SNP claims 'Labour are on the run'

SNP leader Alex Salmond has claimed Labour is "on the run" as the nationalists hit the campaign trail ahead of the Livingston and Cathcart by-elections.

Mr Salmond and his deputy Nicola Sturgeon claimed the SNP were the only real opposition to Labour in the two constituencies.

The Livingston by-election was triggered by the death of Robin Cook while the seat for Glasgow Cathcart became vacant following the decision of fire-raising Labour peer and MSP Mike Watson to stand down.

Mr Salmond has criticised the decision to hold the two by-elections on the same date, Thursday September 29.

Mr Salmond, who accompanied Livingston's SNP hope Angela Constance, said: "Labour is on the run and its support is crumbling as people switch from Labour to the SNP.

"They know that a vote for the SNP will make a difference."

Mr Salmond claimed Labour's candidate, Mr Cook's former election agent Jim Devine, was "gaffe prone", adding: "There has been no sign of Jim Devine in recent days and his campaign is in trouble."

"His silence is now deafening."

THE SCOTSMAN