In his new year message, Nicol Stephen, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats said:
“This (2006) has been a momentous year for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Our success in the Dunfermline by-election sent shockwaves through the foundations of UK and Scottish politics. The Liberal Democrats achieved a massive 16% swing from Labour and Willie Rennie gained the seat. It was a turning point and for the first time it is now clear the Liberal Democrats can be Scotland’s largest party. The party is growing in support, particularly amongst young people and increasingly in new parts of Scotland.
“Since Dunfermline Labour and the SNP have resorted to their usual bitter, tribal battles, name calling, and never-ending negativity. While they fight each other the Liberal Democrats will fight for better schools and hospitals.
“More and more people are prepared to make the switch to the Liberal Democrats – Dunfermline has shown that.”


