Joan McAlpine compares Union to abusive marriage The South of Scotland MSP made the attack in her debut column for a traditionally Labour-supporting tabloid. Staff at the newspaper were said to be dismayed by her remarks. Her analysis of the Union fulfils the Government's definition of domestic abuse, which includes psychological intimidation and threatening behaviour as well as violence. In an appeal to women to support separation, the SNP MSP compared the UK to a marriage where the English husband refuses to give his Scottish wife control over their finances for fear she would "squander" it. How selfish and greedy is she to even suggest keeping it to herself! Here's the deal. She hands over all her assets to him and he will give her a handout in return," Miss McAlpine wrote. But if she gets uppity, mind, her money will be cut. She should remember how lucky she is. Eventually she recognises the relationship for what it is - an abuse of power. The Scottish Tories and Labour are both led by women, while the Liberal Democrats favour devolving most taxes to Holyrood if voters reject independence in the referendum. But Miss McAlpine wrote that all three parties "are just like the sexist old dinosaurs who insist men should handle the finances." Jo Swinson MP, the Scottish Lib Dem deputy leader, said using domestic abuse to further the SNP's political fortunes was "abhorrent." "There should be an immediate and unreserved apology from Joan McAlpine and if one is not forthcoming Alex Salmond should sack her as his parliamentary aide," she said. This is a deeply offensive comment that shows profound disrespect for the many victims of domestic violence which is an appalling crime. Margaret Curran, Labour's Shadow Scottish Secretary, said: "I can't remember a more ill-judged comparison. This will spark real anger and she should apologise now. This oozing negativity just shows the depths to which the Nationalists will sink. David McLetchie, Scottish Tory constitutional affairs spokesman, said: "This is another pathetic and childish comment from Joan McAlpine." But the SNP said the controversy was "concocted nonsense" and Miss McAlpine's column "tells it like it is." Despite her analysis meeting the official definition of domestic abuse, a spokesman said it did not include the phrase "abusive marriage." Meanwhile, Mr Walker has resigned from two Scottish Parliament committees pending an investigation into the domestic abuse allegations levelled by his former wives. He released a statement saying this course of action "was only right" during his suspension from the party. Mr Salmond said at the weekend the MSP had not revealed the allegations when he was selected as a parliamentary candidate.