It's Blair or Howard, says Darling

Alistair Darling has mounted his bid for the Celtic vote by talking up the chances of the Scottish Conservatives.

Dismissing the SNP threat, the Scotland secretary said the election was "a straight choice between Labour and the Tories".

The move comes as the Labour Party raises the prospect of a Tory administration in order to mobilise core support and reduce votes for both the SNP and the Liberal Democrats.

"Only Tony Blair or Michael Howard can walk in the door of Number 10 the day after the election. A vote for other parties could let the Tories in by the back door," said Darling
 
"This election is about the country we want to live in in the future: one of opportunity for everyone with Labour or a return to the failed Tory policies of the past."

Devolved election

Given that education and health are devolved issues, Labour has fewer issues upon which to campaign in Westminster elections.

Darling, seen as a Brownite with a Blairite tinge, went on praise the chancellor for his stewardship of the economy.

"And the economy will be central to the Labour campaign in Scotland," added Darling.

"This has allowed us together with Labour ministers in Scotland to make record investment in schools and hospitals and in other public services."