The SNP have renewed their battle with Labour, accusing Scotland's first minister of selling the country short.

Shadow Europe spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon claimed Jack McConnell was content to play in the "second division" of Europe.

Her comments came as the first minister took over the presidency of a conference of European regions.

The nationalist Glasgow MSP claimed Scotland was not making the big impact in the EU that it could were it to be independent from the UK.

"Jack McConnell likes to play the European statesman but in reality he is playing in the second division of Europe," she said.

"[The conference] is a body with no power and little influence and while Jack McConnell boasts about his role in it, the real decisions - on fishing and other vital matters - continue to be taken in the European Council where Scotland has no voice.

"It is a cruel irony that Jack McConnell will head up what is little more than a European pressure group at the same time as Ireland will hold the presidency of the EU.

"Independence in Europe would put Scotland in the first division, with the ability to protect our vital national interests just like Ireland does already.

"That's what any first minister worthy of the name would want for Scotland. Instead Jack McConnell is settling for second class status."