SNP Leadership contest 2004

I don't doubt the first minister's patriotism or his commitment to Scotland - we've all witnessed the style and the aplomb with which he wears the national dress of our country. But isn't the logic of the argument that he has advanced that we shouldn't leave it to others to speak for us - that we in Scotland should speak for ourselves? SNP leader John Swinney MSP, 30 th June 2004.

Swinney asks his final questions

From BBC Scotland News 1 st July 2004

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney used his final appearance at first minister's questions (FMQs) to make a call for independence.

He was responding to First Minister Jack McConnell's plan to promote Scotland abroad.

He said: "The best way to promote our country is for our country to be promoted as a full member of the international community."

Mr Swinney is standing down as leader of the Nationalist party in September.

Return to work

Mr McConnell offered good wishes to his departing opponent at the last FMQs before the recess.

It was Mr Swinney's 83rd and final appearance.

His successor should be elected by the SNP when MSPs return to work after the summer holidays.

"I think everybody would join with me in wishing Mr Swinney very well," said Mr McConnell.

"I would like to wish him well. I hope that free from the constraints of being leader of the opposition, he will find time occasionally to join me in working for Scotland.

"I hope that we share ideas as well as share debate."

He wished Mr Swinney a restful summer.

The SNP leader thanked him, saying: "I do intend to have a restful summer. I hope it's a great deal more restful than the first minister's.

"And I can assure him that at all times I'm very committed to Scotland."

He then turned to Mr McConnell's announcement of plans to change Scotland's image and to make more efforts to promote the country abroad.

The SNP leader said his party has supported past efforts to promote Scotland internationally.

Mr Swinney recalled that the first minister had described "entrenched" and out-of-date views of Scotland.

'Speak for ourselves'

"They certainly have become entrenched - because the British Embassy in Washington promotes Scotland in the following terms - Edinburgh is famous for its castle, our character is synonymous with the kilt, haggis, and the Loch Ness Monster.

"Isn't that precisely the attitude we are trying to get away from, that the UK Government is actively promoting on our behalf?"

He added: "I don't doubt the first minister's patriotism or his commitment to Scotland - we've all witnessed the style and the aplomb with which he wears the national dress of our country. "But isn't the logic of the argument that he has advanced that we shouldn't leave it to others to speak for us - that we in Scotland should speak for ourselves?"

Mr McConnell said: "We in Scotland do speak for ourselves - and we choose to do that not just ourselves, but using the strength, the might and the power of the UK to assist us in our cause."