McLetchie: 'very different' approach

Scotland's political parties have continued to trade blows as the first week of campaigning for the Holyrood election draws to a close.

As the Tories published their manifesto, Labour claimed the party was intending to cut £4 billion from Scotland's public services.

Labour's Andy Kerr said: "The Tories are still intent on slashing Scotland's public spending. Indeed the Tory manifesto dismisses Labour's extra investment in schools, hospitals and the fight against crime as 'excessive' and 'wrong'."

The Tories said they wanted to establish a "very different approach".

"Our approach is based on trusting the Scottish people and empowering them," said David McLetchie.

"This starts with smaller government and the real devolution of decision making. We will cut taxes and red tape, so freeing entrepreneurs to build our economy.

"We will give parents and patients real choice in education and health."

Meanwhile the SNP led an attack on the Labour Party after Jack McConnell announced a new plan which would result in more offenders remaining in the community.

"This new soft approach from Labour tells us everything we need to know about their attitude to crime. To say tough sentences don't work is to ignore the real public alarm over violent criminals and those who deal drugs to our children being let off the hook," said party leader John Swinney.

"Since Labour came to power we have seen a dramatic rise in violent crime and drug crime but a fall in those going to court and being convicted.

"This latest measure will do nothing but exacerbate that situation. If drug dealers and violent criminals know that they are going to get a soft option then where is the incentive to change their criminal behaviour.

"Jack McConnell talks tough on crime but his track record shows just the opposite and his future plans are nothing short of a criminal's charter."

The SNP also launched a package of measures to "boost the Scottish rural economy" on Thursday.

It came as the Lib Dems pledged to pay off the student loans of nurses who "make a continuing commitment" to the NHS.

"Nurses are a precious resource. If nurses make a commitment to the NHS, the Scottish Liberal Democrats we will make a commitment to them. Complete your course, and for long as you work in NHS Scotland we will pay off your student loan," said party leader Jim Wallace.

"By doing this, we will significantly increase the number of student nurses completing their course and going on into the profession."