What did John Swinney say about independence at his SNP leader launch

It’s not that it wasn’t mentioned in his speech at Glasgow University – it was. He said Scotland could “do more” with the powers of independence and that he would “always seek” to persuade people of that.

Despite that, the topic took a back seat to other issues.

“If elected first minister, my focus will be the economy, jobs, the cost of living," the 60-year-old told attending party members, staff and journalists. "It will be the NHS, our schools and our public services. It will be addressing the climate crisis,”

READ MORE: John Swinney backs Humza Yousaf's Scottish independence strategy

Bringing an end to his speech, Swinney went on: “Join me as we open a new chapter. As we create a vibrant economy in every part of our country. As we tackle the challenges faced by the NHS. As we build on the strengths of our schools. As we build more homes. Take climate action. Improve public transport. And create jobs.”

In both instances, no mention of independence – which was a stark omission. Instead, the veteran politician particularly highlighted the need for internal party unity and focusing on domestic policy priorities.

Of course, Swinney’s focus on unity makes a lot of sense. Nothing can be built on shaky foundations and bringing in a figure with the experience of Swinney should steady the ship.

The longest-serving deputy first minister the Scottish Parliament has ever seen and a past SNP leader between 2000-2004, "been there, done that" springs to mind.

Already, his move to commit to bringing Kate Forbes more into the fold should go some way in bringing together the left and right of the party. Swinney also said in his speech that he believes the fact he was the only candidate to stand demonstrates the SNP is “coming back together again”.

While the power-sharing agreement with the Greens no longer in place, Swinney will need all that experience as he is forced to lead a minority government at Holyrood.

He will have to work with other parties in the Scottish Parliament on an issue by issue basis if he wants legislation to be passed by Holyrood.

He acknowledged as much in his speech.

“We need to stop shouting at each other and talk,” he said.

And when he first announced he was running for the SNP leadership, Swinney added that his party must now “work to seek common ground in the Scottish Parliament in the interests of the public and of good governance”.

That the likes of Scottish Labour and the Scottish Tories will take up that offer of a more civil and collaborative politics rather than attempting to turn the screw – particularly going into a General Election – seems unlikely though, particularly when the former continues to call for an early Holyrood election.

With the Scottish Greens, they should still find a willing partner on most issues. This is particularly the case on proposed legislation – from the Fair Rents (Scotland) Bill to bans on conversion therapy – which was put forward during their time in government.

Time might be the most pressing issue the new SNP leader is faced with. While a date has yet to have been set, the General Election is approaching with the polls putting Labour and the SNP neck and neck.

Swinney has the tough task to unite his party and place emphasis on the SNP’s domestic policy priorities AND work “very, very hard” to win back independence supporters. And the latter may prove the most decisive come General Election time.

“Scotland wins when the SNP wins,” Swinney said in his speech.

But the SNP also wins when indy supporters are firmly behind the party.