Alex Salmond: A new social contract for a better Scotland

THIS New Year heralds a year of decision for Scotland. It will be a decision on whether we go forward or backwards as a nation, a decision on what kind of vision and leadership we need - and ultimately a decision on what kind of country and a people we aspire to be.

There are now just over 100 days until the people of Scotland will be asked to make their choice of who they want to lead the country for another four years. I am proud to have led the first ever SNP government, and I am proud of the record that we take to the people after our first term in office - a record all the more remarkable for the fact that we have been a minority government for all of that time. Through strength of argument, not force of numbers, we have managed to win three-quarters of all parliamentary votes - which has underpinned our success in delivering nearly 90 per cent of our headline manifesto commitments.

To win a second term we need to persuade the electorate that we have the people, the policies and the vision to take Scotland forward - and I am convinced that we will do just that.

Our policies have proved, and continue to prove, necessary for the fabric of our society and hugely popular with the people of Scotland. We have delivered 1,000 extra police officers on the streets to protect communities, and as a result have seen crime fall to a 30-year low. The Council Tax freeze has brought much-needed relief at a time when household budgets are being squeezed elsewhere through rising bills, including Westminster's hike in VAT. We are already on course to secure a Council Tax freeze for the fourth year in a row, and the SNP go into this election with a pledge to freeze it for yet another year after that. Labour, in stark contrast, have said that they want to hike the Council Tax as part of their threatened additional "basket of taxes", as they themselves have put it.

Along with our commitment to scrap prescription charges, the ongoing Council Tax freeze is part of our social contract with the people of Scotland, where we say that, if people are willing to accept pay restraint, then we will do our bit to protect family budgets and job security.

The Small Business Bonus has also proved hugely popular, ensuring business rates have been slashed or scrapped for over 70,000 smaller and medium sized firms across Scotland, underpinning local employment and investment.

We are on track to surpass our target of generating 31 per cent of Scotland's electricity from clean, green sources this year - and the Chinese state visit to Scotland this weekend, led by vice-premier Li Keqiang, which will have a strong focus on our renewables sector, is a vindication of this Scottish success story. When a leader of the world's most populous nation comes to Scotland to learn about our renewables expertise, it shows Scotland as a world leader.

And on student funding, the SNP have restored the historic Scottish principle of education based on ability to learn - not the ability to pay - by scrapping the graduate endowment brought in by Labour and the Liberal Democrats. We also go into this election committed to maintaining that principle by pledging NOT to introduce tuition fees.

Just as we have the policies to make a positive difference now, we can also demonstrate how independence and economic powers can make Scotland an even better place for all the people.

The UK government's Scotland Bill, based on the Calman Commission recommendations, is massively flawed as it stands, and its financial proposals threaten to leave Scotland worse off. It is a Tory trap, part sprung by the Lib Dems, which inexplicably Labour have stayed thirled to despite the overwhelming evidence. Only the SNP offer something different - and better.

An SNP victory in May will give us the mandate to overcome the unionist parties' road block, and ensure that the people have the opportunity to choose Scotland's future - delivering real powers to benefit Scotland. Scotland needs full financial and job-creating powers, so that we can grow the economy and counter the savage Westminster cuts agenda. Independence and financial responsibility delivers that opportunity to grow our way out of the Westminster mess.

Only the SNP offer a positive alternative to a decade or more of dismal Westminster cuts - an alternative that is being increasingly backed by leading figures in Scotland's business community. And just as we have the policies and the vision, we also have the people to help Scotland succeed.

Ours is now an experienced team who have taken the tough choices Scotland has faced in the past three and a half years. And the choice voters will face in May is ultimately one of who they want to make the important decisions on hospitals, schools and policing. There are only two possible winners in this election - two teams - and, person for person, I believe our team is far, far stronger than theirs.

Labour lack credibility on all the key issues, whether it is Council Tax, their incoherent justice policies, where they offered not a single extra police officer, or their shameful dereliction of duty by voting against minimum pricing for alcohol - in the face of all the expert evidence on one of the biggest social issues facing this nation.

The Scottish Parliament is the key to the future. In previous terms of Westminster Tory government, Scotland lacked political protection. Now we have a Scottish Parliament, which offers not only a bulwark against unwanted Westminster policies but also an institution which can and will take us forward to a better future.

May is a key moment in Scotland's journey. And for the people of Scotland the choice is clear - a second rate Labour party, or a second term with a talented, positive SNP team.