Robin Harper: "This is our time"

Co-leader Robin Harper said he was looking forward to his party gaining more MSPs and Green councillors at May's election.

The party's election pledges include tackling climate change, saying no to Trident and defending civil liberties.

The conference was held at the Teacher Building in Glasgow.

The Greens say they are hoping to advance on the seven seats they already have in Holyrood.

Decision making

During the event, the party's election campaign director, Mark Ruskell MSP, claimed the party could become the "green backbone" of government at Holyrood.

Along with their key policy of tackling climate change, other pledges include more support for local businesses, young people and public services as well as eradicating poverty.

Mr Ruskell told delegates that the party had learned from green parties around the world about the best way to influence government decision making.

He said: "Stable minority government represents at present the most likely way to ensure our green demands in this election are translated into green action.

This is our time, and I look forward to us gaining more MSPs, and Green councillors Robin Harper Co-leader

"A programme of action that we can agree on with other partners to drive progress forward while holding back support on those policies that will take us in the completely wrong direction entirely.

"This is far removed from talk of Greens propping up government - we will be instead the green backbone, forcing government to act now and put our agenda first."

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP also attacked the way the other parties were using Scottish independence as an election tool.

The meeting of about 80 candidates and leading activists also heard from Dan Boyle TD, who gave an account of the Green Party's experience in Ireland.

Closing the conference, Mr Harper accused other parties of "slapping a fairly thick coating of green paint" over their policies.

Ready for government

He said: "This is our time, and I look forward to us gaining more MSPs, and Green councillors.

"A sustainable, secure, healthy environment and economy - and a decent quality of life for all - this is what voters are looking for - and this is exactly what we promise.

"We are ready for government and we will get out there and win.

"The other parties are worried, not so worried that they will eradicate their contradictory policies and inconsistencies, but worried enough to attempt to cover themselves in green 'camouflage'.