The SNP Group on Glasgow City Council have this week welcomed the announcement that Glasgow is to bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
It is good that in the Commonwealth Games Scotland is treated as an independent country.   However, being part of the UK is likely to be a disadvantage because some nations may claim that the 2012 Olympics and 2014 games are being held in "the same country".   Our chances would be greatly improved if we were more distinct from England.   In the first place this should include Scotland having a separate team at the Olympics.

The initial cost of £5 million is meant to be split 50:50 between Glasgow and the Scottish Government.   Then if the total cost is to be £250 m., Glasgow is to pay £50 million, and the Scottish Government £200 m.   John Mason, the SNP Group Leader, said, "Scotland is subsidising the Olympics in London by contributing to the lottery, receiving less to spend on local sports, etc.   Therefore, the English Government should be paying us back in 2014 with a major contribution.   It is wrong if all our money flows south to the Olympics and none comes back north for the Commonwealth games.

We also want to see major investments in Glasgow if we are to benefit from these Games.   Some of the key features we should be getting include:
•   A rail or tram system to the new indoor sports arena in the East End; and
•   A cycling velodrome.