Mrs Ewing said independence could be close

Winnie Ewing also criticised the members of the party and the media who attacked John Swinney's leadership.

Mrs Ewing told BBC Radio's Sunday Live programme she believed independence was within the SNP's sights.

The claim comes as the party looks to refocus its message after the announcement that Mr Swinney is to stand down as party leader.

Mrs Ewing said work also needs to be done to win the independence argument with the voters.

European message

She said: "I think it will take five years.

"I've been to all the countries in Europe, intimately met the leaders and so on, the ministers in government.

"Why can't the Scots open their eyes and look at Norway, Sweden, Denmark, for example, or Ireland, and say 'why do we have a third of our people living in poverty?'

"Why do we have a tremendous hopelessness in job prospects, despite what Gordon Brown tells us about how everything is rosy."

She added: "For most people it's not rosy and really they just have to say 'why not like Denmark?'"

I think it will depend on the SNP getting its act together, getting a message to the Scottish people which they are prepared to accept and recognise Kenny McAskill SNP MSP

Kenny MacAskill, who is in the running for the SNP's deputy leadership, told the BBC's Politics Show that the party had to change.

Mr MacAskill said: "I think it will depend on the SNP getting its act together, getting a message to the Scottish people which they are prepared to accept and recognise.

"And fundamentally it will depend upon the people of Scotland voting for independence."

Meanwhile, outgoing SNP leader John Swinney has dismissed newspaper reports which claimed that his speech about troublemakers on Saturday was aimed at former leader Alex Salmond.

A statement on behalf of Mr Swinney said: "I want to put on record my deep gratitude to Alex Salmond for his loyalty and steadfast support throughout my time as SNP leader.