 | 'The SNP is not like other political parties, most SNP politicians are not in politics to be politicians, we are in
politics to change Scotland. It is not enough to have the ambition to be first minister of Scotland, our sights are set higher, we look to the
opportunity to deliver Scotland to independence.' Roseanna Cunninghame, 16 th August 2004. |  |
The Scottish National Party's leadership
and deputy leadership candidates have
pitted their wits against each other in a
hustings.
All six addressed about 200 members of the party at
Glasgow's Central Hotel.
Deputy leadership contenders, Nicola Sturgeon,
Christine Grahame and Fergus Ewing, took to the
stage first.
Then it was the turn of Alex Salmond, Roseanna
Cunningham and Mike Russell, who are vying to be
leader.
The
event
was
organised
by
the
Glasgow Regional Association, a group of SNP members from 10 constituencies in and around the city
who join together for campaigning purposes.
Bob Doris, convenor of the association, said before the meeting: "With this being a one member, one
vote election, we thought it was a good idea to invite all the candidates to put their proposals forward to
members.
"But this is not just for activists; it's for all members, including grass roots members from across
Scotland who may not normally attend meetings.
"They'll be able to meet with the candidates face-to-face, see why they think they should have their vote
and have the opportunity to ask them questions."
'Radical plan'
Last week, running mates Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon published their manifesto, pledging a
three-year campaign to "touch the soul of Scotland" and replace Jack McConnell as First Minister in
2007.
The document includes 40 policies, many of them existing SNP proposals, as well as plans to reform
the workings of the party.
Meanwhile, Mr Russell pledged on Sunday to turn around the party's flagging fortunes within 100 days
of becoming leader.
He said he would set targets to overhaul the party by the time of the party conference next month,
including a radical slimming down of the party's headquarters and reforms for financial renewal,
including increased fund-raising.
Mr Russell said he would outline further details of a "radical plan for party renewal" in his manifesto, to
be published next week.
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