LIBERAL Democrats have at least a three-way choice for a new leader after Ross Finnie and Tavish Scott today announced they would stand in the party's leadership contest.
Following hot on the heels of Ross Finnie, who announced his plans this morning, Shetland MSP and former transport minister Tavish Scott confirmed at lunchtime that he plans to stand.
Mike Rumbles, who stood unsuccessfully in the last leadership
contest in 2005, has already declared his intention to stand.
Mr Finnie, 61, rural affairs minister from 1999 to 2007, said he had been "very encouraged" from soundings taken among colleagues and his family.
He said: "They certainly believe, or appear to believe, that I have the qualities necessary to be a leader.
"They see the question of experience, of sound judgement, of an ability to communicate, a sense of humour– all allied to an absolutely passionate belief in liberal democracy."
And he said he offered a sharper campaigning edge, claiming far too many people were uncertain of the Liberal Democrat message.
He also said he was also relaxed about a referendum on more powers for Holyrood.
"The Liberal Democrats are absolutely clear that after ten years of the Scottish Parliament, there are issues that have to be looked at," he added.
"That's why we want people to look at whether we need more powers.
"If that comes forward with a positive recommendation that is of serious constitutional change, then I have no problems at all in the Scottish people deciding that requires a referendum."
Mr Finnie also said that in a parliamentary democracy, referenda should be held only sparingly.
His new opponent Mr Scott said the party must address the needs of every community in Scotland and that as MSP for Shetland he had learned what community really means.
He said: "I want to lead the Scottish Liberal Democrats at a vital time in our country's future.
Over the past twelve months Scotland's political landscape has radically changed.
"The nationalists have formed their first government - and have shown themselves to be as opportunistic in office as they always were in opposition.
"Labour is sinking under the weight of its own internal strife - and on the watch of its own Scottish captain.
"And the Scottish people are being sold short as never before. Because amid all the fervid noise and bitter acrimony between Labour and the SNP, people's worries are being ignored."
He said he wanted the Liberal Democrats to transcend the "nastiness and narcissism that characterises so much of Scottish politics today".
"Under my leadership the Liberal Democrats will be the party that tackles the issues, provides the solutions and is not afraid to tell the truth," he said.
Nicol Stephen took colleagues by surprise with his decision to quit as Lib Dem leader last week, which came just four days after Wendy Alexander resigned as Scottish Labour leader. He said the stresses and strains on family life had become too much.
The Aberdeen South MSP has four children between the ages of four and 12. It is understood he brought his family down to Edinburgh, but they failed to settle and returned to Aberdeen.
The last Scottish Lib Dem leadership ballot in 2005 saw Mr Stephen win 76.6 per cent of the vote among party members.
