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Tuesday, February 11, 2003

Socialists field fire staff in elections

THE Scottish Socialist party is planning to field several firefighters as candidates in the May council elections in an effort to capitalise on voter disaffection with Labour's handling of the fire strikes.

The SSP's move emerged as John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, intervened to settle union objections that had threatened to delay the start of negotiations with local authority employers today.

No names have yet been put forward by the SSP, which is led by Tommy Sheridan MSP, but a party spokesman said that at least six firefighters were expected to stand against Labour councillors in Glasgow and Renfrewshire.

The candidates are currently awaiting endorsement by local party branches and are discussing the decision with their families, the spokesman added. More candidates may emerge before the elections.

The Herald revealed yesterday that more than 30 firefighters were planning to stand as independents on May 1, targeting seats held by Labour councillors who sit on the local fire board. The firefighters' actions have been billed as a potential referendum on the government's handling of their pay dispute.

Richie Venton, industrial organiser at the SSP, said it had been the only party that had consistently supported the firefighters and predicted that their candidacy would create headaches for Labour.

"It will turn safe seats into marginals and could lose some seats for Labour," he said, adding: "Some firefighters are standing as independents, some are standing as SSP candidates.

"The common reason is the disgust and opposition to the New Labour government and councillors who have vilified firefighters during the course of the pay dispute." The Herald