SCOTLAND’S newest political party has said it plans to “cause a ruckus” with occupations, flash-mobs, direct action and “pop-up politics” to get itself noticed at the Holyrood election.
Leftwing RISE, dubbed the Scottish Syriza, agreed the tactics at a campaign meeting in Glasgow, as it discussed how to raise its profile in the four months to May 5.
Acknowledging the uphill task it faces as a new party, Rise’s campaign document states: “We need to go well beyond traditional electioneering to get our message across, and to show that we are a different political force in Scottish politics that is willing to cause a ruckus to raise the political demands that can transform people’s lives.
“This could take the form of occupations and protests.”
Standing for Respect, Independence, Socialism and Environmentalism, RISE will field candidates only on regional lists, where MSPs can be elected on a six per cent vote share.
The anti-austerity alliance also says it plans to target student voters, working class communities and wants to ensure “the spirit of referendum engagement lives on”.
It has set a fund-raising target of £100,000 and hopes to amass 50,000 email contacts.
Glasgow candidate Cat Boyd said: “We're going to run a campaign which will give ordinary people back some hope. Through a series of stunts and direct actions, we're going to show that RISE candidates walk the walk when it comes to politics, not just talk the talk.”
The SNP yesterday held its first national Day of Action of the campaign, with activists taking to the streets to defend the party’s record as it tries to win an historic third term.
Campaign director John Swinney said the SNP would work “harder than ever” to keep people’s trust in a “positive, ambitious debate about the country’s future”.
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