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SNP and Labour react to election results |
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Friday, 04 May 2007 |
In response to the final declaration of seats in the Scottish Parliament election this evening, with the SNP on 47 seats and Labour on 46, First Minister Jack McConnell said he wanted to congratulate those elected and re-elected to the Parliament.
"I am grateful for the support of those who voted Labour, but I also
want to assure all those who did not vote Labour that we will listen to
them.
"The SNP are now the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, but by the narrowest of margins and with 47 out of 129 seats.
"We recognise their position, but we also recognise our responsibilities to the people of Scotland.
McConnell said that much would rest with coalition deals. "One of the
distinctive features of the Scottish Parliament is that any party
wishing to lead the Scottish government must secure the support of
others, and we will await discussions and developments over the coming
days."
Salmond was unsurprisingly upbeat, although he might have wished for a greater margin to give the SNP a clearer mandate to rule.
"After what was a momentous night in Scottish politics, and with all
votes now counted, it is I hope appropriate that I say a few words
about where Scotland now stands.
"First, Scotland has moved forward - for good and forever. Scotland has
chosen a new path – one which echoes the hopes and aspirations of a new
culture of politics. Last night was a reminder that politicians exist
to serve and not just to survive.
"Second, I am proud that the SNP has won the highest number of votes of
any party in the election and the highest number of seats.
"That is a historic moment and let me give one more commitment on
behalf of my party. Now that we have been given the chance to lead, we
will do so in the national interest and not for party advantage. We
will lead with humility but also with passion. We will lead with verve
and imagination but always mindful that we serve the people – all the
people – of this proud and ancient nation.
Salmond said that there was an immense task ahead of a new Government.
"The Scottish writer Alasdair Gray put it well when he wrote - 'Work
as though you lived in the early days of a better nation'.
"My commitment to Scotland is this - we will work, and these are the early days of a better nation."
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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 May 2007 )
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