Democratic coup or brief encounter for Swinney?

IT WAS a meeting which nationalists had hoped would cast the leader of the SNP as a lead player on the worldwide political stage.

John Swinney’s audience with John Kerry, the Democrat hopeful in the United States presidential race, was considered a bit of a coup - and was billed as such by the party.

The SNP leader and Mr Kerry met as they shared a platform at an address to students at Washington’s Georgetown University on Wednesday evening - but it appeared their tte tte was more a case of brief encounter.

"This is typical of the nationalists - while Labour ministers are promoting Scotland, Mr Swinney is standing in the crowd like a latter-day Monica Lewinsky, hoping for a handshake or even a friendly smile from a real politician," said a Labour spokesman.

However, the SNP last night insisted the meeting was a productive one. "The pair held a short meeting at which they discussed a number of issues relevant to both countries," said a spokesman.

Mr Swinney added: "What has proven particularly useful is the chance this week gave us to make Scotland’s voice heard in the most powerful nation on earth. We have met with senators and congressmen, diplomats and businessmen, and last night we met with the man bidding to be the next president of the United States. In forging these links for Scotland we are making our nation’s voice heard.

"The warm reception we have received everywhere we have gone - with people eager to hear Scotland’s views - has reinforced for me the importance of our nation taking its rightful place in the world."