GLASGOW is seen as a "predator" by other councils and public bodies, the leader of the city's SNP group has claimed.
Allison Hunter's comments came as local government minister Derek Mackay said the city's Labour leadership was "fractured, leaderless and beyond repair".
Ms Hunter said Glasgow City Council would play a more "co-operative" role if there was an SNP majority after the May elections.
She said: "Glasgow can make a positive and leading contribution to the development and strengthening not just of Glasgow herself, but of the Clyde Valley and Scotland as a whole.
"For far too long, Glasgow has been seen as a predator by other local authorities and public agencies. I want to see that position change, so that Glasgow can play a full and respected role in local and national life."
As the largest wealthiest, most vocal and, until recently, the most politically stable council, Glasgow has always been the big beast in Scottish local government.
But it has often faced criticism of dominating, and being the main beneficiary of cross-council bodies such as Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and the Strathclyde Police Authority.
In The Herald's Reshaping Scotland campaign three years ago, Labour-run councils expressed suspicion of Glasgow's role in promoting "shared services", where councils would deliver services across boundaries.
Glasgow itself has recently been keen not to be seen at the forefront of any initiatives, fully aware of its "predator" reputation.
SNP Local Government Minister Derek Mackay said: "Glasgow Labour's leadership tactics has only resulted in the council administration being isolated in Scottish local government. The Labour group is fractured, rudderless and beyond repair. "
Responding to the SNP's comments yesterday, leader of Glasgow City Council Gordon Matheson, said: "I am delighted that even our political opponents admit the Labour council is relentless in standing up for the city's interests, but I think people will see the SNP have run out of things to say and resorted to this silly negativity.
"I make no apology for fighting for the interests of the city I am elected to serve – like last week when we won a fight to persuade the Scottish Government to withdraw a 40% cut to the housing budget."
The accusations came as Labour announced its list of candidates for the local authority elections.
They include former sports minister and local government minister Frank McAveety; Hanif Raja, who was made an MBE for services to inter-faith relations; and former Lord Provost of Glasgow Liz Cameron.
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