Nicol Stephen's Conference Message - a Scotland with ambition and promise; a Scotland with a Bright Future
At the start of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference today (Friday 16th February), Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Nicol Stephen MSP has sent a positive message about Scotland's future and the prospects for LibDem success across Scotland on 3rd May.
Mr Stephen said, "Over the next three days, Liberal Democrats from all over Scotland will be joining me in Aviemore for our final conference before the Scottish elections on 3rd May. This will be Scotland's biggest set of elections ever - and we are campaigning to win across Scotland.
"We have momentum with us. In 2005 we beat the SNP and came second in seats and votes to Labour. In Dunfermline a year ago we took a safe Labour seat with a sensational swing. We are winning council by-elections such as Kings Park in Glasgow - from fourth place - and Lochardil from nowhere to win in the heart of an SNP constituency.
"But next comes a warning. The campaign that lies ahead will be tough and testing. Already we see the bitter battle and name calling, not only of the SNP but now also from Tony Blair's increasingly unpopular Labour Party. The political decision facing Scotland so often seems like a choice between stagnation and separatism. We think Scotland deserves better. We think politics is about getting things done.
"I think people in Scotland have had enough of negativity. They want a party that is positive and a party that is passionate. Over this weekend in Aviemore and the weeks that follow we will offer that fresh, positive alternative. We will highlight our exciting plans to develop the talent of young people, build a dynamic economy and guarantee a strong future by tackling climate change.
"We will be working hard to get our positive message across. Our Party Conference Broadcast on your TV screens on Friday night will be part of that.
"When we come down from Conference this Sunday our campaign will have begun. We want to show a new and thriving Scotland in our election campaign, a Scotland with ambition and promise, and a Scotland with a Bright Future."
Locally, here in Dundee, Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Cllr Fraser Macpherson said, "We are campaigning hard in our communities across the City to show the hard work of the Dundee Liberal Democrats.
"Nicol has rightly emphasised the positive vision for our country - a Scotland with ambition and promise; a Scotland with a Bright Future. We in Dundee are getting that message across, in all parts of our City."