BBC NEWS | Scotland | Resignation reaction: "Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialist Party:
The Swinney resignation was a watershed in Scottish politics, he said.
'John Swinney has been a honourable victim of Scotland's new politics and the rise of the new independence supporting parties, particularly the Scottish Socialist Party.
'The 'New SNP', pro-big business agenda that John Swinney and the SNP leadership adopted has been an abject failure and he has paid the price.'
Mr Sheridan said it didn't matter who was leader of the SNP.
He believes whoever takes on the position will have to come to terms with the fact that the SSP is on the rise."

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Scottish Socialist Party
Press Release: 22/06/04

Sheridan: Swinney resignation watershed in Scottish politics

Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Tommy Sheridan said today that the resignation of John Swinney marked a watershed in pro independence politics in Scotland and that Scotland’s political terrain would never be the same again.
Tommy said;
“John Swinney has been a honourable victim of Scotland’s new politics and the rise of the new independence supporting parties, particularly the Scottish Socialist Party.
“The Scottish Socialist Party has offered a vision that appeals to many of those who have supported the SNP in the past; a clear vision of a socialist and republican independent Scotland.
“The ‘New SNP’, pro big business agenda that John Swinney and the SNP leadership adopted has been an abject failure and he has paid the price.
“John Swinney’s resignation marks a watershed in the development of pro independence politics in Scotland, Scotland’s political terrain will never be the same again.
“It doesn’t matter who the leader of the SNP is, they are going to have to recognise that the rise of the SSP and other independence supporting parties has changed forever the political make up of Scotland.
“The SSP will continue to advocate our pro-working class, pro-socialist programme and we appeal to all SNP supporters who share that vision to now join us in building a party that fights for an independent socialist republic for Scotland.
“The SSP calls on the new SNP leader to join all those who have helped to build the Independence Convention into a vehicle that can unite all those who are campaigning for an independent Scotland.”