This election to lead our party comes at a moment of great opportunity for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. While Labour and the Nationalists bicker over the constitution, people are facing enormous challenges as a failing economy impacts on their daily lives. I want our party to talk their talk.Not the constitutional navel gazing of the others, but the challenges that we all face on energy costs, fuel prices and the rising cost of food.
The temptation for political parties can be to talk about the things that motivate and interest them and not the things that concern the voters.
There is of course a balance to be struck and I apologise to no one for the many occasions when I have challenged Labour politicians on issues such as the introduction of identity cards, the environment or forty-two detention without charge. But talk to many of our fellow Scots today and they will tell you that for the first time in many years they are worried about job security, wage levels and how to service the massive debt that many of them have.
This link is to my statement made on Monday 7th July on the reasons - personal and political - why I am running for Leader - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7493638.stm
I want also, to bring energy, determination and drive to ensuring that the party pulls together and in the same direction. Our party is not just about MSPs in Holyrood. Nor MPs at Westminster. We are stronger when our elected members in Brussels, London, Edinburgh and town halls across Scotland work, engage and debate with party members. I am determined that should happen.
We have got to be at the cutting edge of debate. I am convinced that we should seize both the short term opportunities that lie ahead but also think about the long term. I took decisions on rail investment in the previous Government that will be opened by whoever is the Transport Minister in 10 years! But these decisions were right - right for the environment, transport policy and the long term.
I have served on Sir David Steel's commission on more powers for our Parliament. That needs to be radical and bold. My commitment is to encourage our party conference to bubble with new ideas - ideas form local parties and members. But this manifesto is the basis of further ideas and thinking I want to bring to Scottish politics.
I have been in touch with many party colleagues across in Scotland since I launched my campaign. I want to speak to as many members as I can in the coming weeks. I look forward to those discussions.
Let us make sure that we use this election to engage, energise and drive the party to new heights.
With best wishes
Tavish Scott