Transport spokesman Kenny McAskill urged the party leadership not to try to compete with Labour and the Conservatives in offering tax cuts to the electorate.
His own generation, he said, benefited from the austerity endured by their parents - now it is time for the baby boomers to give something back.
Fight for independence
Another keynote speech on the second day of the Inverness conference was given by Scottish Parliamentary Convener Margaret Ewing.
She warned delegates the UK elections could take place within the next 18 months and that the party must be ready to fight on an independence platform.
Her speech followed on from Wednesday's address by party business manager Mike Russell.
He called for the party to put itself on a firm footing for future campaigns by embarking on a restructuring programme.
Maverick Margo pulls no punches
(22 Sep 99 | Scotland)
Salmond renews independence pledge
(22 Sep 99 | Scotland)
Nationalists in modernising mood
(22 Sep 99 | Scotland)
SNP to 'review and readdress' policies
(19 Sep 99 | Scotland)
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