By Steve Bargeton, political editor

An attempt last night by the Greens to broker a deal between the SNP and the Liberal Democrats over a new coalition Scottish Executive was rejected out of hand.

The Greens, who had two MSPs returned in last week’s Holyrood election, broke off from talks with the SNP to invite the Lib Dems to get round the table.

Green co-convener Robin Harper said, “This is a last chance for the Liberal Democrats to make up their mind.”

The Lib Dems have made it clear they will not even discuss a deal with the nationalists unless the SNP drop their key policy of a referendum on independence.

And last night Lib Dem deputy leader Tavish Scott dismissed outright the overture from the Greens. “If Mr Salmond (SNP leader Alex) has something new to say, he should say it,” he said.

Asked if his party was prepared to get round the table with the Greens, he said, “No thank-you.”

SNP chief negotiator Tayside North MSP John Swinney, who has led two days of talks with the Greens, said the negotiations were “very positive.”

And he once again urged the Lib Dems to enter into face-to-face discussions.

“Alex Salmond has made it clear that coalition would be his preferred option and that would involve the Liberal Democrats in round-table discussions,” he told The Courier.

“This should be round-table discussions without preconditions. We had another day of constructive dialogue with the Greens today and more talks are planned.

“There is lots to talk about, but it is a discussion that has to take place around the table.”

Meanwhile, newly-elected MSPs gathered in Edinburgh last night for the “Kirking of the Parliament” in St Giles’ Cathedral attended by Prince Charles.

Later today MSPs muster for the first time at Holyrood to be officially sworn in, but will not elect a new Presiding Officer as had been planned. The SNP emerged from last week’s Holyrood elections as the biggest single party but only just, with 47 seats to Labour’s 46, the Tories’ 17, the Liberal Democrats’ 16, the Greens’ two and one independent.

The closeness of the result and the uncertainty over the formation of the new Scottish government has meant that the parties have refused to put forward candidates for Presiding Officer, an appointment which is politically neutral.

Outgoing Presiding Officer George Reid, who will officiate at today’s swearing in, said, “After discussion with the main parties it has been agreed that Parliament will vote on a motion to adjourn the first meeting until next Monday.”

“Given the election result, it is right that members have enough time to consider nominations for prospective candidates.”

In another twist yester- day it emerged that Scottish Labour leader Jack McConnell has not accepted that a minority SNP administration is inevitable.

The present First Minister also refused to rule out the possibility of his party attempting to form an administration, and said he had not considered stepping down as Labour leader.

“The SNP are the largest party by the narrowest of margins—we recognise the fact that they are the largest party,” he said.

“They have the right and the responsibility that comes with it to seek to form an administration.

“Should they fail to do so, then clearly as the second largest party we will take any decision at that time in the best interest of Scotland.

“Given the setbacks he has already suffered this week, there is still a challenge for Alex Salmond to prove he has the maturity of leadership and the character to win the support of the parliament.”

But last night SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon accused Mr McConnell of being in denial.

“Jack McConnell has got to catch up with the rest of Scotland about last week’s election,” she said.

“Mr McConnell should unequivocally accept the verdict of the people—which would enable him to leave office with dignity and respect.

“The straw that Mr McConnell was clutching at was removed on Sunday, when the Lib Dems made it clear that they would not form another coalition with Labour.

“In their different ways, the Lib Dems, Tories and Greens have acknowledged the result of the election. While the exact configuration of the new government has still to be finalised, there can be no doubt that the old government was voted out of office, and it’s time for Scotland to move forward.”