The SNP will today launch their election campaign with a direct plea to the public to help them “build a more successful Scotland.”
Ahead of the start of the party conference in Perth Concert Hall today, First Minister Alex Salmond will make a “personal invitation” to voters to contribute ideas on how to improve the country.
In an advert in today’s Courier he says, “Help us build a more successful Scotland. I want to hear your priorities and what you think about the SNP’s vision and ideas for Scotland.”
He adds, “Looking to the future there is more to do and you can play your part by telling us your thoughts.
“I know we can all make Scotland an even better place to live, work and bring up a family.”
The campaign includes the launch of a new website, www.bepartofbetter.net, today to allow the public to submit their ideas and contribute to the debate.
SNP campaign co-ordinator Angus Robertson said the website was just “the first part” of an attempt to put the public “at the heart” of the election campaign.bepartofbetter.net”We want to work together with the people of Scotland and bepartofbetter.net gives people the opportunity to read about our ideas and to share their thoughts on how together we can make Scotland better,” he said.
“In this week of our party conference in Perth we will be making direct contact with one million Scots, and in the weeks following conference a further 500,000 will be invited to take part.
“Anyone can join in by simply going to bepartofbetter.net.”
The use of the website reflects an understanding the internet is becoming more and more crucial in reaching voters in elections across the globe.
Mr Robertson said the SNP would be “raising the bar” in their campaigning methods in the run-up to the Holyrood election in May.
“Over the next four days we will be rolling out new campaign techniques and new ways of communicating,” he said.Campaign”The SNP wants to see the people of Scotland at the heart of this campaign right from day one with your priorities setting our agenda.
“In the 2007 campaign, the SNP revolutionised political campaigning in Scotland in 2011 we intend to break the mould and take Scottish political campaigns to the next level.”
Mr Robertson also moved to portray the SNP as the party that would protect Scotland from forthcoming cuts to public services imposed by the Westminster Government a theme likely to be expanded on during the conference.
“Much has been achieved in three years, and we know more needs to be done to make life better for families and individuals across Scotland,” he said.
“We are protecting health spending by passing on any increase in health money from England, and we are working hard to continue with the council tax freeze meeting the priorities of people across the country at a difficult time.
“With the cuts coming, we know that it is only with financial and economic responsibility that Scotland can grow our economy and protect services from the dismal decade of cuts to come.
“By working together people and politicians through the difficult times ahead we can all play a part in making Scotland better.”
More than 1200 delegates are expected at the SNP party conference in Perth over the next four days.