That is how I introduced myself at the SNP Conference in Glasgow last week. When I returned as SNP Leader, I pledged to remove the dead hand of Labour control from Scotland, though not many people believed that possible.

Now even Mr Blair believes it – which is why he is spending so much of his time coming up to Scotland to talk down to us.

This year has seen a series of SNP conferences, although it wasn't planned that way. Last November there was an 'SNP Conference' in Oban – actually, it was supposed to be a Labour Conference, but the few delegates who did attend spent their entire time talking about the SNP!

Last month saw another 'SNP Conference', when the Lib-Dems used some rather illiberal language about us – they really must decide whether to be the nice party or the nasty one – and are they really going into another election to prop up the Labour Party in Scotland?

Two weeks ago, there was about to be another 'SNP conference' in Perth – except the Tories spent the whole time attacking each other, and forgot about us! I would never be as rude about them as they are about each other. David Mundell, their only MP in Scotland, has finally made the headlines – by announcing that his own MSPs are stupid!

But here's the surprising thing. Our conference, unlike those others, wasn't about the SNP. It was about the future of Scotland. It was about what the SNP have to offer to build a more successful Scotland; because the SNP has something which is very rare in politics – belief, vision and ambition for our country.

Support for the SNP is now ahead in all social and economic groups – those who are thriving, those who are getting by, and those who are struggling – and so does our obligation to them. Our message speaks for all of Scotland, because we reflect Scotland in all of its diversity. After eight years of a lacklustre Labour/Liberal Executive, the SNP are now more highly trusted on health, on education and tackling crime.

I have launched an action plan for our first 100 days in government – fresh thinking and a new approach. An SNP government will be smaller, more effective government – and the savings we make will be directed into the front line of public services and lower and fairer taxation.

As First Minister, I will use the first 100 days to start the move towards lower class sizes. We want to see every child getting more time with their teacher, and an education best suited to their individual needs – so we will cut class sizes to a maximum of 18 in primaries 1 to 3.

To be successful, a Health Service must put patients first; it must engage in prevention as well as cure. Above all, it should be a National Health Service, not a privatised health service. In government, the SNP will keep vital health services local, and introduce legally binding individual waiting time guarantees.

In government, the SNP will put more police on local streets. A visible police presence to detect crime and deter the criminals – we will clamp down on the under-age alcohol sales that fuel the anti-social behaviour blighting too many Scottish streets and lives. And the SNP in government will come down hard on serious and organised crime, by building the most effective enquiry and prosecution team ever seen in Scotland.

Nobody likes paying any tax, but tax based on income is fair and progressive. I have never met a constituent in tears because of income tax, but I regularly get people in real distress because they cannot afford their Council Tax. That is why as First Minister I will abolish Labour's Council Tax.

In government, we will co-operate with Westminster in the interests of Scotland. However, a line has to be drawn – we cannot have a majority of Scottish MPs voting against new weapons of mass destruction, and have that vote ignored by Westminster. Mr Brown, I will co-operate on many things, green energy for one, and action on poverty for another.

But read my lips: There shall be no son of Trident dumped in Scotland against the sovereign will of the Scottish people.

We must also demand proper representation for Scotland in Europe – the present ridiculous situation was laid bare by Scotland's top civil servant in Brussels, who reported that Scottish Ministers were left sitting in the ante rooms.

If Margaret Thatcher taught Scots why we needed devolution, then Tony Blair has taught us why we need independence – to take the responsibility for our own decisions on the economy, the environment, against war – and to stop weapons of mass destruction being deployed in Scotland.

And that is why as First Minister I will trust the people of Scotland to decide on our nation's future within our four year term of government. No ifs, no buts – if the Scottish people of Scotland trust us, we will trust the people to choose the right future for Scotland!

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