[ritchiebaby]

The tax issue is not a red herring. The SNP want more powers, they got more powers and are now scared to use them. They feel that increasing taxes is a big vote loser. Not for me it isn't. Admittedly they don't have to use them, but it's sad to see Nicola not have the courage of her convictions to help her pay for all the freebies the SNP offer in order to gain favour. It's apparently all right for the UK to have a higher tax rate, but not Scotland. Hypocrite! If she bases her adoption of policies on the possibility that another party might criticise her, then she's in the wrong job.

I'd happily pay extra taxes if it helped the NHS or Social Services in my country. I'd happily forgo the Winter Fuel Allowance and "free" bus passes and prescriptions if it did the same. I've always believed in paying my way and will gladly continue to do so if I'm able to do it. Hopefully I'm not alone in thinking this way. Anyway nothing is free, somebody has to pay for it and it's the taxpayer, so we're already paying for it, except it's hidden.

That's enough from me - no politician really deserves my vote and thankfully I'll not be voting. Rant over!