The Scottish Government has no intention of pulling back from its controversial measures to tackle sectarianism, Nicola Sturgeon insists.
In an exclusive video interview with HeraldScotland, the Deputy First Minister brushes off criticism from a range of opponents, including other political parties, legal groups, and football fans.
She says the job of Government is not to do the easy thing but the right thing, adding: "Most people, if not everybody in Scotland, thinks the scourge of sectarianism is something we really need to shake off once and for all."
The bill was shelved earlier this year amid a welter of criticism, but the SNP majority at Holyrood should help it become law next year.
Ms Sturgeon says legislation is not the full story and will need to be accompanied by other educational and social measures, but adds that it will send send a strong message that sectarian behaviour is not acceptable at football matches.
Elsewhere in a wide-ranging interview, the first in a series with leading Scotish politicians to be carried out by HeraldScotland, she discusses minimum alcohol pricing, the SNP's chances at the 2012 council elections, the independence referendum issue...and whether she wants to succeed Alex Salmond as First Minister.
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