Under-fire SNP leader resigns
John Swinney pauses during his resignation news conference
The leader of the Scottish National Party John Swinney has resigned.
He made a formal announcement on Tuesday morning following poor results in the European elections in which the party failed to overtake Labour.
BBC Scotland's political editor says Mr Swinney appears to have lost the confidence of senior colleagues.
The 40-year-old MSP for Tayside North was elected party leader in September 2000 but latterly faced criticism for accepting the concept of devolution.
Mr Swinney believed independence would be achieved by increasing the power and influence of his party, using the Scottish Parliament as a platform.
Have Your Say: John Swinney's resignation
However, he faced opposition from fundamentalists who said the SNP should focus on the objective of total independence.
First Minister Jack McConnell said: "In the end, John Swinney had no choice but to resign having increasingly lost the debate to Labour over the last three years.
"But a change at the top won't make much of a difference. The real problem with the Nationalists is not their leadership but their politics and their policies."
In his resignation speech, Mr Swinney defended the SNP's credibility and record but accepted responsibility for the failure to sell the party's message.
No member of the SNP should ever underestimate the damage that is caused to our movement by the loose and dangerous talk of the few
John Swinney
Speaking at the party's headquarters in Edinburgh he said: "Many voters are telling us we have not yet answered their key question, why independence?
"We are not yet seen as an alternative government in waiting, and despite my best efforts over the past four years I accept that many people still do not have a clear understanding of what the SNP stands for, over and above an independent Scotland.
"As leader of the Scottish National Party, I take full responsibility for the fact that we have not made as much progress in these areas as I would have liked."
He issued a plea for unity in order to secure a future for the party.
The European elections caused a storm for John Swinney
"Given the scale of the challenges we face, what our members need and what I appeal for today, is unity within the Scottish National Party to ensure our success.
"No member of the SNP should ever underestimate the damage that is caused to our movement by the loose and dangerous talk of the few."
Mr Swinney pledged his support and co-operation to his successor and said he would continue to serve as an MSP.
He said: "I confirm my intention to continue to represent the people of North Tayside in the Scottish Parliament for as long as they will give me the honour of so doing.
"It has been a privilege to lead the Scottish National Party during this time of the rebirth of Scottish democracy.
"I am proud to have played my part in the sometimes difficult transition the SNP is making from being a party of protest to becoming a party of government. It is a journey I am certain we will complete."
Internal ructions
Mr Swinney had vowed to overtake Labour in the European elections but failed to do so, increasing pressure on his position.
Following the poll, he said the party had been "bedevilled" by internal strife and had not succeeded in explaining to the public the SNP's policies beyond independence.
He had expressed his determination to continue but changed his mind after some senior figures stated publicly that his position was untenable.
Election timetable
Nominations open Tuesday
Nominations close 16 July
Ballots mailed to all members by 13 August
Ballots to be returned by 31 August
Result announced 3 September
Names touted as a possible replacement include the party's deputy leader, Roseanna Cunningham, justice spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon, Kenny MacAskill and former MSP Mike Russell.
Both women said they were considering their positions and Mr Russell said the party now had some "serious thinking" to do before it moved forward.
There was a lot to thank John Swinney for, including the "long overdue" internal reforms which he had introduced.
Alex Salmond, who led the party until 2000, appeared to rule himself out of the contest by saying he would decline if nominated.
Mr Salmond blamed elements of the SNP and the Scottish press for not recognising John Swinney's achievements as SNP leader.
Alex Neil, who was beaten by Mr Swinney four years ago, said he would think about standing again.
Campbell Martin, the MSP who was suspended from the SNP after criticising the leader, said Mr Swinney had made the right decision.
It was now time for the SNP to take a different direction and return to its core message of independence, he added.
Nominations for the new leader have opened and the result will be declared on Friday 3 September.
― News Hound, Tuesday, 22 June 2004 12:03 (twenty-two years ago)
Where next for the SNP?
John Swinney has stood down as leader of the Scottish National Party after nearly four years at the head of the party.
The move follows challenges from inside the SNP and a poor performance in the European elections.
Following the poll, Mr Swinney said the party had been "bedevilled" by internal strife.
Likely contenders to replace him include his deputy Roseanna Cunningham and senior front benchers Nicola Sturgeon and Kenny MacAskill.
What did you think of John Swinney as a party leader? What is the future for the SNP? Who do you think should lead the party? Send us your views.
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If Mr Swinney had listened to all of the party and not his 'chosen few' then perhaps he would have performed far better. He took the party too far to the right. His public speeches and writings seldom detailed the party's policies and his stance in parliament was usually to attack Jack McConnell rather than offer sound alternatives.
Steve, Glasgow
I've had my doubts about Swinney's leadership for a while and definitely think it's been fairly lacklustre. In saying that the SNP's real problem at the moment is that it is they and not the incumbent Labour party who are suffering from the Scottish Executive's/ parliament's perceived poor performance from the public - a difficult hurdle to overcome. I do think that the SNP as part of their campaign should be starting to highlight the deficiencies of the devolution settlement and be focussing more strongly on independence, with a general left of centre Social Democratic stance. This is a critical point for the SNP though and I think that if they were to elect either Nicola Sturgeon (my God that's who Labour party supporters want elected because she's such a turn off for voters) or Alex Neil it would be a disaster for the SNP. Roseanna Cunningham please!!!
Gary Elliot, Glasgow
I feel very sorry for John. I'm concerned that until the central belt run "National" press begin to fairly report politics in Scotland, no leader of the SNP will get a fair crack. Outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh the SNP are performing very well, a success unhindered by these newspapers with questionable loyalty to Labour. So much for democracy.
Alan Morrison, Alva, Scotland
Sad to see John Swinney go. But it is clear the SNP needs to develop clear coherent policies and motivate Scotland into taking pride and belief in itself. Without which, Scotland will never be independent and will never realize its fullest potential.
Samuel Forbes, Leeds
Swinney's leadership seemed obsessed with spin and presentation at a time when the public had become sick of it. The party was also perceived as having shifted to the right, political arsenic for Scottish voters. We need the party to re-establish a radical left of centre agenda, based on policies which are possible with independence. We need a leader who can take the fight to Labour again and help the SNP win in the central belt. Step forward Alex Neil, your time has come.
Joe Middleton, Edinburgh
John was simply "too nice a person for the job". We need a tactical approach to gaining the support of the people of Scotland. Aims and objectives need to be clear. The future for SNP is good. Next year should increase visibility of a feeling of being Scottish as it is the 700th anniversary of William Wallace's murder in London. Next leader? Kenny would do a good job.
Colin McKenzie, Widnes, England
I think it is right for John Swinney to resign. The SNP seem to have gone back into the shadows under his leadership. His moderate stance is not working and the party needs to push the independence message even more at this point due to the unpopularity of the Labour Government and the Iraq war.
John Booth, Aberdeen
It's very sad to see John Swinney stand down. I fail to see how these people who constantly had him under pressure hope to achieve any kind of victory when rather than fighting for the party's cause, they instead spend their time slamming their leader. John Swinney was under pressure because he was a man who believed in action rather than just words. Words are normal political practice and unfortunately action isn't. John Swinney is a good man and the SNP without him is a weaker party. I hope he stays involved. Nicola Sturgeon is a very charismatic and active lady who has what it takes to take the party to victories everywhere. I would like to see her lead the party.
Keith Anderson, Aberdeen, Scotland
Now I don't need to resign from the SNP. Swinney's leadership has been a disaster fraught with either bad decision or indecision. The party needs to be more progressive in its approach and pragmatic in its aims. To achieve this we need a leader with ambition, direction and motivation rather than a family connection. The next leader also needs a television presence, John sounds like a police officer providing court with an account of a road accident.
James Duffy, London
John Swinney comes across as a decent and honest politician, which is very rare, and if the snipers could only have united behind him then the SNP might be in a better position. The SNP needs to give a clearer message of what it represents and back up their independence quest with clear policies of how they will make it work. I'm at a loss to find anyone else capable of achieving this!
John Pollock, Glasgow, Scotland
The setting up of the Scottish Parliament should have given the SNP the platform to clearly and concisely state to the electorate, their alternative policies for an independent Scotland. The SNP under John Swinney has clearly failed to do this and has unfortunately been sucked into the political mire of confrontation politics favoured by Labour. Though it grieves me to say, you have to admire the cunning of Tony Blair and co. for setting up a devolved parliament, as it has exposed a lack policy substance from the current SNP leadership. The SNP need to publish a coherent, credible alternative to subjugation by Westminster or disband.
Matt, Stirling
John Swinney was a capable leader for SNP, but the Greens, and especially Tommy Sheridan and the SSP, have become defined themselves as strong opposition parties, and they also want an independent Scotland.
Tony, Edinburgh
John Swinney never looked the part, lacked the authority, and he was brushed aside in the parliament. He looked like a fish out of water in the chamber. The SNP need to regroup perhaps if Alex could come back that would help in the short term. But in the longer term they need someone like Roseanna who would make an excellent leader and she is perhaps one of the few really bright MSPs. God help them if they pick the likes of Nicola Sturgeon.
Allan, Edinburgh
I hope the backbiters are proud of themselves. Welcome to the wilderness years.
Andy Lewis, Edinburgh
Poor John - he wilted in the huge shadow of Alex Salmond. If Alex had stayed the SNP could've been a real force in Scotland - but the lure of Westminster seemed too great.
David Wells, Glasgow
Nobody votes for bald guys.
David McDowell, Edinburgh, Scotland
No matter how impassioned, or clever the leader the party is trying to lead Scotland backwards and it is time for the SNP to change their policies, decide what their long term plans are and if they belong in the 21st Century. As one living in a SNP dominated area I can clearly see the declining standards in the community, the lack of development and the lack of support by many of the inhabitants of civilised standards of government, the squabbling amongst elected councillors and the lack of infrastructure causing a reduction in investment by businesses. A few miles south can be found vibrant, expanding towns and communities with forward-looking plans for the future.
Barry Keating, Peterhead, UK
John Swinney lacked the wit and personality of Alex Salmond and failed to make a positive impression on the public. The party now needs a quick leadership contest. Learn from the Westminster Conservatives and nominate Roseanna Cunningham un-opposed. She could then lead with the party's full backing.
Donald Junor, Aberdeen
John Swinney had the right idea but lacked the necessary populist charm. The opportunity is there for the SNP if they keep pushing for more powers for our parliament. The Scottish people will decide how far to go.
Ian, Milngavie
The press seem to have had it in for John Swinney since the start, always comparing him unfavourably with Alex Salmond, and it is unfortunate that he was never given a proper opportunity to espouse his views and his vision for his party. However, there is a bigger question as to where, indeed, does the SNP go from here? Recent electoral successes for other pro-independence parties have shown that the SNP no longer has a monopoly on that part of the political spectrum, and, unfortunately for them, the weakness of the SNP's environmental and social justice policies (eg, support for the monstrous M74 project which will little help Glasgow's environment nor enable the majority of its citizens who do not own cars to improve their economic prospects) show themselves to be out of touch with the majority of Scots who would prefer Scotland to be a sustainable, social democratic society than one left to the worst rampages of capitalism.
David, Edinburgh, Scotland
All the very best John, you faced an enormous challenge in the footsteps of Alex Salmond and maybe Scotland as a whole has come of age yet again. Implementation of policy has, unfortunately, been sadly lacking of late with only nominal conviction on the part of those who should be at the nation's helm. The overwhelming conundrum being WHY we always undersell ourselves on the home front when overseas - more especially in Europe, our credentials are accorded such magnanimous worth.
Ruairaidh, Tanajib, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In Scotland Labour voters would even vote for a monkey if it was put up for election so what chance did John Swinney have? A good man forced out by internal squabbling which is going to kill off the SNP if it is not careful.
Bob Keltie, Bo'ness
The recent poor showing of the SNP has to be viewed in the context of the times we live in to make much sense. Scotland has only recently gained a degree of autonomy (which was a direct result of SNP's popularity) and I think people are seeing how this goes before any further commitment to independence. So Swinney was on a beating to nothing. Next incumbent will probably fair better, especially if we get a Tory UK Government anytime soon.
Donald Munn, Oslo, Norway
John was a true, genuine man and came across as that. He didn't huff and puff or shout the loudest like many others, he was always cool and calculating. Sadly in the end this man was betrayed by those who should really care about the party more. My only hope is for Nicola Sturgeon to replace this very able and likeable man.
Dean McKeown, Coatbridge
John is a good man and fine leader. The party will rue this day. Of the main contenders, I hope Kenny MacAskill stands and is elected. However, whoever is elected the party members MUST get behind them fully even if the leader is not their choice. The infighting must stop!
Jeff, Blairgowrie, Scotland
Leaders come and go the important thing is that the SNP continue to demand independence for the Scottish people.
Geraint ap Wiliam, Pontypridd, Wales
At last! Now maybe we can get back to impressing on the Scottish electorate the message of 'Scotland is better off Independent'. So he was a 'nice guy', so what! We are fighting for Scotland's freedom against the mass forces of Conservative & Blairite Unionism and we need a leader to ignite the SNP and the Scottish people. Campbell Martin was right all along; he was martyred on the alter of Swinney's fragile ego. Kenny MacAskill is just Tony Blair with an accent and Nicola Sturgeon is a "Swinney-me"! Alex Neil or Roseanna Cunningham are leaders the party needs.
David, West Kilbride, Scotland
I hope all those who criticised John Swinney are satisfied. I think it's a disgrace that he should be undermined and forced to stand down, largely due to the relentless speculation of the Scottish media about his future.
Alison, Aberdeen
While I did not support John for the leadership when I was still a member of the SNP I sympathise with the problems he had to encounter as leader, particularly the problems about how to position the SNP within the new Scottish Parliament. If he made one mistake it was in trying to make the new parliament work and not spending his time revealing its many limitations and lack of powers in the major areas of policy affecting Scotland. He was and is a very decent person and I hope he continues to play a prominent role in Scottish public life for many years to come. From my previous knowledge of the SNP it would be a big mistake to blame the "fundies" for his demise, the answer lies much closer to home as was forecast to him shortly after him becoming leader.
Iain Lawson, Paisley, Scotland
The reality is, beyond John Swinney the SNP have almost nobody of any standing. Nicola Sturgeon can't get elected anywhere, Kenny MacAskill has been beaten more times than an old rug and Republican Rose wants to ditch the Queen. Only Fergus Ewing, who represents a mixed urban and rural seat, has the wit and intelligence and experience to lead us. This truly is a bad day for Labour as it opens the door of opportunity for the SNP to elect a good man whose roots are firmly woven in SNP history. Come on Fergus, show courage in our hour of need and reflect on what Henry V said before the battle of Agincourt "For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day." For the SNP, this election represents St Crispins Day. Come on Fergus.
Jan, Pitlochry, Scotland
The SNP are a spent force and his resignation will make no difference. Look at how we manage ourselves and our finances (see Scottish 'Parliament'). It is a disgrace.
Rory Macgregor, Perth, Scotland
John Swinney has been treated dreadfully by the media and elements within his own party. This hard working and trusted man will be a sad loss to the party as leader. I hope that in the coming months the party will not tear itself apart in electing a successor.
Elaine, Perth
Swinney isn't the problem, he is just a symptom of the SNP's failure to adapt to the reality of the devolution settlement. They must have a wholesale review of what they stand for and whether they want to be a pressure group or a political party if they want to play any part in Scotland's political future. I believe that Scottish politics will revert to that of the three main parties, the SSP and Greens over the next 10 years as the SNP's main cause is now redundant.
Doug Bradley, Glasgow
The failure of SNP policy since devolution is a direct result of a more general distrust in most Scottish politicians. We have a chance to create a fully integrated political network working for the benefit of all, yet petty wrangling is ruining many chances for co-operation both within the SNP and throughout the political establishment.
Ian Neilson, Inverness
Not before time. Mr Swinney was completely out of touch with the electorate and his party. Whilst Alex Salmond was always going to be a difficult act to follow, John Swinney was never the man to do that. I am sure the party will consolidate now and move forward
Tommy, Fife
John was a decent man, and a capable organiser and campaigner, and I hope that he will remain involved with the SNP at the highest level, but he has made the right decision in making way for someone better able to promote the cause of Scottish self-government.
Jonny, Glasgow
John Swinney may have presided over the worst SNP election results in living memory at Scottish, UK and European levels. But the problem is the SNP itself not just its leader. The party is a busted flush post devolution.
Iain, London
As long as the SNP offer similar left-of-centre policies to the Labour Party, but with independence tagged on, then they are not really offering an alternative to the status quo. If they were to offer us the vision of a low-tax, low regulation independent Scotland where wealth-creation was not viewed as somehow "dirty" then they might have a widely differentiated and more attractive offering to a significant proportion of the electorate.
Graeme, Glasgow
Well done John - get out while you've still got a party to resign your leadership from. The SNP is dead as a political force. Not surprising really since there is only one thing that they all agree on - independence. They can't even agree how best to achieve independence, which is incidental anyway because the electorate don't want it. Below that they've got a ragbag bunch of right wing Tories, left wing Socialists, New Labour wannabes, and nutcase activists. Only Nicola Sturgeon can revive their chances.
Dave, Edinburgh
Sillars et al talk about the death of democracy in the SNP but the root cause of this tragedy is the opposite: the tolerance and culture of dissent and back-stabbing within the SNP. We need someone like Neil Kinnock to knock these people on the head and kick them all into Tommy's patch. We need to get our own house in order before we aspire to run the country. The future of the SNP is as a strong centrist party attracting the best and brightest to our cause.
Jim Orr, London, UK
It seems as though, just like with William Hague, here is an able politician who was elevated too quickly, by his party associates and then left to hang himself. The SNP should have united behind him, rather than continuing all of the in-fighting which has resulted in a weakened party and now a leaderless one. Who else is strong enough to take the helm? Oh, what's that we hear? The sound of Alex Salmond, maybe? Either way, have sympathy for a decent man. John Swinney was always going to have a difficult job reigning in all the SNP points of view. The party should be ashamed of itself - they used to be about Independence, not bickering.
L Gilmour, Edinburgh, Scotland
Sad to see John Swinney go - his only failing was he did get rid of the back-stabbers such as Ingram, Neil, Paterson and Sillars.
John, Kilmarnock
Too decent a man to be a politician, let alone a leader.
jims, Blairgowrie, Perthshire
When John Swinney was first elected, he was touted because of his youth, and his charisma. Well, not wanting to kick a man when he's down but he made John Major look colourful. The reality is now that there is a Scottish Parliament the SNP need to find a coherent policy agenda for governance. Bleating on about independence as a one policy solve-all solution just does not wash..
Joe, Glasgow, Scotland
Nothing personal Mr Swinney, but let's hope this will kick-start the SNP back up the polls at election times. Scotland needs a strong SNP and a strong SNP leader - and only when that happens will Scotland take another step forward on its inevitable road to independence.
Scott , Stirling, Scotland
The SNP have failed because of their message, not their leader. John Swinney is intelligent, good-humoured and motivated. Not many of his likely successors can boast such qualities.
Derek Young, Edinburgh, Scotland
As an SNP voter and contributor, this is what the party has been crying out for. I hope his replacement is more credible and more electable. The dream ticket would be Alex Salmond: a credible and thoroughly honest politician (!), with an excellent ability to debate the points of the party. With Swinney, we lost our way and he seemed like a stop-gap leader: but now is our chance to find an alternative voice who can reinstate the SNP as a major player in Scottish affairs.
Euan, Edinburgh
The problem for the SNP isn't John Swinney, it's that the people of Scotland don't want independence. Changing the leader won't change that fact.
Robert, Zürich, Switzerland
In his first days as leader of the SNP, I remember John Swinney talking in the most remarkable way (for a politician) about poverty and social exclusion and I thought here is a man for Scotland. And he has shown himself to be a good man and someone we could trust. But his downfall may have its roots in an inability to translate his social concerns into a clear and attractive proposition for the electorate.
John McDonald, London
Alex Neil has the vision and the determination to move Scotland forward to independence. Time to change the flawed strategy of the last five years and not just the leader.
Calum Miller, Prestonpans
Good. Should never have been elected, not a natural leader, no charisma. Roseanna Cunningham should have got the job!
Robert Tedford, Scotland
I think John Swinney was the best person to lead the SNP. The people being named as possible replacements are all massive steps backwards for the SNP.
Simon, Edinburgh, UK
Hopefully this marks the start of a downturn in nationalist support. There's enough division and strife in this country as it is, without the likes of Cunningham et al wasting public money on creating more.
Russ, London, UK
John Swinney is a likeable, decent, honest politician. Unfortunately, in the media driven politics of today, these are not the most important qualities in a leader. Sad to see him go.
Neil Fletcher (LibDem Councillor), Aberdeen, Scotland
John Swinney has made an enormous contribution to the SNP. Although the SNP are a much 'nicer' party than any other, some traitors have always felt the need to bypass internal debate and go to the press. This must stop now. With Tommy's trots sinking to the seventh party and being beaten by the SNP everywhere, we no longer need to pander to the lunatic left.
Sandy MacGregor, Ardrossan
No sad loss. All I ever heard Mr Swinney do during FMQ's or on TV is slag off the executive. He never came up with solutions or any credible policies.
David Miller, Paisley
If only these whingers had put as much effort into campaigning and getting our message across then the good results wouldn't only be confined to the North east of Scotland and the two major cities of Dundee and Aberdeen. I am devastated at his decision but how could anyone put up with the traitors in our midst.
Pam Wilson, Perthshire
Freedom through Independence and nothing less. We should not settle for an SNP leader who waters down our quest for freedom. My support will go to the contender who puts independence first above all else. Or in future it will go to Tommy.
Heather, Edinburgh
It was inevitable he would go; too nice, too reasonable, too ordinary. The SNP must now be careful not to make the same mistake of selecting someone that party members think appropriate. They should select someone the electorate as whole think it can support. After all, they're the ones who'll vote the SNP into power if it ever happens. A bit of research amongst the general public is called for, otherwise they'll end up with yet another unelectable leader.
Stuart, Edinburgh, Scotland
This was the wrong time to go in my opinion. John will be remembered for the wrong reasons, but if this party is going to win an election in the near future, it will be down to the reforms he undertook to push through during his leadership. I hope that Campbell Martin gets expelled soon, he is the one who has brought shame to the SNP!
Mark, Aberdeen
As for any party that seeks change, what has happened here is an age-old battle between revolutionary reactionaries (in this case the likes of the Ewing clan) and those who support the parliamentary road... that understands the need to show competence. Sadly it looks like the SNP have punched themselves in the face by returning to the knee-jerk firebrand flavour of Scottish Nationalism.
Joe, Forfar, Scotland
John Swinney's fundamental mistake was to believe in, and campaign for devolution. By introducing devolution, Labour achieved exactly what they wanted - to neuter moderate Nationalist sentiment - clearly shown by the SNP's poor election results, and (in Wales), Plaid Cymru's one-seat lead over the Conservatives in the Welsh Assembly. John Swinney has realised, too late, that independence for Scotland is, and always will be, an unrealistic option to pursue.
Tim, Uppingham, UK
It appals me that one of the most honest and decent political leaders this country has ever had has been forced out of office by a Unionist press and internal political foes for who the word "integrity" could never and will never be used. Plaid Cymru lost badly in Wales at the General Election. They kicked out their leader tried to shift to the left and refocus. They went to get hammered into third place in the Euro elections dropping 12 points (pretty shocking considering the fuss being made about the SNP. Is it just me who thinks that this is more than a coincidence? UK politics is going through a major change, the emergence of smaller parties coupled with lacklustre devolved parliaments and Assemblies has affected the moderate Nationalist parties.
Matthew, East Kilbride
Not surprising considering the SNP never seem to have any coherent policies. Anyway, can anyone name five MPs/MSPs that are members of the SNP? Perhaps if they made a greater effort in communicating their aims to the electorate they would have stood a better chance.
Neil Small, Scotland
The question remains if and when the SNP achieve independence what will they do? What will they be... tax and spend social democrats? Rampant Tories? Radical socialists? Wishy-washy liberals? Or just plain crazy?
Andrew, Kilwinning, Scotland
Of course John Swinney is a nice guy, but that has evidently not been enough to inspire the electorate to vote SNP. Based on results, he has done the right thing by stepping down. This is a bad day for Scottish Labour. The SNP needs to take stock, come up with a sound long-term strategy to persuade the Scottish people of the benefits of independence, and start leading the Scottish political agenda once again. It is important to remember that the number of pro-independence MSPs has increased since 1999, not decreased. Perhaps the next leader should set out to build a broad pro-independence coalition? Good luck to John Swinney and to his successor.
John, Edinburgh
Unfortunately, for the SNP at least, John Swinney was out of his depth and just couldn't cut the mustard politically. He lacked nerve, vision and commitment; consequently he never gained the trust of the people and eventually lost that of those closest to him - that's what has brought him to where he is today. Put bluntly, he was the political embodiment of the 'Peter Principle',
Calum, Edinburgh
Thank god for that. Let hope they don't go from frying pan to fire and elect Nicola Sturgeon as leader though.
Mark Hirst, Perth Scotland
As a Labour supporter I absolutely agree with Mike Bannon, the SNP should definitely pick Nicola Sturgeon. Not only has she never won an election in her life, but she comes across on TV as a nippy sweetie. Thank goodness Roseanna Cunningham and Kenny MacAskill are not standing!
Thomas, Annan, Dumfries & Galloway
At last. Now maybe the SNP will get back on the right track and make every policy decision based upon achieving independence. Something that Swinney seemed to have forgotten all about.
Ian , Bournemouth England
Shocking
Peter Lavelle, Bath
am sad at the resignation of John Swinney. An Englishman living in the Scottish Borders, he was a man of integrity, who didn't speak like a politician. He almost persuaded me to join the SNP. I certainly won't consider joining the party now he's gone.
Rev Andrew Warburton, By Newcastleton
With the Scottish Executive looking more and more like a bad thing for Scotland, can the SNP really believe they will ever win the confidence of the electorate to the point of running this country? We were better off with Westminster - the SNP is an extreme we can ill afford irrespective of its leader. Let's hope some good politicians step up to the boiler plate soon in Edinburgh before the money runs out and the economy bombs.
Jock, Glasgow
It's not the leader that has brought about the decline of the SNP, it's the message. Their dour, 'Little Scotlander', chipped-shoulder brand of fantasy politics grates on most of the electorate, and changing the man at the top won't change that.
David, Glasgow
The SNP has made a dreadful mistake in forcing out John Swinney. He is honest, decent and above all a Nationalist - qualities that the SNP have been missing since Gordon Wilson was leader. John Swinney was not leader when the concept of devolution was accepted and campaigned for - Alex Salmond was. Perhaps all those carping about John Swinney should remember that.
Louise, Essex, England
The SNP have shot themselves in the foot by bringing down John Swinney. With the constant in-fighting and bitter divisions, the SNP as a party have failed to win the hearts and minds of the Scottish people. Don't blame the leader blame the party. With no credible alternative to Mr Swinney independence will remain a distant dream for the SNP and for Scotland.
Dylan, Edinburgh, Scotland
Very sorry to see John go. In this day and age of sleaze and politicians treating the electorate with contempt, John Swinney was a man who could be trusted totally, and at all times acted honorably on behalf of his party and his country. The problem with the SNP is not John Swinney, but those individuals in the party who continually put their own narrow agendas ahead of what's good for the party and the country.
Willie Ross, Shetland
John Swinney just never had what it takes to be leader of the SNP. He is a nice guy who you would love as your next door neighbour but definitely not as a first minister. It needs someone with more steel and a bit of charisma. I think Nicola Sturgeon would make a great leader. She has the charm and looks to take on Mr McConnell but also the steely nerve to carry us on to freedom! Go Nicola.
Mike Bannon, Livingston, Scotland
I liked John Swinney - I knew that he'd be next in line after Alex Salmond as SNP leader. However, I think devolution has clearly caused the SNP to move away from what should be the overall goal of the party - an independent Scotland within Europe. The European elections were the first elections in a long time where I had to consider who my vote went too - I came very close to not voting for the SNP. A change is required - someone charismatic, who's willing to attack Labour for its failings and clearly establish a platform for independence is required.
Mike Kilpatrick, Montrose, Scotland
I am sorry Mr Swinney is having to go. He was leading the SNP in the right direction. Without him the SNP is doomed I say, doomed.
John Duncan, West Lothian
The only names that mean less to me than John Swinney are those of the contenders. The SNP should choose someone electable before Tommy Sheridan and his pals become the opposition.
Paul, Glasgow
― Newshound, Tuesday, 22 June 2004 12:08 (twenty-two years ago)