Independence 'convention' call

Mr Sheridan called for inspiration

Pro-independence parties in Scotland have been urged to unite in a "convention" to further their cause.

The move was floated at a fringe meeting at the Scottish National Party (SNP) annual conference in Inverness.

The case for a convention was argued by Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) leader Tommy Sheridan, leading SNP fundamentalist Alex Neil and Billy Wolfe, a former leader of the SNP.

SNP leader John Swinney, who delivered his key note speech ahead of Saturday's leadership challenge from activist Bill Watson, has called the idea of a convention "premature".

Mr Sheridan told the meeting of about 60 activists: "Our country isn't going to sleepwalk towards independence.

We are going to have to march our citizens proudly towards the vision of a small nation that becomes a beacon of social justice across the world Tommy Sheridan SSP leader

"Our country is going to have to be inspired.

"There is going to have to be a vision for the type of independent Scotland we have in our hearts and our heads.

"And we are going to have to march our citizens proudly towards the vision of a small nation that becomes a beacon of social justice across the world."

Mr Neil, who was defeated by Mr Swinney in a battle for the leadership of the party three years ago, told the fringe meeting: "If we are going to make progress (on independence), if we are to mobilise the nation, if we are to deliver the goods, we need to work together, we need to act together."

And he declared: "We have to speak as a nation with one voice if we are to win the battle for independence."

In addition to the SNP and the SSP, the Scottish Green party also has independence as a policy aim.

'Distant aspiration'

The notion of a convention on independence was given short shrift by SNP deputy leader Roseanna Cunningham on Wednesday.

She cautioned against rushing into "formal or informal coalitions" with other parties.

"Let's remember that when one party, the Greens, say that independence is only a distant aspiration and the other, the SSP, has no mechanism for delivery, the only outcome of too close a relationship would be to give a green light to people not to vote SNP," she told the conference.

To loud applause, she went on: "That may be what Tommy wants, but it sure as hell isn't what I want."