'The real fight is for Scotland'

SNP Depute Leader and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has described 2010 as Scotland's chance to be heard - with a General Election and a bill for a referendum on Independence giving Scottish voters the opportunity to set the direction of Scotland's future and determine who they want to speak up for Scotland in Westminster and in the world.

Speaking as the Scottish National Party moves firmly into election mode for the year ahead, Ms Sturgeon urged Scotland's voters to reject the negativity of opposition parties and use the opportunity to make Scotland's voice heard.

With the SNP coming top across Scotland in the European poll in May 2009, the coming year will bring a real opportunity for Scotland's voters to elect a strong Scottish voice at Westminster and to deliver the referendum on Scotland's future.

Ms Sturgeon said: "The SNP is governing for the people and that is why we continue to win support across Scotland.

"As a country, we will face challenges and tough times ahead as we all pay the price for Labour's recession. While the negativity of other parties holds Scotland back, the SNP will put you, your family and your job first.

"The real fight in 2010 is not the phoney war between Labour and Tory - the tweedledum and tweedledee of UK politics - the real fight is for Scotland and to make the coming decade Scotland's decade.

"In 2009, Scotland's voters backed the SNP in the only UK wide election and across all elections, putting the SNP first for Scotland in Europe and giving Scotland a stronger voice.

"In 2010 voters will have that opportunity again to ensure Scotland's voice is heard.  We are already seeing the opposition parties try to cut Scotland out - telling the Scottish people who to vote for instead of debating Scottish issues.

"Whoever wins the phoney war at Westminster, only the SNP will give Scotland the stronger, louder voice we will all need in the years ahead.

"And as we work to bring in the legislation for a referendum on Scotland's future, only the SNP that want to give you the right to a voice here at home.

"While Labour, Tory and Lib Dems arrogantly assume they know best in 2010, the SNP want you to make the decision with a chance to cast your vote for Scotland's future.

"As we mark the start of another year and a new decade, let's make this year the year Scotland's voice is heard at home, in London and around the world."