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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| MSPs debate state of the nation | MSPs debate state of the nation |
| (about 8 hours later) | |
| Political parties will set out their goals as Holyrood stages its first full-scale debate of the new session. | Political parties will set out their goals as Holyrood stages its first full-scale debate of the new session. |
| The session usually opens with the Scottish Executive setting out its legislative programme. | |
| However, this is already known and with next May's election in mind MSPs will discuss the state of the nation and review party performance. | |
| First Minister Jack McConnell is expected to go on the offensive with an attack on independence. | First Minister Jack McConnell is expected to go on the offensive with an attack on independence. |
| BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor said Mr McConnell would tell MSPs that Scotland's devolved powers could enhance education as a boost to the economy and a route out of poverty. | BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor said Mr McConnell would tell MSPs that Scotland's devolved powers could enhance education as a boost to the economy and a route out of poverty. |
| In response, the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon will claim that Labour has run out of ideas - in contrast to Nationalist plans to enhance the economy and help young people. | In response, the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon will claim that Labour has run out of ideas - in contrast to Nationalist plans to enhance the economy and help young people. |
| Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie will argue that the devolution years have been wasted. | Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie will argue that the devolution years have been wasted. |
| Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, will argue that Scotland can become the green energy power house of Europe - while creating opportunities for the young. | Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, will argue that Scotland can become the green energy power house of Europe - while creating opportunities for the young. |