SNP leader John Swinney has launched his party's manifesto for the European elections.

The nationalists hope they can win voters opposed to the war in Iraq.

Swinney said Scots should vote against Tony Blair's "lies" on Iraq.

Swinney also pledged his opposition to the common fisheries policy - which is forcing many Scottish fleets out of business.

The SNP is following the Conservatives in threatening to withdraw from the agreement unless there is a radical rethink.

And it is also pledging to replace the "unfair" council tax.

Election push

"Our greatest concern is to make sure that the SNP emerges as the leading party in the elections in Scotland," said SNP leader John Swinney.

The party currently has just two MEPs but hope that this number will be increased when  Scots go to the polls on June 10.

Pressure is on the leadership to a deliver a good result.

Failure to make ground at a time when Labour is vulnerable could revive speculation about Swinney's future as party leader.

Swinney is fielding a slate of seven candidates: Ian Hudghton; Alyn Smith; Kenneth Gibson; Douglas Henderson; Alasdair  Nicholson; Alex Orr; and, Janet Law.