McConnell: Fighting back

Scotland's first minister has hit back against criticism over his friendship with journalist Kirsty Wark.

In an interview with a Sunday newspaper, Jack McConnell said he had no qualms about his decision to take his family on holiday with the leading political presenter.

The comments follow criticism that the Newsnight journalist and first minister risked a conflict of interest after the New Year holiday in Wark's Majorcan villa.

McConnell said he had visited the Majorcan hideaway on a previous occasion and said he would have no fears about doing so again.

"Let me be very clear about this... I have absolutely no regrets about this whatsoever," he told the Observer.

"They are very good, very close family friends who are not influenced at all in their work by their friendship with me, and I'm not influenced in my work by my friendship with them apart from the fact that I'm a happier person because I know nice people."

Outstanding reporter

McConnell dismissed claims that Wark could no longer objectively report on the Scottish political scene.

"I don't think it's good for politicians to defend journalists, but I have to say Kirsty Wark is one of Scotland's most outstanding broadcasters of my lifetime and has been known by people of all political parties and none as somebody who's been objective, impartial and full of integrity," he said.

"In the almost 20 years that I've known her, I've never asked who she votes for and she's never told me."

McConnell's comments came as it emerged that Wark and her family had twice spent the night at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh.

The first minister has also dismissed SNP claims that he should have listed the holiday in the register of members' interests.

The party's Nicola Sturgeon says he must give full details of "all hospitality provided" by the millionaire BBC journalist.