Jack McConnell: "Bold new steps"

The party said one of its first actions in government would be to pass legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Party leader Jack McConnell said the 44-page manifesto document, entitled On Your Side, was "brimming with new ideas and new policies".

It places an emphasis on law and order, where promised reforms range from electronic tagging for under-16s who persistently offend to a ban on the sale of spray paint to under-18s.

Direct intervention

The manifesto contains moves to make parents responsible for the behaviour of their children.

Parents of young offenders could face jail if they fail to abide by terms set by children's hearings.

Other law and order reforms included extra police numbers, a court reform bill, tougher penalties for drug dealers, and the establishment of a sentencing commission to secure consistency in sentencing.

It also pledged an end to automatic release in which short term prisoners are let out having served only half their sentence.

Electronic tagging could be used for young offenders

Mr McConnell said Labour would deal more effectively with neighbours from hell, and extend protection to witnesses of anti-social behaviour so more offenders could be prosecuted.

He said Labour would put "respect" back on the political agenda of Scotland.

On the economy, Labour plans more apprenticeships, more money for transport and further stress on indigenous Scottish skills, encouraging young entrepreneurs.

Mr McConnell declared that higher growth was Labour's "top priority".

Cutting assesment

On education, the party is promising to tackle under-performance - if necessary through "direct intervention".

It also promised to enhance the role of head teachers, who would control 90% of school budgets.

Mr McConnell said Labour would recruit 2,500 more teachers, reform the curriculum - cutting assesment in the five to 14 programme - and cut class sizes in English and Maths for the first two years of secondary school.

Health policies include a promise to abolish NHS trusts and establish "community health partnerships".

This time is a time for new ideas and for high ambition. Jack McConnell Scottish Labour leader

The manifesto also seeks to replace targets for treatment with guarantees.

The guarantees are aimed at ensuring patients get an appointment with their GP within 48 hours, that inpatients get treatment within nine months and all out-patients have to wait a maximum 26 weeks.

Labour said they would recruit an extra 1,500 nurses and 600 consultants.

Mr McConnell said: "This is an election about the future of Scotland, not about the future of Iraq, an election for the next four years, not the next four weeks."

The "do less, better" mantra which Mr McConnell adopted when he entered office as first minister in November 2001, has been consigned to history.

He said: "This time is a time for new ideas and for high ambition.