Herald: Rebel Martin wrecks Swinney’s plans

THE SNP's internal discipline problems were thrown back into the spotlight yesterday after a rebel MSP wrecked one of the party's showpiece events for the European election campaign. Campbell Martin overshadowed the SNP's high-profile Holyrood debate on Iraq by speaking on behalf of his "friends", the Scottish Socialist party...

Toward the end of the afternoon debate, it was announced Mr Martin would sum up on behalf of the SSP, provoking gasps from the Labour and LibDem benches.
"I would like to thank my friends in the SSP for allowing me to make a contribution to this debate," he said.
He then chided Mr Swinney for advocating a phased troop withdrawal instead of the SSP's policy of immediate troop withdrawal to allow Iraqis to govern themselves. "I would have thought the leader of the SNP would have seen self-determination as a good thing."...

There was further discomfort when Andy Kerr, Labour finance minister, asked Mr Martin if he would disclose secret SNP cabinet minutes reportedly showing Mr Swinney "wobbled" before opposing the war. Mr Martin said:
"Certainly, but not to you."...

Mr Martin later said he had not joined the SSP, and would stay in the SNP if the party wanted him. If not, he would consider moving to the Socialists. He said: "I think John Swinney's leadership has been detrimental to the cause of independence in Scotland.
"Today I felt more comfortable with the SSP position. But I'm waiting for the SNP to decide whether they want me."

BBC News Online: SNP rebel speaks on Iraq for SSP