SNP DISMISS NEGATIVE LIB DEM ATTACKS

SNP DISMISS NEGATIVE LIB DEM ATTACKS

LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAVE MORE AUTONOMY THAN UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION

Responding to personal attacks on SNP Leader Alex Salmond made by Liberal
Democrat politicians at their Spring conference, an SNP spokesperson said:

"So much for Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg's promise to clean up politics.

"This is the sort of silly, negative politics that swept the Lib Dems and
Labour from office in 2007, and why the Lib Dems have slumped in the polls
in Scotland since.

"The reality is that local government has far more freedom and autonomy
under the SNP Government and our partnership approach based on the
Concordat than during eight years of the Lib/Lab Executive, with their top
down, ring fenced control from Edinburgh.

"We have also delivered a rising share of the budget for local government
than the previous administration, and a council tax freeze for the past
three years - that is good for councils and good for our citizens, and one
of the reasons why the SNP Government maintains a solid poll lead.

"While the Lib Dems engage in childish name calling, the SNP are speaking
up for local communities and championing local causes."