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McConnell details Scots political agenda
Jack McConnell has set out the Scottish Executive's legislative programme.
On the opening day of the new Holyroood parliament, the first minister detailed 12 new bills.
These include tougher jail sentences for paedophiles and new powers to tackle failing schools.
But he also warned that MSPs needed to move beyond the row over the Scottish parliament building - which is more than three years overdue and nearly nine times over-budget.
"This is a stunning building. Built I know, with controversy and argument - but built too to capture the promise of devolution and the challenge to all of us to meet that promise," the first minister said.
"For the people of Scotland, it is not this building that really matters - it is what we do in this building that really matters.
"We are here to help people to realise their ambitions, their hopes and their dreams. We are here because they have placed their trust in us.
"They want a parliament of vibrant debate and passionate argument. A mature parliament where we argue hard for our own beliefs, but respect the views and ideals of others."
Tory leader David McLetchie united in calling on Scottish politics to raise its game.
"We will have to spend the next five years building respect for the Scottish Parliament because that is what people expect of us," he said.
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