The Scottish Executive's legislative programme for the next year will not lead to a Scotland at its best, according to John Swinney.

The Scottish National Party leader welcomed many points in the first minister's speech, especially his commitment to building a consensus between all political parties.

However, Mr Swinney insisted that political change could only be delivered by using the powers of the Scottish Parliament in a "smarter way" and ultimately through independence.

The Tories welcomed the first minister's pledge to listen to all parties in the fight against local crime and disorder, but dismissed the Scottish Executive's programme as a "hotchpotch".

Jack McConnell: Detailed legislative plans

First Minister Jack McConnell outlined his plans for the final session of the Scottish Parliament which will end before elections in May next year.

He set out six bills including new measures to increase the protection of children, to tackle homelessness, to update mental health laws and to improve the standards of buildings in Scotland.

Mr McConnell also appealed to all MSPs to work together across the political divide to come up with ideas to tackle vandalism.

In his response, Mr Swinney told the parliament, which is sitting in Aberdeen, of the SNP's plans for government.

He said: "Economic growth allied to a progressive tax system is the key to an effective anti-poverty strategy in Scotland."

Incoherent programme

The Scottish Tories welcomed some of the measures announced in the programme, in particular those on mental health and proposed reform of bankruptcy laws.

However, they accused the executive of failing to tackle "the fundamentals of health, education and crime".

Party leader David McLetchie said the public would be disappointed with an "incoherent programme from a tired and fractious administration".

And he claimed the only "rays of light and hope" were where the executive had adopted Tory policies.

Let the criminals go', says Jim. 'Lock up their mothers', says Jack - it's the big softy and the wee pretend hard man

Tory leader David McLetchie

He accused Mr McConnell of jumping on the "bandwagon" in his newly discovered concern for youth crime.

He accused the Labour/Lib Dem coalition of being split on the issue.

He said that Mr McConnell and Justice Minister Jim Wallace had completely different ideas on the problem.

"'Let the criminals go', says Jim. 'Lock up their mothers', says Jack - it's the big softy and the wee pretend hard man."

Mr McLetchie urged the executive to bring forward "practical measures" to tackle youth crime including more secure accommodation, and the use of sin-bins, compulsory grounding and community service orders, which his party had been advocating over the past three years.