site, we have better things to do like representing our constituents! Your insecurities are showing here, why are you so afraid of challenging opinions? Why are you intent in using personal attacks rather than policies or politics to prove your argument? Because you have neither?

The only reason I found out about it was because so many of you have visited my website, the stat counter advertised at the bottom of this page gives me the details of where you have been last! So just for you all, unlike you all I reveal my name when I post, I am not ashamed of my views and I believe that if you want to make a point and stand by your convictions you should have courage and reveal your identity.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

HOUSING STOCK TRANSFER

Earlier this week Renfrewshire tenants voted by a majority of 36 votes to reject the proposal to transfer the housing stock to a not for profit Housing Association.

Despite the SNP and SSP claims that it will be OK because the Scottish Executive or the Treasury will give the Council the money there have been no indications to this effect. They are claiming this as a victory but the tenants that I have spoken to are not so sure, they are concerned about where we go now!

Keep this in mind those who are professing to be the saviours of the tenants, not one of them actually lives in a council house! Mr's Hogg and McCartney from the SSP certainly don't live in a council house, and before the accusation gets fired back, I have never suggested I do, I have similarly never told the tenants to vote in a particular way because I am very aware that it is the tenants choice! The mistruths being put forward by the SSP and the group Mr McCartney professes to represent are shameless, maybe they have the answer now? I doubt it!

SNP HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY

Having been away for the last week, I have missed a lot of the local and national news, I have seen however the SNP leader Alex Salmond and the SNP have been found out! I noticed an article in the Scotsman which shows what Wendy Alexander MSP said in the Parliament some time ago, that their education policy doesn't add up!

Instead of challenging the assertions Alex Salmond is complaining that the Civil Service neutrality has been compromised as it was the civil servants who wrote the report. There is nothing new here, Wendy Alexander MSP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North already pointed this out in the debate on Student finance last month, which I covered on this web page!

Instead of the whinging at comments at the end of the Scotsman article it would be more appropriate for the SNP to actually address the content! Alas they can't because they don't have an answer they thought that they could get away with incompetence!

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

LEUKEMIA RESEARCH

As I have said before it was a fantastic night, loads of money raised and I think everyone had an enjoyable night, there were some people who were missing but most had already let me know they couldn't make it!

The amount so far is over £800 (between the online site and the donations on the night) so thanks to everyone who made a donation, anyone who didn't but wishes to please do not hesitate to visit the web page as it is open until the 23rd of November.

ROMA 2006

ROME 2006

OK I am back and I had a fantastic time, my feet are extremely sore due to all the walking, but it was definitely worth it! Clare and Lucy deserve a huge mention here for their organisational skills and their skill at reading the map! We saw the sights, tasted the food and shopped till we dropped.


Although Rome is beautiful I did notice that many of the problems that exist here in Scotland are prominent in Rome, the most obvious examples are those of Graffiti and Parking!


The graffiti is rife, although because it is in Italian (obviously) you don't know what the slogans are, it is unsightly.

Parking and driving in Rome is a NIGHTMARE! Outside our hotel which was situated next to Termini (the main station in Rome) in the last day there were two accidents involving cars and mopeds, obviously the mopeds came off worst. Smart cars seem to be the order of the day in Rome as you can pretty much park them anywhere, although people pretty much do that anyway without taking account of the size of the vehicle!

I will post some photos in a short while, just need to get settled back into the way of things first.

BELFAST

BELFAST CITY

OK I am now in Belfast staying with my friend Kelly and her man Ion. Today we went down the town to Castle Court Shopping Centre. Very surprised that the centre did not open till 1pm, it was very strange seeing people waiting outside and all!

I have said it before and I will say it again, the Murals are amazing here! I know they are illegal (kind of like graffiti) but no one seems to mind, at least not from what I can tell! We went shopping and then to the Cultural Centre in West Belfast, well I could have spent quite a lot of money there between the books, cards and CD's but I only spent a little (can't tell you what because they are presents). Anyway we are off to Rome tomorrow, hopefully I will be able to post from there too, because that would be fantastic! I will take loads of photos and try and post as many as possible!

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

EXCELLENT NIGHT!

This is just a short post (I am supposed to be getting ready to go to the airport for my short break!) to let you all know how the night went last night!

Well all of my family except my Uncle Arthur and Aunt Irene and my Aunt Myra and Uncle Davie were able to make the evening! There were cousins galore and although there were a few of them missing it was soooo good to see all my family again.

My friends were able to make it as well and I was so happy that so many of them were up dancing the night away, even my friend from Glasgow was able to make it! Thanks for that Bob!

Anyway we managed to raise over £400 on the night and with the online donations the total should be somewhere in the region of about £700! This is excellent big thanks to EVERYONE!

Special thanks though to Sam and Stephanie for the disco, Mum, Dad and Clare for all their hard work and help, Pauline and Carolyn for helping me put out all the chairs and tables and for blowing up all the balloons. Thanks to PACE for the hall and the support and to the staff of the Wynd Centre who were spectacular, I will put the photographs on here as soon as I get back!

THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR OF VASSIE

Ex SNP Councillor (now independent but still suspended) Richard Vassie, is yet again in the Paisley Daily Express, the article explains how Vassie is passionate about the heritage of Paisley. It highlighted exactly what Vassie actually does with his spare time now that he is suspended, he travels around Renfrewshire in an attempt to find local buildings which are crumbling so that he can stand in front of it and point!

Unlike Cllr Vassie, instead of having my photo taken pointing at the buildings (not in his area might I add) I and my Labour Colleagues on the Council are actually doing something about them. Enforcement action was started against the owner of the Anchor Mill Gatehouse, the owner then started refurbishment and as such when he stopped the council have to go through the whole process again! It is strange that Cllr Vassie went straight to Derek Parker and not to the Planning Department of the council for information if he had he would know that action had been taken!

It is obvious that what Cllr Vassie is doing is trying to regain some of his public image so destroyed by his one year suspension from the council for threatening staff, I think it might take more than a few photos pointing at buildings and kind comments about the planning department and other councillors to do this!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

ARNOTTS SITE

I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are concerned with regards to the Arnotts site and the security arrangements in place after the recent fire.

To this end I have contacted MacDonalds Estates who own the property and asked them what they are doing to ensure that this is not allowed to happen again and asked for an update of when the development might start, to this end their representatives have suggested a meeting to further discuss the issues, I will report back when I have more information.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

EAST END PARKING SCHEME

As per previous posts the parking scheme in Seedhill is currently in the statutory consultation period, objections should be lodged before the 27th of October. If you click on the title above it should take you straight to the Renfrewshire Council web page that outlines the proposals.

Any constituents who wish to contact me with regard to do this should do so by email (cllr.rayleen.kelly@renfrewshire.gov.uk) or by letter or phone at the council office.

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

PREPARATIONS

OK so the tables are being laid, the balloons are being blown up and the food is being prepared! So tomorrow night at this time I will be at the party hopefully surrounded by friends and family!

I am hoping that I can raise a lot of money for Leukemia Research Fund and help as many people as possible.

So for those who are attending enjoy, relax and dance the night the night away, I will put photos of the event on as soon as possible, I will not be able to post much next week as I am away on holiday (although might get my house sitter to do it for me!). See you on the flip side!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

COMMON GOOD

The October allocations meeting for the Paisley Common Good fund was this afternoon, unfortunately at the November meeting the money does NOT roll over and as such has to be spent and there were no groups in the Seedhill area who applied for funding this time around.

So the good causes that I donated to this afternoon were Paisley Fairtrade Partnership who run the Rainbow Turtle shop in Gauze Street (which is in the Seedhill ward) and I also gave to Breast Cancer awareness, there project involves bathing the Paisley Town Hall in Pink light to encourage awareness of the disease and the charities work.

As the Town Hall is in the Seedhill Ward I felt that it was important to support this, I have known a few women who have survived this disease and it is important that every woman knows how to examine herself and knows how important it is to catch this early. If you need more advice please visit your GP!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

SEEDHILL PLAYING FIELDS

As most people will no doubt know there is a meeting of the Friends of Seedhill Playing Fields this evening, I have been invited but have advised that I will not be there!

I have explained to the representative of the group that I don't feel that a public meeting is the best way to address the issues being discussed, I have however, offered to set up a meeting between representatives of the group and the relevant officers to discuss fully the issues involved. The representative I have contacted is very willing to do this and I hope that the meeting will be amicable and informative.

I felt it important to point this out in case any of my constituents were wondering why I was not present. I am also stating this here in case the same individuals as last time try and cause mischief by suggesting I could not be bothered to turn up (despite knowing that I had an alternative engagement).

NEWS FEEDS

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE

As you will see from the opposite I have added a few of the more interesting feeds that I have found so far, if you have one that you want me to add, email me and let me know, for now it is good night and good luck to you all!

NEWS FEEDS

TRIAL PERIOD

OK I seem to have gotten the hang of the rest of the blogging stuff so the next step is the news feeds and trying to get a hang of those!

Tell me what you think I should link to!

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

UPDATE

Well peeps, I am amazed, flabbergasted and shocked! Pleasantly may I add! To date we have raised around £185! Including gift aid donations! This is fantastic, it is an amazing charity and it does a lot of work!

Leukemia Research Fund have sent some materials through so that is going to be put out on the night! Badges and bugs, leaflets and pencils all of this advertises the charity and its work, thanks to Yvonne Dickson for her help this far!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

ST ANDREWS ACADEMY

One of the most rewarding things as a Councillor (apart from helping my constituents) has to be the opening of new schools. The opening of St Andrews Academy last night was no exception.

I was lucky enough to get the guided tour and it was fantastic, the school is a credit to Renfrewshire Council. The pupils are understandably proud of the school and are taking good care of it. One of the pupils advised that it the music facilities alone are worth it!

As an ex pupil of St Mirins High it was excellent to see so many of the teachers past and present in attendance, and all of those still working in the school were delighted with the new building, delighted with the facilities and looking forward to the future. The entertainment provided by the pupils was excellent, never mind the X Factor or Fame Academy these pupils would wipe the floor with them!

It was a great night, and from what I could see the products on sale at the back (I think it was the Social Enterprise Stall) were flying out the door! I hope that the pupils, staff and community enjoy the new facilities.

Rosie Kane FOR Housing Stock Transfer?

SUNDAY MAIL 8TH OCTOBER

On the above issue of the Sunday Mail, Ms Kane's column was about the charity Shelter and the amazing work that they do, she also talks about the problems with the Executive's policy of unintentional homelessness is not anchored properly as 'very few people choose to be without a home.'. Most of it is fairly unoffensive and not really attacking anyone which is extremely unusual for Ms Kane.

The interesting point is in the last section of the article. Ms Kane and I quote here just to save confusion ...'the Right to Buy policy has taken millions of homes out of the public sector. Supplying homes means making hard choices.' the hard choices include stock transfer, is Ms Kane advocating this policy? Sounds like it doesn't it!

Youth Justice

RENFREWSHIRE RAMPS SERVICE

Both the Minister and Deputy Minister for Justice were in Paisley this afternoon for the launch of the Youth Justice Group report and the Executive's response to this document. Both Cllr Tommy Williams Deputy Leader of Renfrewshire Council (Convener for Social Work and speaking on behalf of COSLA) and Ms Jamieson suggested that the young people are the future of Scotland and that there are a relatively small population of persistent offenders. Cllr Williams pointed out that RAMPS is an excellent service and that it has made a big difference to the youth offending rates in Renfrewshire.

Cllr Williams, the Minister Cathy Jamieson and Deputy Minister Hugh Henry (also a local MSP for Paisley and Renfrewshire) all spent a large part of the afternoon speaking to both the parents and young people involved with the project, they asked questions of the young people about how they felt the project had helped them. I was most impressed with Ms Jamieson and her instincts with regards to the young people and the protection of their identities when a photo journalist began to take photos.

It has been suggested by her opponents that Ms Jamieson does not know what she is doing, my advice would be to keep doing what she is doing at present because everyone who met her today was impressed with her interest and honesty.

LOOK WHO'S 30!!

LAURA

Yesterday was the 30th birthday of my best friend Laura, who is unfortunately no longer with us, it did not stop me celebrating her birthday and hoping that where ever she is, she is happy!

On a side point my birthday is tomorrow! (the 10th) so log onto the birthday site and donate some money for Leukemia Research fund! So far the total stand at around £130 lets try and get more, lets make sure that Leukemia becomes a thing of the past and something that people are no longer scared of! With your help Leukemia Research can help find a cure!

PERSONAL ATTACKS

I MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!

This is just a short post to say that I really must be doing something right! I received a letter in the post today regarding my web page, as incoherent as this letter was I got the gist of their comments.

It was basically a personal attack on me! It suggested I was a liar on more than one occasion, it suggests that I did not advise the readers of my page regarding my dad's standards commission enquiry and the outcome as I would have (and I quote) 'lost all credibility in seconds' despite this being widely available through the same site that I link to with reference to shamed ex SNP Cllr Vassie. The attack goes on to suggest that officials of the Council have slandered me to this mystery individual. And makes scurrilous (and unfounded) allegations with regards to my fellow Labour Councillors.

Well to the unidentified coward I say this....

'If you're political opinions were valid, if your personal opinions were valid and if your accusations against officers of Renfrewshire Council and Labour Councillors were true, you would have had the guts to put your real name and address on the letter, as it is you didn't, and it will be treated the same way as I treat all political cowards, laugh and pity their lack of integrity and backbone'

(and for this individual this is PERSONAL comment)

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

DONATION TOTAL SO FAR

OK I told you all you would get sick of hearing about this, but so far the total for donations is £100!! My thanks to all of you who have contributed including 'oor Julie' in Oz!

If you want more information please visit the following link donating couldn't be easier!

htt://www.justgiving.com/rayleenkelly

CONSERVATIVES LACK OF POLICY

CAMERON CATCH UP

Anymore policy? No! Anymore substance? No! Strange but true, Cameron is charismatic no one is denying this, but charisma only takes you so far. The UK political system is still based on policies not personalities to the extent that the USA system is.

Although they are not promising tax cuts, they are suggesting that the ability to cut (or raise) taxes such as fuel duty, should be given to the Scottish Parliament. Can anyone guess how this will appear in the election literature? As the ability to raise tax? No! And so trying to dupe the Scottish Electorate into voting for them for the purpose of a tax cut without promising it! Do they really think we are that thick!

FEMALE LORD ADOVCATE

WELL DONE!

Today the Scottish Executive made a landmark decision to appoint Scotland's first woman Lord Advocate. The picture above is Eilsh Angiolini, the daughter of a Glasgow coalman, 46 year old Eilsh was the Solicitor General for Scotland.

I personally abhor the fact the Conservatives in Holyrood tried to overshadow this particular appointment by suggesting that she did not have enough experience for the job then voting for it anyway!

DOIG THE SCAREMONGERER

SNP SCAREMONGERING

On this evenings Scottish news the BBC ran a feature on Linwood and the issues surrounding the shopping centre. It was a prime of example of the lack of understanding of serious issues that the SNP locally show, that they let their Scottish Parliamentary (perennial) candidate Andy Doig to speak on national TV.

He suggested (incorrectly) that the Council and the developers have done nothing to try and resolve the situation, fortunately it was a 'somewhat' balanced piece and the Director for Planning and Transport and Balmour advised the viewing public that the Council and Balmour were working together and the plans for upgrading the centre should be out within the next few weeks.

I am appalled that the BBC saw fit to interview the SNP candidate instead of the elected members such as Cllr Green the planning convener or Wendy Alexander the local MSP (who has been working with both Renfrewshire Council and the Local Community to resolve the situation). Mr Doig and the SNP are latecomers to this particular party as usual!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

MARTIN SCAREMONGERING

Well it turns out that Cllr Martin's defection from the SNP has not made him any more likely to check his facts. He appeared in the local newspaper this week suggesting that Renfrewshire Council were closing down ALL of their community halls for two days every week, causing alarm to the general public.

I would point out that this is not the case any closure during the week is because the halls are not being used. There is no point opening up a centre on nights when it is not being used, this is a waste of tax payers money. If anyone has any questions with regards to this please contact your local councillor.

CAMERON'S PROBLEMS CONTINUE

NHS AND THE TORIES

One of my close friends called me today after hearing Cameron speak, she is a 'floating voter' and although she sympathises with Labour (mainly because of my talking her through policies) I encourage her to make up her own mind about parties and policies, you get a better class of debate that way! Anyway this friend said next election she is definitely voting Labour at the next election.

Her point was that Cameron can't be trusted if he uses his son as an example of why the NHS is best in his hands, he is not going to be thinking of what is best for the country simply what is best for his child, as you would expect from any father.

Who decides what is best for the patients and the professionals? What happens if there is a conflict between the two? For example in the news today we learn of Ayr accident and emergency being closed in order to make the Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock a 'blue light' or specialised emergency hospital.

This is good for the professionals, and the patients, yet patients are suggesting that people will die, who makes the decision here? Who decides what is best? Yet again a HUGE whole in the policies of the Tories.

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

RESPONSE

OK I have had not a bad response given that most of the paper invitations only arrived this morning! A lot of my family have not responded as yet, so I may do a phone round at the weekend, be prepared if you are reading this! Anyhoot I wanted to thank those who have donated online or in person already, the running total is £60 which is not bad for about four days!

Keep it coming that is what I say!

SHERIDAN AND MI5

RIDICULOUS!

Has he lost the plot, not my words but those of the newsnight journalist, Sheridan now seems to be saying that he would not be surprised if MI5 were involved with his downfall! As Janice in Friends would say 'OH MY GOD!'

What does he think he is achieving? Best thing is that he suggests that 250 people turned up in Dundee to listen to his argument, if indeed that many did turn up, does he think that they are all there to listen to Solidarity? Has it not occurred to him that most of the people there (apart from those he has brought with him) are there for the curiosity value? Curiosity regarding him and what he will suggest next not his policies or politics. His downfall is sad but inevitable he had to learn that representing his constituents comes first not his ego!

LABOUR THE MOST REPRESENTATIVE

NEWSNIGHT

Strange but true Newsnight have tonight aired an article on the Conservative party and where they come from! It seems that they have inadvertently advised the electorate of the UK that the Labour Party are the most representative party in Westminster. When they looked at women, when they looked at education, when they looked at ethnic backgrounds and when they looked at business the Labour party wins hands down!

We need to do more to get this message out.

EUROPE AND THE CONSERVATIVES

CAMERON'S PROBLEM

On the Conservative Party website for their conference David Cameron advises that he is supporting the leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament Timothy Kirkhope MEP in his attempt to stop the European Parliament sitting in Strasbourg, what he doesn't tell you is that it is NOT the Conservatives petition.

The petition and campaign was Labour led by Catherine Stihler MEP even before the Conservative party leader signed this petition the 1 Millionth signature required to send it to the European Council had been achieved! In fact on the 20th of September this year Ms Stihler had an article on her website.

Trying to keep up with Labour must be exhausting for Cameron!

CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE

BORING JOHNSTON AND COMPANY

I must admit I watched some of the Tory party conference today, and I was suffering from sleeplessness before I did, during it I slept for about an hour and a half! There was NOTHING to inspire or encourage the voters, they seem to be willing to plod along without policy or substance.

It makes me think that I was hard on the Liberal Democrats and Mr Campbell when their conference was on. The interesting one this afternoon was a Tory Party member suggesting a move towards direct participatory democracy at the highest levels! It is the most radical ideological departure for the Tories ever, Anne and the the panel were not happy bunnies and try as they might they were not getting round the nutter that suggested it! Highlight of the conference for me, so far! Despite the manufactured arguments of Osbourne and Johnston it is not that interesting, their new logo has been described as a bad children's painting.

NEWSNIGHT SCOTLAND

SHERIDAN AND NEWSNIGHT

Last night's newsnight programme contained an article on the whole Sheridan/Police debacle. The main problem here is that while it showed Sheridan speaking it seemed to show loads of people entering the building. Why is this a problem? Well I have it from my (very reliable) sources that there were relatively few people at the event, and that the footage of the group arriving was slightly altered as it did not show them coming from the direction of the train station it has been suggested by some who witnessed this, that the majority of those in attendance were not from the area.

Not that we care, to be honest Sheridan and his mob are a busted flush, the perjury investigation should be interesting given that Mr Sheridan has already advised at his trial that he would lie under oath for political reasons, this is the man who was the founder and former leader of the Scottish Socialists, which begs the question what else has the party lied about under his leadership?

POLITICAL PHOTOS

POST YOUR FAVOURITE

I have loads of photos from throughout my time as a Councillor and my time as a Labour activist but I have to admit that my favourite has to be the one above. It was taken the first time I stood as a Labour candidate aged just 21 in 1999, Mo Mowlam opened the campaign rooms and visited the local youth theatre as the kids were being put through their paces.

As I was the one who had connections to the youth theatre I was placed at the Paisley Museum and asked if I would greet Dr Mowlam as she entered, I ended up introducing her to everyone and I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it she was fabulous! She was fun and EVERYONE who saw her in the town centre wanted to shake her hand! I consider myself as privileged to have met her and the Labour movement in this country misses her.

SSP AND TRUTH?

AGAIN WHERE IS THE TRUTH

Short update on the Sheridan situation, the Procurator Fiscal in Edinburgh has instigated a police investigation into the the Sheridan defamation case. They have suggested that they will be looking at ALL of the witnesses in the trial and that new evidence including the newly discovered video tape of Sheridan allegedly admitting the allegations of sexual misconduct and lies.

Sheridan is in Paisley this evening, it will be interesting to see how many people turn up and what the press are saying about the meeting. I would imagine that most of the people that will turn up will be press, who are interested in the controversy factor. I have sources on the inside I may post again about 'the truth'.

BIRTHDAY AND TEBO

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

OK Just a quick update on the birthday celebrations, I have sent out text invitations and email invitations through the week and I have received a good response. I hope to see as many of you there as possible. I also received my first donation today of £30 from my adopted Gran, she is 80 years old and decided that this was a good cause! How cool is that! She loved Terence and obviously I love Her so to Mary!

SHERIDAN AND SPP

IS THERE ANY TRUTH?

Short post tonight, just on the developing situation with Mr Sheridan former leader of the SSP. There are two important questions to be asked from this whole situation ...

1. Is there any truth to be had?

2. Do we care?

Personally I am fed up with the whole situation, I don't believe any of them anymore, and I think that the Scottish Electorate feels the same. Tomorrow evening (Monday the 2nd of October) there is supposed to be a meeting of Sheridan's new party Solidarity in Paisley, he is supposed to be addressing the meeting, will he turn up? I will keep you posted!

SNP SPLITSVILLE

SNP CONFLICT

Well it is all falling apart now for the SNP nationally, as well as locally! It was revealed today in a national newspaper that Alex Salmond has allegedly 'threatened' Mike Russell his once friend now arch nemesis, that unless he change sections of his new book he would be removed from the SNP's list for next years Holyrood Elections. So threatened is he by new ideas!

Never mind the fact that a lot of the ideas he suggested were relatively harmless were damaging enough, the ideas that were supposedly very damaging are too harsh even for the Tories, by this I mean the old Tories not the new ones who love trees so much they make them part of the scenery on the stage at conference (pathetic!)

Mike Russell and his co author suggested a flat rate tax so someone on £1,000,000 pays the same tax as someone on £5,000, I suppose this would help Shir Shean Connery's return! This is supposedly one of the more 'harmless suggestions', although this may be why Mr Salmond thinks that working with the Conservatives is also relatively harmless!

All in all it just proves what we in the Labour Party in Scotland have known about the SNP for sometime, their days of being far right in one area and centre left in another are gone! Roll on next years elections!