SNP accused of dirty tricks

CAMPAIGNING in the Glasgow North-East by-election intensified yesterday as the SNP candidate faced accusations he sought electoral advantage by changing the details of his birthplace.

David Kerr, who is due to be joined in Glasgow by First Minister Alex Salmond today, was accused of dirty tricks by opponents after election material from a previous by-election showed he claimed to be born in Cumbernauld, despite actually being born in Dennistoun.

The Labour candidate, Willie Bain, said it was an example of "two-faced politics" and "dirty electioneering".

But SNP MP Stewart Hosie said the furore showed Labour had "hit the panic button," ahead of the 12 November poll.