John Swinney has been accused of putting his “damaging and divisive obsession” with independence before the issues that matter to Scottish people.
At the final First Minister’s Questions before the election, Russell Findlay said the SNP leader should be focused on the cost of living, fixing the NHS, the economy and jobs, rather than his secret plan to break up the UK.
The Scottish Conservative leader, who listed a roll-call of failures from the “incompetent, dishonest and sleazy” SNP government, warned that the pressing problems facing the nation would be ignored even more if Swinney wins a majority on May 7.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “John Swinney has been at the heart of this incompetent, dishonest and sleazy SNP government for almost two decades.
“It would take all day to properly address this useless government’s dismal record.
“But here’s a few: classroom violence, up. Teacher numbers, down. Police stations, closed. Police officer numbers, down. Violent crime, up. Domestic violence, up.
“New houses, unbuilt. Major roads, unbuilt. Hospital waiting times, up. GPs and dentists, unavailable. Breakfasts and bikes for kids, undelivered.
“New prisons, unbuilt. Prisoners, set free. Ferries, broken. Pubs, closing. Rural Scotland, ignored. Oil workers, betrayed. Women’s rights, trashed. Drug deaths, up.
“John Swinney ought to be ashamed of his record, but since he was a teenager, he has only cared about one thing – independence.
“And he goes into this election with independence as his number one priority.
“He says that he will win a majority, he says this will give him the green light for another referendum.
“People are sick and tired of his damaging and divisive obsession.
“They want politicians and parliament to address their problems – the cost of living, the NHS, the economy, jobs.
“But John Swinney believes that chasing independence is more important than these critical issues.”