 Nicol Stephen is full of hope for 2007 |
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen said his party could become the largest north of the border. In his New Year message, the politician set out why his party was the party of the future.
Mr Stephen said the Lib-Dems' surprise win in the Dunfermline West by-election sent shockwaves through the foundations of UK and Scottish politics.
The party achieved a 16% swing from Labour, allowing Willie Rennie to win the Westminster seat.
He said the victory in February 2006 showed what could be achieved in the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections.
Mr Stephen said: "This has been a momentous year for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
"Our success in the Dunfermline by-election sent shockwaves through the foundations of UK and Scottish politics.
"It was a turning point and for the first time it is now clear the Liberal Democrats can be Scotland's largest party.
"The party is growing in support, particularly among young people and increasingly in new parts of Scotland."
He added that while the Scottish National Party resorted to its "usual bitter, tribal battles of name calling" his party was doing its best to fight for better schools and hospitals.
Young people
Mr Stephen said: "We all know that support for Labour, dominant for so long, is slipping.
"Betrayal of trust on Iraq and unqualified support for George Bush has turned the country against Tony Blair.
"The Liberal Democrats in contrast, are positive about young people, committed to green renewable energy and determined to invest more in public transport.
"There is something new about the Liberal Democrats in Scotland. We are the party of the future. Building on our experience in government we have a new determination to succeed."
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There is something new about the Liberal Democrats in Scotland - we are the party of the future.
