Liberal Democrat MSPs yesterday welcomed the opportunity Sir Menzies Campbell's resignation has provided to debate the future direction of the party.

Liberal Democrat MSPs yesterday welcomed the opportunity Sir Menzies Campbell's resignation has provided to debate the future direction of the party.

While some insisted it was "far too early" to discuss Sir Menzies's successor, others contacted by The Herald said they would be pleased to see a contest between the two early frontrunners for the post, Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg.

However, there was no obvious support for any attempt by Charles Kennedy to return as leader.

Margaret Smith, the MSP for Edinburgh West, supported Chris Huhne when he stood against Sir Menzies for the leadership but said she was open-minded as to who should now take on the role as leader of the party.

"From a Scottish perspective, I think Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne are certainly two very good candidates.

"I hope as a party we will continue to go forward in terms of the policy changes brought forward by Menzies Campbell, such as taxation.

"We need somebody who is not only very sound in terms of policy, but also has the ability to go out and communicate it to ordinary people."

Robert Brown, a list MSP for Glasgow, also welcomed a contest. He said: "I think we've a good choice of potential leadership candidates and I'd be interested in hearing their vision for the party."

Iain Smith represents the same constituency at Holyrood as Sir Menzies does at Westminster and is a long-standing friend and colleague of the departing leader.

He said: "I haven't given any thought yet to who may succeed Ming.

"His resignation came as a big shock and we're still coming to terms with it.

"One thing Ming has done is sort out the party's organisation and he has also got the direction and the vision of the party sorted out.

"Whoever the new leader is, he must take that forward."