AS devastated as I and so many others were by the result of the Independence referendum, there is a general consensus across the political spectrum that the record 97% registration rate and unprecedented voter turnout was a triumph for democracy.

 

For hundreds of thousands of people across Scotland it was the first time in a generation, or in a lifetime, that they felt excited about the possible futures offered by a vote.

The energy, passion and creativity of the Yes campaign won the trust of many people who had either never voted before or last marked their cross decades ago.

This trust was hard won, which is why the Scottish Government was so dismayed to hear that some councils were planning to pursue historical Poll Tax debts using the updated Electoral Register, seemingly punishing those who dared to vote yes.

Scotland had already suffered through two re-elections of Thatcher's Government, despite very low polling across the country, when they were first subjected to the Poll Tax in 1989.

Its early introduction in Scotland made Glasgow the hub of the anti-Poll Tax movement.

Working class communities across the city stood together in defiance against the regressive and punishing tax.

By the time it was abolished and replaced with the Council Tax in 1993, Glasgow had one of the lowest rates of collection of the Poll Tax in the UK.

Memories of the Poll Tax rebellion are a source of anger but also pride for those involved.

Anger at the treatment by a Tory Government insistent on pubishing Scotland of those, yet pride at how powerful the collective voice of our nation became when we rebelled against it.

It is with history in mind that former First Minister Alex Salmond committed the Scottish Government to the Community Charge (Debt) Bill, which will end Local Authorities' right to recover historical Poll Tax debt.

This Thursday we will likely see Alex Salmond's legacy eliminate part of Margaret Thatcher's as the Community Charge (Debt) Bill will hopefully be passed by the Scottish Parliament.

Last week our new First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, made Westminster sit up and take note.

During a visit to London she made a speech committing the SNP to using any future clout we have at Westminster to break up the comfortable UK-party consensus on continued austerity, demanding more investment in public services and an end to punishing hard working families.

The current Westminster administration's austerity agenda has seeped through every level of government to affect communities at their most grassroots level.

Here in Glasgow many of those in employment are suffering the indignity of having to attend overcrowded foodbanks just to get basics like bread and milk.

Day centres across the city are being closed down, further reducing much needed respite for our unpaid carers and those looking for work are given minimum support from the UK Government.

When people are suffering across Scotland, we will not accept that austerity works - it clearly isn't.

With a good result for the SNP in May Scotland will have a strong voice in Westminster and have a chance to ensure those working the hardest to make ends meet are no longer being punished.

Finally, I am a proud supporter of the fantastic Glasgow City FC.

They have defied all the odds and reached the Women's Champions League Quarter Finals against PSG.

We should all get behind the team and unlike many other football clubs Glasgow City have a great deal on tickets, so buy yours and let's get behind our club! http://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/tickets/glasgow-city-v-paris-saint-germain