I have decided to support Chris Huhne to become Federal Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party. The party is fortunate to have two excellent candidates but, having read their respective manifestos, listened to television and radio performances and attended the hustings in Edinburgh, I will be voting for Chris Huhne.

I was looking for two key qualities. One was the ability to articulate Liberal Democrat policies in a way that would stand up to public scrutiny, parliamentary scrutiny and the hugely demanding requirements of today's media. I have been very impressed by the way in which Chris has handled the Shadow Environment portfolio and in recent weeks has shown an ability to handle a range of topics from the economy, through deprivation to foreign affairs very effectively while under pressure.

The other quality I was looking for, and for me the more important, was a commitment to lead the party on the basis of fundamental Liberal Democrat values and principles. Liberty is denied for too many by the scourge of poverty and deprivation, so Chris's commitment to reigniting the values of social liberalism to tackle that inequality struck a chord with me. As did his commitment to campaign for a Bill of Rights to roll back the Labour government's erosion of the rule of law and the need to rebalance our foreign policy if we are to combat terrorism. Last is his grasp of the need for sustainable development as the only way to achieve real economic growth and at the same time tackle the challenge of climate change.

I believe Chris's experience in Europe means that he sees the UK in its proper context and that he understands well the importance of a devolved Scottish Government within the federal framework of the UK.

Ross Finnie MSP, 91 Octavia Terrace, Greenock.