A FORMER Labour First Minister yesterday gave his backing to the SNP government's consultation on the future constitutional set-up.
Henry McLeish said he welcomed the "open debate" under way with the National Conversation which moves into its second phase this week.
The wide-ranging consultation is being undertaken in line with the Nationalist administration's plans for a refe
rendum on independence.
First Minister Alex Salmond will help launch the second stage of the consultation at Edinburgh University this Wednesday, which the government say is aimed at the "great institutions" of Scottish society.
Representatives from business organisations, trades unions, universities, colleges, the voluntary sector, professional bodies and church leaders will be among those in the audience for the launch.
Mr McLeish said: "We need an open and inclusive conversation to discuss our future, one in which all the positive options are included – the current devolution settlement, more powers, independence and also a form of federalism.
"The key thing is that these ideas are debated in terms of how they will deliver a better quality of life for everyone who lives in Scotland – better health, housing, economic performance and education.
"The National Conversation and further constitutional development should be the means to these vital ends."
The full article contains 209 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
