LIB DEMS ALL AT SEA WITH MANIFESTO MIX UPS

LIB DEMS ALL AT SEA WITH MANIFESTO MIX UPS

LIB DEMS AIRBRUSH MINIMUM PRICING FROM SCOTTISH MANIFESTO

The SNP today challenged the Lib Dems on the introduction of minimum
pricing to tackle the problem of alcohol as their manifesto launch put the
party into a state of confusion.

First the Lib Dems Holyrood leader denied plans to change taxes on new
build houses - plans which are confirmed in the manifesto then their
policy on minimum pricing split across the border.

In the Lib Dems UK manifesto – which all Lib Dem candidates are standing
on – they state they are “in favour of the principle of minimum pricing.”
In the Scottish manifesto that principle has been dropped.

SNP MSP Michael Matheson today called on Alasdair Carmichael and the Lib
Dems in Scotland to make their position clear.

Mr Matheson said:

“The SNP is clear – minimum pricing will help us tackle the problem of
alcohol in Scottish society.

“The Lib Dem’s have airbrushed minimum pricing proposals from their
Scottish manifesto – despite the fact it is already on the agenda and
going through the Parliament.

“If the Lib Dems are confused by their own manifesto what chance do the
voters have. This mess simply shows voters across Scotland that the only
party genuinely representing scottish interests in Westminster and the
only alternative in Scotland to the Westminster machine is a vote for the
SNP and more SNP MPs in a balanced Parliament.

"Lib Dem candidates must make their views clear – do they want to tackle
the problems of alcohol or not. Do they want to put up taxes or not. It is
ridiculous that Lib Dems like Willie Rennie want to vote for minimum
pricing for England but their colleagues at Holyrood are saying no in
Scotland."