The move follows challenges from inside the SNP and a poor performance in the European elections.

Following the poll, Mr Swinney said the party had been "bedevilled" by internal strife.

Likely contenders to replace him include his deputy Roseanna Cunningham and senior front benchers Nicola Sturgeon and Kenny MacAskill.

We asked for your views. This is what you said.

Thank goodness Swinney is gone! Now perhaps the SNP can get a leader who is committed to putting independence first. It's time for the right wing cabal who have led the party into ruin to step aside and let the SNP return to the centre left where they belong!
Scott Harvie, Wishaw

A large majority of the Scottish population do not want Scottish independence, the SNP has been struggling with this concept for many years, especially in the climate of apathy engendered by the failures of the Scottish Parliament which just make even less likely the idea of a completely independent Scotland. Why should it be so surprising that as an increasingly irrelevant party dedicated to the concept of independence their vote count is dropping?
Duncan Burrell, Scotland, UK

The SNP's poor election performance is more to do with party in-fighting and the staunchly unionist Scottish media (not least the gutter press - the Daily Record and the Scottish Sun). The SNP leader has to be someone who is a suitable prime minister, president or whatever of an independent Scotland and attend summitts with other world leaders. Apart from Roseanna Cunningham I can't think of another SNP MSP who fits that role. Nicola Sturgeon is too young and Alex Neil is too much of an old socialist. Personally I would bring back Alex Salmond.
Iain, Glasgow

Thank goodness the much vaunted gradualist approach to Scottish independence has now surely gone with John Swinney's departure.
Bill Beattie, Carluke,Scotland

Nice guy but sadly lacked charisma and presentational skills required in the modern media-driven world. No use blaming the members for the ills of the party. He and his lieutenants set the agenda so they are all tarred with the same brush as him. The line has been drawn; we now lift our sights and our aspirations and move on with a new leader, who need not be an MSP nor an MP and so would have time to devote to a proper independence strategy.
Donnie MacNeill, Livingston, Scotland

John Swinney was a decent enough man but the SNP message is not convincing. Scots have got the run of the UK in fields such as politics and industry, and can return home when they want for a better quality of life. Why therefore put up self-imposed barriers at Berwick and Gretna?
Mark, Glasgow

What will the SNP do now? None of their other MSPs is up to the task of leader. Only Alex Salmond can do the job and he says he is not interested. Never mind the in-fighting. I want to know who in the SNP will stand up and be the leader who will take Scotland to independence. Salmond is the only choice as far as I can see.
Andy Reid, Glasgow, Scotland

Genuinely feel for John in his decision to stand down. He is a decent and honourable guy, and although I supported him in each of the leadership contests, perhaps it was the wrong time in politics for a leader like John. I don't however believe the real problem with the party is the leader. A complete reassesment of the party's strategy and direction is required. We state that we are a moderate left of centre party. That is a position which must be made explicit to end the flirtation with neo-liberal economics driven by a tiny but influential minority.
Kenny, Glasgow

After reading these comments, the thing that strikes me as odd is when people lambast the SNP for failing to place enough importance on independence, and then claim that they would now consider voting for the SSP. I don't believe I've ever heard Tommy Sheridan make a big deal about independence. Do you really think Tommy gives a toss about independence? He is an opportunist who uses it as a means of attracting disgruntled opposition voters, while banging on about free heroin and other crazy policies. The only way of achieving independence is by voting SNP. I'm sad for John Swinney as he seems a decent enough man, but hopefully we'll now have someone with a bit of spark about them. Not Salmond though as the media would have a field day proclaiming a backward step for the party and a lack of new talent and ideas.
Gillian, Dunbartonshire

SNP members must decide why the party's vote is decling, when they choose the next leader. They must decide whether the message is flawed or if it is the delivery. If they decide the message is flawed then they should turn to Kenny MacAskill or Alex Neil. If they think it is purely the delivery then they should turn to Roseanna Cunningham or Nicola Sturgeon. From those four I think MacAskill and Cunningham strike me as the closest to being an effective modern political performer. As I see it I would say that MacAskill would challenge the rise of the SSP by putting more emphasis on Independence and socialist policies and the Cunningham, as part of the SNP establishment, would continue in the same vein as John Swinney but would deliver it better. I think it is good that Alex Salmond will not stand as the leader needs to be in Edinburgh and if Salmond was leader again I don't think it would help the SNP progress. He was a great leader but parties need to move on and not rely on one man and the rest of the capable SNP MSPs must be seen by the public and show that the SNP is a professional party with many quality politicians. If Alex came back I think once again the public know of one man and one man only in the SNP. I hope the membership goes for MacAskill as I think he has the delivery and the right ideas. Regardless of how it goes the SNP, all factions, must get behind the leader or the slide will continue. When it comes down to it the internal differences are smaller than the SNP's differences with other parties. Don't help the opponents with splits and factionalism, if your differences with the majority of the party are too severe then get out.
Andrew Lee, Eichstaett, Germany

I'd love to see this man in the House of Lords. His quiet decency would be appreciated there.
Bill Chapoman, Conwy, Walesw, UK

We need to get back to basics with clear vision and objectives toward full independence and we need a figurehead with the passion of Sillars, the vocabulary of Salmond and the ability to unite a party that William Wallace would be proud of... we need to keep the Tories down and out of Scotland and we need to kick Labour into touch but I don't see anyone out there willing to break free of the self interest culture that exists in all political life these days, when we do get such a person, we will be more popular than ever.
Philip Dickson, London

John Swinney was a nice man but lacked the persona for leadership. Alex Salmond should stop wasting time in Westminister and return to take the helm of his own doing, or I for one am considering the Tommy option.
Abdul Malik, Edinburgh

Swinney had all the charisma of a potato. However, that's more than the rest of his party put together. They will struggle without him.
Cara, Edinburgh

Shame, I believed he was the man that could have goverened Scotland.
Sue Caldwell, Blairgowrie, Perthshire

I am sad to see John Swinney leave as leader of the SNP. His leadership has been constantly challenged but as one of those who voted for him as party leader the speech he gave at the party conference was a stunner! Sadly the media has never allowed him to shine in a similar way and now the party have forced him out. He had the potential to be a great party leader but sadly he was never allowed to reach the potential he also wanted for Scotland.
Jenni Campbell, Edinburgh

I am sure (with some coaching) John Swinney could have become a stateman-like figure, but sadly the SNP as a whole rejoiced in internal fueds and petty shouting matches. His leaving is as much a reaction to the party's appalling public image as it is a reflection of his own failings. The other members of the SNP need to grow up and start behaving like a goverment in waiting and not a band of Braveheart fans!
Rod (SNP member), UK

Democracy, including that within any political party MUST be upheld, and that includes all views. The talk of people back-stabbing, can be taken as not liking what others say and to attempt to gag these people has stiffled open debate. Leaders of the SNP past, have had the wit to respond to negative or 'heckling' members. We the public, the people, want the debate and ALL the views. Is the SNP a political party with views that reflect the voters expectations or a social scene for social climbers having a party?
Iain Steven, Bridge of Weir, Scotland

I have read numerous comments saying Nicola Sturgen should be the new leader of the SNP. How can this be, she isn't even a constituency MSP. She gets in the back door every election through the top up list.
David Miller, Paisley

It must be Roseanna. She has what it takes. It's also time to get Mike Russell back on board.
Sean Gallagher, Glasgow

I had been an SNP member, sometimes active, for many years, but I just didn't have any faith in John Swinney as leader. He managed to fudge the independence issue and never had any real presence in the parliament, on television or in public. I have not been a member of the party since Swinney took over and I will now have to see what direction the SNP take before considering rejoining.
Andrew Fallon, Perth, Scotland

I'm gutted. John was a good, honest politician and I can't see who would do any better. The SNP vote has deifinitely been eroded by the whole concept of devolution and the minor parties in the PR system. We will have our day though.
Stuart Christie, Glasgow

If Mr Swinney had listened to all of the party and not his 'chosen few' then perhaps he would have performed far better. He took the party too far to the right. His public speeches and writings seldom detailed the party's policies and his stance in parliament was usually to attack Jack McConnell rather than offer sound alternatives.
Steve, Glasgow

I've had my doubts about Swinney's leadership for a while and definitely think it's been fairly lacklustre. In saying that the SNP's real problem at the moment is that it is they and not the incumbent Labour party who are suffering from the Scottish Executive's/ parliament's perceived poor performance from the public - a difficult hurdle to overcome. I do think that the SNP as part of their campaign should be starting to highlight the deficiencies of the devolution settlement and be focussing more strongly on independence, with a general left of centre Social Democratic stance. This is a critical point for the SNP though and I think that if they were to elect either Nicola Sturgeon (my God that's who Labour party supporters want elected because she's such a turn off for voters) or Alex Neil it would be a disaster for the SNP. Roseanna Cunningham please!!!
Gary Elliot, Glasgow

I feel very sorry for John. I'm concerned that until the central belt run "National" press begin to fairly report politics in Scotland, no leader of the SNP will get a fair crack. Outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh the SNP are performing very well, a success unhindered by these newspapers with questionable loyalty to Labour. So much for democracy.
Alan Morrison, Alva, Scotland

Sad to see John Swinney go. But it is clear the SNP needs to develop clear coherent policies and motivate Scotland into taking pride and belief in itself. Without which, Scotland will never be independent and will never realize its fullest potential.
Samuel Forbes, Leeds

Swinney's leadership seemed obsessed with spin and presentation at a time when the public had become sick of it. The party was also perceived as having shifted to the right, political arsenic for Scottish voters. We need the party to re-establish a radical left of centre agenda, based on policies which are possible with independence. We need a leader who can take the fight to Labour again and help the SNP win in the central belt. Step forward Alex Neil, your time has come.
Joe Middleton, Edinburgh

John was simply "too nice a person for the job". We need a tactical approach to gaining the support of the people of Scotland. Aims and objectives need to be clear. The future for SNP is good. Next year should increase visibility of a feeling of being Scottish as it is the 700th anniversary of William Wallace's murder in London. Next leader? Kenny would do a good job.
Colin McKenzie, Widnes, England

I think it is right for John Swinney to resign. The SNP seem to have gone back into the shadows under his leadership. His moderate stance is not working and the party needs to push the independence message even more at this point due to the unpopularity of the Labour Government and the Iraq war.
John Booth, Aberdeen

It's very sad to see John Swinney stand down. I fail to see how these people who constantly had him under pressure hope to achieve any kind of victory when rather than fighting for the party's cause, they instead spend their time slamming their leader. John Swinney was under pressure because he was a man who believed in action rather than just words. Words are normal political practice and unfortunately action isn't. John Swinney is a good man and the SNP without him is a weaker party. I hope he stays involved. Nicola Sturgeon is a very charismatic and active lady who has what it takes to take the party to victories everywhere. I would like to see her lead the party.
Keith Anderson, Aberdeen, Scotland

Now I don't need to resign from the SNP. Swinney's leadership has been a disaster fraught with either bad decision or indecision. The party needs to be more progressive in its approach and pragmatic in its aims. To achieve this we need a leader with ambition, direction and motivation rather than a family connection. The next leader also needs a television presence, John sounds like a police officer providing court with an account of a road accident.
James Duffy, London

John Swinney comes across as a decent and honest politician, which is very rare, and if the snipers could only have united behind him then the SNP might be in a better position. The SNP needs to give a clearer message of what it represents and back up their independence quest with clear policies of how they will make it work. I'm at a loss to find anyone else capable of achieving this!
John Pollock, Glasgow, Scotland

The setting up of the Scottish Parliament should have given the SNP the platform to clearly and concisely state to the electorate, their alternative policies for an independent Scotland. The SNP under John Swinney has clearly failed to do this and has unfortunately been sucked into the political mire of confrontation politics favoured by Labour. Though it grieves me to say, you have to admire the cunning of Tony Blair and co. for setting up a devolved parliament, as it has exposed a lack policy substance from the current SNP leadership. The SNP need to publish a coherent, credible alternative to subjugation by Westminster or disband.
Matt, Stirling

John Swinney was a capable leader for SNP, but the Greens, and especially Tommy Sheridan and the SSP, have become defined themselves as strong opposition parties, and they also want an independent Scotland.
Tony, Edinburgh

John Swinney never looked the part, lacked the authority, and he was brushed aside in the parliament. He looked like a fish out of water in the chamber. The SNP need to regroup perhaps if Alex could come back that would help in the short term. But in the longer term they need someone like Roseanna who would make an excellent leader and she is perhaps one of the few really bright MSPs. God help them if they pick the likes of Nicola Sturgeon.
Allan, Edinburgh

I hope the backbiters are proud of themselves. Welcome to the wilderness years.
Andy Lewis, Edinburgh

Poor John - he wilted in the huge shadow of Alex Salmond. If Alex had stayed the SNP could've been a real force in Scotland - but the lure of Westminster seemed too great.
David Wells, Glasgow

Nobody votes for bald guys.
David McDowell, Edinburgh, Scotland

No matter how impassioned, or clever the leader the party is trying to lead Scotland backwards and it is time for the SNP to change their policies, decide what their long term plans are and if they belong in the 21st Century. As one living in a SNP dominated area I can clearly see the declining standards in the community, the lack of development and the lack of support by many of the inhabitants of civilised standards of government, the squabbling amongst elected councillors and the lack of infrastructure causing a reduction in investment by businesses. A few miles south can be found vibrant, expanding towns and communities with forward-looking plans for the future.
Barry Keating, Peterhead, UK

John Swinney lacked the wit and personality of Alex Salmond and failed to make a positive impression on the public. The party now needs a quick leadership contest. Learn from the Westminster Conservatives and nominate Roseanna Cunningham un-opposed. She could then lead with the party's full backing.
Donald Junor, Aberdeen

John Swinney had the right idea but lacked the necessary populist charm. The opportunity is there for the SNP if they keep pushing for more powers for our parliament. The Scottish people will decide how far to go.
Ian, Milngavie

The press seem to have had it in for John Swinney since the start, always comparing him unfavourably with Alex Salmond, and it is unfortunate that he was never given a proper opportunity to espouse his views and his vision for his party. However, there is a bigger question as to where, indeed, does the SNP go from here? Recent electoral successes for other pro-independence parties have shown that the SNP no longer has a monopoly on that part of the political spectrum, and, unfortunately for them, the weakness of the SNP's environmental and social justice policies (eg, support for the monstrous M74 project which will little help Glasgow's environment nor enable the majority of its citizens who do not own cars to improve their economic prospects) show themselves to be out of touch with the majority of Scots who would prefer Scotland to be a sustainable, social democratic society than one left to the worst rampages of capitalism.
David, Edinburgh, Scotland

All the very best John, you faced an enormous challenge in the footsteps of Alex Salmond and maybe Scotland as a whole has come of age yet again. Implementation of policy has, unfortunately, been sadly lacking of late with only nominal conviction on the part of those who should be at the nation's helm. The overwhelming conundrum being WHY we always undersell ourselves on the home front when overseas - more especially in Europe, our credentials are accorded such magnanimous worth.
Ruairaidh, Tanajib, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In Scotland Labour voters would even vote for a monkey if it was put up for election so what chance did John Swinney have? A good man forced out by internal squabbling which is going to kill off the SNP if it is not careful.
Bob Keltie, Bo'ness

The recent poor showing of the SNP has to be viewed in the context of the times we live in to make much sense. Scotland has only recently gained a degree of autonomy (which was a direct result of SNP's popularity) and I think people are seeing how this goes before any further commitment to independence. So Swinney was on a beating to nothing. Next incumbent will probably fair better, especially if we get a Tory UK Government anytime soon.
Donald Munn, Oslo, Norway

John was a true, genuine man and came across as that. He didn't huff and puff or shout the loudest like many others, he was always cool and calculating. Sadly in the end this man was betrayed by those who should really care about the party more. My only hope is for Nicola Sturgeon to replace this very able and likeable man.
Dean McKeown, Coatbridge

John is a good man and fine leader. The party will rue this day. Of the main contenders, I hope Kenny MacAskill stands and is elected. However, whoever is elected the party members MUST get behind them fully even if the leader is not their choice. The infighting must stop!
Jeff, Blairgowrie, Scotland

Leaders come and go the important thing is that the SNP continue to demand independence for the Scottish people.
Geraint ap Wiliam, Pontypridd, Wales

At last! Now maybe we can get back to impressing on the Scottish electorate the message of 'Scotland is better off Independent'. So he was a 'nice guy', so what! We are fighting for Scotland's freedom against the mass forces of Conservative & Blairite Unionism and we need a leader to ignite the SNP and the Scottish people. Campbell Martin was right all along; he was martyred on the alter of Swinney's fragile ego. Kenny MacAskill is just Tony Blair with an accent and Nicola Sturgeon is a "Swinney-me"! Alex Neil or Roseanna Cunningham are leaders the party needs.
David, West Kilbride, Scotland

I hope all those who criticised John Swinney are satisfied. I think it's a disgrace that he should be undermined and forced to stand down, largely due to the relentless speculation of the Scottish media about his future.
Alison, Aberdeen

While I did not support John for the leadership when I was still a member of the SNP I sympathise with the problems he had to encounter as leader, particularly the problems about how to position the SNP within the new Scottish Parliament. If he made one mistake it was in trying to make the new parliament work and not spending his time revealing its many limitations and lack of powers in the major areas of policy affecting Scotland. He was and is a very decent person and I hope he continues to play a prominent role in Scottish public life for many years to come. From my previous knowledge of the SNP it would be a big mistake to blame the "fundies" for his demise, the answer lies much closer to home as was forecast to him shortly after him becoming leader.
Iain Lawson, Paisley, Scotland

The reality is, beyond John Swinney the SNP have almost nobody of any standing. Nicola Sturgeon can't get elected anywhere, Kenny MacAskill has been beaten more times than an old rug and Republican Rose wants to ditch the Queen. Only Fergus Ewing, who represents a mixed urban and rural seat, has the wit and intelligence and experience to lead us. This truly is a bad day for Labour as it opens the door of opportunity for the SNP to elect a good man whose roots are firmly woven in SNP history. Come on Fergus, show courage in our hour of need and reflect on what Henry V said before the battle of Agincourt "For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day." For the SNP, this election represents St Crispins Day. Come on Fergus.
Jan, Pitlochry, Scotland

The SNP are a spent force and his resignation will make no difference. Look at how we manage ourselves and our finances (see Scottish 'Parliament'). It is a disgrace.
Rory Macgregor, Perth, Scotland

John Swinney has been treated dreadfully by the media and elements within his own party. This hard working and trusted man will be a sad loss to the party as leader. I hope that in the coming months the party will not tear itself apart in electing a successor.
Elaine, Perth

Swinney isn't the problem, he is just a symptom of the SNP's failure to adapt to the reality of the devolution settlement. They must have a wholesale review of what they stand for and whether they want to be a pressure group or a political party if they want to play any part in Scotland's political future. I believe that Scottish politics will revert to that of the three main parties, the SSP and Greens over the next 10 years as the SNP's main cause is now redundant.
Doug Bradley, Glasgow

The failure of SNP policy since devolution is a direct result of a more general distrust in most Scottish politicians. We have a chance to create a fully integrated political network working for the benefit of all, yet petty wrangling is ruining many chances for co-operation both within the SNP and throughout the political establishment.
Ian Neilson, Inverness

Not before time. Mr Swinney was completely out of touch with the electorate and his party. Whilst Alex Salmond was always going to be a difficult act to follow, John Swinney was never the man to do that. I am sure the party will consolidate now and move forward
Tommy, Fife

John was a decent man, and a capable organiser and campaigner, and I hope that he will remain involved with the SNP at the highest level, but he has made the right decision in making way for someone better able to promote the cause of Scottish self-government.
Jonny, Glasgow

John Swinney may have presided over the worst SNP election results in living memory at Scottish, UK and European levels. But the problem is the SNP itself not just its leader. The party is a busted flush post devolution.
Iain, London

As long as the SNP offer similar left-of-centre policies to the Labour Party, but with independence tagged on, then they are not really offering an alternative to the status quo. If they were to offer us the vision of a low-tax, low regulation independent Scotland where wealth-creation was not viewed as somehow "dirty" then they might have a widely differentiated and more attractive offering to a significant proportion of the electorate.
Graeme, Glasgow

Well done John - get out while you've still got a party to resign your leadership from. The SNP is dead as a political force. Not surprising really since there is only one thing that they all agree on - independence. They can't even agree how best to achieve independence, which is incidental anyway because the electorate don't want it. Below that they've got a ragbag bunch of right wing Tories, left wing Socialists, New Labour wannabes, and nutcase activists. Only Nicola Sturgeon can revive their chances.
Dave, Edinburgh

Sillars et al talk about the death of democracy in the SNP but the root cause of this tragedy is the opposite: the tolerance and culture of dissent and back-stabbing within the SNP. We need someone like Neil Kinnock to knock these people on the head and kick them all into Tommy's patch. We need to get our own house in order before we aspire to run the country. The future of the SNP is as a strong centrist party attracting the best and brightest to our cause.
Jim Orr, London, UK

It seems as though, just like with William Hague, here is an able politician who was elevated too quickly, by his party associates and then left to hang himself. The SNP should have united behind him, rather than continuing all of the in-fighting which has resulted in a weakened party and now a leaderless one. Who else is strong enough to take the helm? Oh, what's that we hear? The sound of Alex Salmond, maybe? Either way, have sympathy for a decent man. John Swinney was always going to have a difficult job reigning in all the SNP points of view. The party should be ashamed of itself - they used to be about Independence, not bickering.
L Gilmour, Edinburgh, Scotland

Sad to see John Swinney go - his only failing was he did get rid of the back-stabbers such as Ingram, Neil, Paterson and Sillars.
John, Kilmarnock

Too decent a man to be a politician, let alone a leader.
jims, Blairgowrie, Perthshire

When John Swinney was first elected, he was touted because of his youth, and his charisma. Well, not wanting to kick a man when he's down but he made John Major look colourful. The reality is now that there is a Scottish Parliament the SNP need to find a coherent policy agenda for governance. Bleating on about independence as a one policy solve-all solution just does not wash..
Joe, Glasgow, Scotland

Nothing personal Mr Swinney, but let's hope this will kick-start the SNP back up the polls at election times. Scotland needs a strong SNP and a strong SNP leader - and only when that happens will Scotland take another step forward on its inevitable road to independence.
Scott , Stirling, Scotland

The SNP have failed because of their message, not their leader. John Swinney is intelligent, good-humoured and motivated. Not many of his likely successors can boast such qualities.
Derek Young, Edinburgh, Scotland

As an SNP voter and contributor, this is what the party has been crying out for. I hope his replacement is more credible and more electable. The dream ticket would be Alex Salmond: a credible and thoroughly honest politician (!), with an excellent ability to debate the points of the party. With Swinney, we lost our way and he seemed like a stop-gap leader: but now is our chance to find an alternative voice who can reinstate the SNP as a major player in Scottish affairs.
Euan, Edinburgh

The problem for the SNP isn't John Swinney, it's that the people of Scotland don't want independence. Changing the leader won't change that fact.
Robert, Z�rich, Switzerland

In his first days as leader of the SNP, I remember John Swinney talking in the most remarkable way (for a politician) about poverty and social exclusion and I thought here is a man for Scotland. And he has shown himself to be a good man and someone we could trust. But his downfall may have its roots in an inability to translate his social concerns into a clear and attractive proposition for the electorate.
John McDonald, London

Alex Neil has the vision and the determination to move Scotland forward to independence. Time to change the flawed strategy of the last five years and not just the leader.
Calum Miller, Prestonpans

Good. Should never have been elected, not a natural leader, no charisma. Roseanna Cunningham should have got the job!
Robert Tedford, Scotland

I think John Swinney was the best person to lead the SNP. The people being named as possible replacements are all massive steps backwards for the SNP.
Simon, Edinburgh, UK

Hopefully this marks the start of a downturn in nationalist support. There's enough division and strife in this country as it is, without the likes of Cunningham et al wasting public money on creating more.
Russ, London, UK

John Swinney is a likeable, decent, honest politician. Unfortunately, in the media driven politics of today, these are not the most important qualities in a leader. Sad to see him go.
Neil Fletcher (LibDem Councillor), Aberdeen, Scotland

John Swinney has made an enormous contribution to the SNP. Although the SNP are a much 'nicer' party than any other, some traitors have always felt the need to bypass internal debate and go to the press. This must stop now. With Tommy's trots sinking to the seventh party and being beaten by the SNP everywhere, we no longer need to pander to the lunatic left.
Sandy MacGregor, Ardrossan

No sad loss. All I ever heard Mr Swinney do during FMQ's or on TV is slag off the executive. He never came up with solutions or any credible policies.
David Miller, Paisley

If only these whingers had put as much effort into campaigning and getting our message across then the good results wouldn't only be confined to the North east of Scotland and the two major cities of Dundee and Aberdeen. I am devastated at his decision but how could anyone put up with the traitors in our midst.
Pam Wilson, Perthshire

Freedom through Independence and nothing less. We should not settle for an SNP leader who waters down our quest for freedom. My support will go to the contender who puts independence first above all else. Or in future it will go to Tommy.
Heather, Edinburgh

It was inevitable he would go; too nice, too reasonable, too ordinary. The SNP must now be careful not to make the same mistake of selecting someone that party members think appropriate. They should select someone the electorate as whole think it can support. After all, they're the ones who'll vote the SNP into power if it ever happens. A bit of research amongst the general public is called for, otherwise they'll end up with yet another unelectable leader.
Stuart, Edinburgh, Scotland

This was the wrong time to go in my opinion. John will be remembered for the wrong reasons, but if this party is going to win an election in the near future, it will be down to the reforms he undertook to push through during his leadership. I hope that Campbell Martin gets expelled soon, he is the one who has brought shame to the SNP!
Mark, Aberdeen

As for any party that seeks change, what has happened here is an age-old battle between revolutionary reactionaries (in this case the likes of the Ewing clan) and those who support the parliamentary road... that understands the need to show competence. Sadly it looks like the SNP have punched themselves in the face by returning to the knee-jerk firebrand flavour of Scottish Nationalism.
Joe, Forfar, Scotland

John Swinney's fundamental mistake was to believe in, and campaign for devolution. By introducing devolution, Labour achieved exactly what they wanted - to neuter moderate Nationalist sentiment - clearly shown by the SNP's poor election results, and (in Wales), Plaid Cymru's one-seat lead over the Conservatives in the Welsh Assembly. John Swinney has realised, too late, that independence for Scotland is, and always will be, an unrealistic option to pursue.
Tim, Uppingham, UK

It appals me that one of the most honest and decent political leaders this country has ever had has been forced out of office by a Unionist press and internal political foes for who the word "integrity" could never and will never be used. Plaid Cymru lost badly in Wales at the General Election. They kicked out their leader tried to shift to the left and refocus. They went to get hammered into third place in the Euro elections dropping 12 points (pretty shocking considering the fuss being made about the SNP. Is it just me who thinks that this is more than a coincidence? UK politics is going through a major change, the emergence of smaller parties coupled with lacklustre devolved parliaments and Assemblies has affected the moderate Nationalist parties.
Matthew, East Kilbride

Not surprising considering the SNP never seem to have any coherent policies. Anyway, can anyone name five MPs/MSPs that are members of the SNP? Perhaps if they made a greater effort in communicating their aims to the electorate they would have stood a better chance.
Neil Small, Scotland

The question remains if and when the SNP achieve independence what will they do? What will they be... tax and spend social democrats? Rampant Tories? Radical socialists? Wishy-washy liberals? Or just plain crazy?
Andrew, Kilwinning, Scotland

Of course John Swinney is a nice guy, but that has evidently not been enough to inspire the electorate to vote SNP. Based on results, he has done the right thing by stepping down. This is a bad day for Scottish Labour. The SNP needs to take stock, come up with a sound long-term strategy to persuade the Scottish people of the benefits of independence, and start leading the Scottish political agenda once again. It is important to remember that the number of pro-independence MSPs has increased since 1999, not decreased. Perhaps the next leader should set out to build a broad pro-independence coalition? Good luck to John Swinney and to his successor.
John, Edinburgh

Unfortunately, for the SNP at least, John Swinney was out of his depth and just couldn't cut the mustard politically. He lacked nerve, vision and commitment; consequently he never gained the trust of the people and eventually lost that of those closest to him - that's what has brought him to where he is today. Put bluntly, he was the political embodiment of the 'Peter Principle',
Calum, Edinburgh

Thank god for that. Let hope they don't go from frying pan to fire and elect Nicola Sturgeon as leader though.
Mark Hirst, Perth Scotland

As a Labour supporter I absolutely agree with Mike Bannon, the SNP should definitely pick Nicola Sturgeon. Not only has she never won an election in her life, but she comes across on TV as a nippy sweetie. Thank goodness Roseanna Cunningham and Kenny MacAskill are not standing!
Thomas, Annan, Dumfries & Galloway

At last. Now maybe the SNP will get back on the right track and make every policy decision based upon achieving independence. Something that Swinney seemed to have forgotten all about.
Ian , Bournemouth England

Shocking
Peter Lavelle, Bath

am sad at the resignation of John Swinney. An Englishman living in the Scottish Borders, he was a man of integrity, who didn't speak like a politician. He almost persuaded me to join the SNP. I certainly won't consider joining the party now he's gone.
Rev Andrew Warburton, By Newcastleton

With the Scottish Executive looking more and more like a bad thing for Scotland, can the SNP really believe they will ever win the confidence of the electorate to the point of running this country? We were better off with Westminster - the SNP is an extreme we can ill afford irrespective of its leader. Let's hope some good politicians step up to the boiler plate soon in Edinburgh before the money runs out and the economy bombs.
Jock, Glasgow

It's not the leader that has brought about the decline of the SNP, it's the message. Their dour, 'Little Scotlander', chipped-shoulder brand of fantasy politics grates on most of the electorate, and changing the man at the top won't change that.
David, Glasgow

The SNP has made a dreadful mistake in forcing out John Swinney. He is honest, decent and above all a Nationalist - qualities that the SNP have been missing since Gordon Wilson was leader. John Swinney was not leader when the concept of devolution was accepted and campaigned for - Alex Salmond was. Perhaps all those carping about John Swinney should remember that.
Louise, Essex, England

The SNP have shot themselves in the foot by bringing down John Swinney. With the constant in-fighting and bitter divisions, the SNP as a party have failed to win the hearts and minds of the Scottish people. Don't blame the leader blame the party. With no credible alternative to Mr Swinney independence will remain a distant dream for the SNP and for Scotland.
Dylan, Edinburgh, Scotland

Very sorry to see John go. In this day and age of sleaze and politicians treating the electorate with contempt, John Swinney was a man who could be trusted totally, and at all times acted honorably on behalf of his party and his country. The problem with the SNP is not John Swinney, but those individuals in the party who continually put their own narrow agendas ahead of what's good for the party and the country.
Willie Ross, Shetland

John Swinney just never had what it takes to be leader of the SNP. He is a nice guy who you would love as your next door neighbour but definitely not as a first minister. It needs someone with more steel and a bit of charisma. I think Nicola Sturgeon would make a great leader. She has the charm and looks to take on Mr McConnell but also the steely nerve to carry us on to freedom! Go Nicola.
Mike Bannon, Livingston, Scotland

I liked John Swinney - I knew that he'd be next in line after Alex Salmond as SNP leader. However, I think devolution has clearly caused the SNP to move away from what should be the overall goal of the party - an independent Scotland within Europe. The European elections were the first elections in a long time where I had to consider who my vote went too - I came very close to not voting for the SNP. A change is required - someone charismatic, who's willing to attack Labour for its failings and clearly establish a platform for independence is required.
Mike Kilpatrick, Montrose, Scotland

I am sorry Mr Swinney is having to go. He was leading the SNP in the right direction. Without him the SNP is doomed I say, doomed.
John Duncan, West Lothian

The only names that mean less to me than John Swinney are those of the contenders. The SNP should choose someone electable before Tommy Sheridan and his pals become the opposition.
Paul, Glasgow