SNP
Alex Salmond launched his manifesto in a futuristic egg-shaped lecture theatre at Napier University, Edinburgh. He promised a large tax cut as part of his council taxation reform, more referenda on independence if he does not get a "yes" at first asking, and that: "I will take my orders from the people of Scotland, and I will not disappoint them".

LABOUR
Jack McConnell was in the Edinburgh Central marginal seat with candidate Sarah Boyack, talking up competitive sports during a visit to the Crags Sports Centre.

He also rebutted the finances behind the SNP manifesto, publishing a black pledge card and black manifesto to lampoon the SNP's election promises. Health Minister Andy Kerr was visiting a health clinic in Partick, Glasgow, and said SNP claims of NHS centralisation are "lies and hypocrisy".

CONSERVATIVES
Deputy leader Murdo Fraser highlighted a planned £15m fund to tackle road accident black spots, visiting one of them on the A9 near Perth. Leader Annabel Goldie responded to the SNP manifesto, saying Nationalists are part of the problem at Holyrood, backing most executive legislation over the past eight years.

LIBDEMS
Nicol Stephen stressed the importance of children in campaigning for the environment and learning about it in school, while emphasising targets for increased recycling. That provoked Green criticism that LibDems want more waste incineration.

OTHERS
Greens talked warm, affordable housing at a housing hustings. The Free Scotland Party published a manifesto very similar to that of the SNP: the big difference is that it would pull Scotland out of the European Union. Tommy Sheridan was among party representatives at a pensioner forum in Stirling.

12:03am Friday 13th April 2007

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