 | 'Above all, we share a belief that the SNP must find a new way of doing things. It is time to stop wallowing in the disappointment of devolution. As we look forward to the opening of the new parliament building, the SNP must rise to the challenge it represents. The new building will give Scotland the trappings of nationhood. Our job is to persuade our fellow Scots to also give our parliament the powers of independence.' Nicola Sturgeon MSP, 5 th July 2004. |  |
THE SNP leadership contest took a new turn yesterday with two candidates for the top and deputy post formally endorsing each other.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Glasgow MSP looking to succeed John Swinney as leader, and Kenny MacAskill, the Lothian MSP seeking to be her deputy, publicly pledged their support for each other.
Although the posts are elected separately, Ms Sturgeon said: "Kenny and I have worked closely together for many years. We share similar views about the future of the SNP and the future of Scotland. There is a feeling within the SNP membership that the party has lost its way. Kenny and I believe that, between us, we have the ideas, experience and leadership qualities to get the SNP back on track.
"Above all, we share a belief that the SNP must find a new way of doing things. It is time to stop wallowing in the disappointment of devolution. As we look forward to the opening of the new parliament building, the SNP must rise to the challenge it represents. The new building will give Scotland the trappings of nationhood. Our job is to persuade our fellow Scots to also give our parliament the powers of independence.
"But we won't do that by talking Scotland down. Instead we must play our part in building the confidence that the country needs to move forward."
A spokesman for the Roseanna Cunningham campaign said: "We will not be commenting on the mechanics of other people's election campaigns. Roseanna is standing for leader. There will be no slates for her leadership, no deals and what you see is what you get."
Mr MacAskill said of his joint slate: "Leadership of the SNP is a huge responsibility. Nicola and I have different skills but we believe they complement each other. By declaring that we are running mates, we hope members recognise, as we do, that the SNP must work together if we are to advance.
"There have been alliances between candidates before that were by word of mouth and backroom whispers. It is time to change that culture within the SNP. We believe that we need to build openness and trust in the party and between members."
Ms Sturgeon added: "We fully accept that some members might wish to vote for only one of us. That is their choice and we will accept the decision of party members and work positively with whoever is elected. However, Kenny and I hope to convince members that we are the leadership team to take the SNP forward."
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