60 Second Briefing: April 17

Labour
Jack McConnell was in Ochil, promising instant Asbos which police could issue without having to go through courts. He told a business breakfast meeting the SNP's high-profile business backers were not representative, that he predicted two years ago Labour would be in its current position, and that the SNP's referendum promise was a smart tactic. The general council of the Scottish Trades Union Congress only narrowly endorsed voting Labour.

Conservatives
Annabel Goldie said the recent Sentencing Act was puny, linked Scottish Executive parties to murders committed by those enjoying early release from jail, and promised another jail if needed.

LibDems
Nicol Stephen was in Glasgow, pledging longer sentences for knife crime and more visible policing, funding two more police for each council ward.

SNP Alex Salmond was in Dundee highlighting his party's plans to replace the council tax. He said more than half a million pensioners would be removed from paying any tax. The party hailed an mruk research poll across north and north-east Scotland, showing Nationalists 22 points ahead of LibDems on the constituency vote, and 26 points ahead of both the LibDems and Labour on the regional ballot intentions.

Other
Scottish Socialists published their Highlands and Islands strategy, including protection of small schools and village shops, plus public or community ownership of sporting estates and penalties for absentee lairds.

Solidarity's Tommy Sheridan was "unashamedly pro-worker", as he unveiled the party's election broadcast.

Greens promised to end the "obsession" with authoritarian crime policy, and to stop the "demonising" of young people.