This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6606179.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Leaders admit that 'Iraq matters' Leaders admit that 'Iraq matters'
(about 1 hour later)
Scotland's four main party leaders have all admitted that the electorate will take into account Iraq when they cast their votes on 3 May. Scotland's four main party leaders have all admitted that the electorate will take Iraq into account when they cast their votes on 3 May.
But during BBC Scotland's leaders' debate on Sunday, Labour's Jack McConnell pleaded with the public not to let the issue cloud their judgement.But during BBC Scotland's leaders' debate on Sunday, Labour's Jack McConnell pleaded with the public not to let the issue cloud their judgement.
The Tories' Annabel Goldie and the Lib Dems' Nicol Stephen said Westminster issues would play their part.The Tories' Annabel Goldie and the Lib Dems' Nicol Stephen said Westminster issues would play their part.
The SNP's Alex Salmond said it was the public's right to consider all issues.The SNP's Alex Salmond said it was the public's right to consider all issues.
The debate at the University of Aberdeen's Elphinstone Hall took place three days before voters go the polls to elect their MSPs and local councillors.The debate at the University of Aberdeen's Elphinstone Hall took place three days before voters go the polls to elect their MSPs and local councillors.
Epitaphs and love-ins at debateEpitaphs and love-ins at debate
The members of the 115-strong audience quizzed the politicians on the issues of Iraq, private finance initiatives and independence.The members of the 115-strong audience quizzed the politicians on the issues of Iraq, private finance initiatives and independence.
Mr McConnell told those gathered that he had no regrets over the removal of Saddam Hussein, and believed British troops should come home in an orderly and organised fashion.Mr McConnell told those gathered that he had no regrets over the removal of Saddam Hussein, and believed British troops should come home in an orderly and organised fashion.
He said: "But while I also think that people have very strong views on this, and I understand that - and it will be a factor in some people's choice on Thursday - I think it's vitally important that one particular issue does not cloud our views on the economic importance of the 300 year-old Union. He said: "But while I also think that people have very strong views on this, and I understand that - and it will be a factor in some people's choice on Thursday - I think it's vitally important that one particular issue does not cloud our views on the economic importance of the 300-year-old Union.
"Nor, for that matter, the priorities of the Scottish Parliament over the next four years.""Nor, for that matter, the priorities of the Scottish Parliament over the next four years."
Mr Salmond said it was impossible to "reserve issues" and not discuss them in an election campaign.Mr Salmond said it was impossible to "reserve issues" and not discuss them in an election campaign.
LEADER PROFILES Nicol Stephen: Lib Dem leader Alex Salmond: SNP leader Annabel Goldie: Tory leader Jack McConnell: Labour leaderLEADER PROFILES Nicol Stephen: Lib Dem leader Alex Salmond: SNP leader Annabel Goldie: Tory leader Jack McConnell: Labour leader
"You cannot reserve your conscience, these are issues where we have a responsibility as Scots, we said in the war 'not in my name' - that was the call," said Mr Salmond"You cannot reserve your conscience, these are issues where we have a responsibility as Scots, we said in the war 'not in my name' - that was the call," said Mr Salmond
Mr McConnell said that he respected that some people in Scotland wished to give the prime Minister Tony Blair a "kicking on the way out". Mr McConnell said that he respected that some people in Scotland wished to give Prime Minister Tony Blair a "kicking on the way out".
However, he said, Mr Blair would be gone long before "we in Scotland are paying the price of a change of government in Scotland".However, he said, Mr Blair would be gone long before "we in Scotland are paying the price of a change of government in Scotland".
During the hour-long session, Mr Stephen was pressed on whether he would change his mind on a referendum on independence.During the hour-long session, Mr Stephen was pressed on whether he would change his mind on a referendum on independence.
He said he would not be persuaded to change his mind and he insisted that the Union had benefited Scotland. He said he would not be persuaded to do so and he insisted that the Union had benefited Scotland.
'Couldn't save itself''Couldn't save itself'
Mr Stephen added: "Independence is not going to solve all of Scotland's problems. When I speak to people around Scotland these issues come right down the list of priorities. I don't want this constant treacle of debate for the next four years."Mr Stephen added: "Independence is not going to solve all of Scotland's problems. When I speak to people around Scotland these issues come right down the list of priorities. I don't want this constant treacle of debate for the next four years."
But Ms Goldie had a dig at her fellow panellists saying that there was only a threat to the Union because of the "Holy Trinity sitting on this panel". Referring to her fellow panellists, Ms Goldie said that there was only a threat to the Union because of the "Holy Trinity sitting on this panel".
The Aberdeen audience asked the questionsThe Aberdeen audience asked the questions
She added that although Labour wanted to save the Union it "couldn't save itself".She added that although Labour wanted to save the Union it "couldn't save itself".
On the issue of independence, Mr Salmond was at his most measured when he said: "It is time for a new partnership, we should continue to have a partnership, but it should be a partnership of equals. On the issue of independence, Mr Salmond said: "It is time for a new partnership, we should continue to have a partnership, but it should be a partnership of equals.
"There will always be a social union of people in England and elsewhere. Look at the countries around us, Norway, Iceland and Ireland - successful countries. Why can't Scotland be equally successful?""There will always be a social union of people in England and elsewhere. Look at the countries around us, Norway, Iceland and Ireland - successful countries. Why can't Scotland be equally successful?"
The final question concerned what epitaph each of the leaders would expect to have if they are defeated at Thursday's poll.The final question concerned what epitaph each of the leaders would expect to have if they are defeated at Thursday's poll.
All four smiled and said they did not expect to face defeat.All four smiled and said they did not expect to face defeat.