'Scotland must be taken seriously and for that we need serious people like Duncan'

'I'm all for encouraging people to have a go at being a candidate - it's a great experience and we've got a lot of talented people in the SNP. However, it's serious now. I have no doubt we will win the Independence referendum on 18th September 2014. And that means we need serious people representing us. Duncan doesn't need to do it for the experience, he's already there. He is an expert in the workings of Europe. He's a passionate speaker. He's an intellectual force to be reckoned with.  And he exudes gravitas.

We have to be able to picture the people we elect as MEPs speaking with senior figures across Europe. We have to know that the negotiations and the transition as Scotland takes its place at the top tables of Europe are being conducted by serious people who will gain respect at every level. Scotland must be taken seriously and for that we need serious people like Dr Duncan Ross.'

Former Glasgow MSP and Inverclyde by-election candidate Anne McLaughlin