As readers will be well aware, the political “purdah” period ahead of the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament is almost upon us. This is therefore my last column for the Kinross Newsletter as an MSP.
Before I stand down, I want to thank constituents right across Mid Scotland and Fife for their engagement over the last two decades. You have given me the privilege of serving four parliamentary terms and whilst I know I have not pleased everyone in terms of my political persuasion on national policy, I hope I have been able to represent you effectively when it came to your specific concerns about constituency issues.
As I leave the Scottish Parliament to concentrate my energies on other aspects of public life, I am very aware that many voters have lost trust in politics and in politicians. That worries me. This is because I believe it has potential to undermine the democratic process given more people feel disenfranchised and disillusioned. That is never good for politics. Likewise, both within the UK and across the world, too many political leaders have been lacking integrity and lacking in respect for the rules of international engagement that promote peace and prosperity. That instability – whether within Scotland or elsewhere – is a dangerous reflection of our current approach to politics and so it is vital that the next generation of politicians can do something to address these problems. The forthcoming election is a chance to vote for politicians who will make Scotland a better place.
These opportunities will be enhanced if there are some reforms at Holyrood to ensure it is a parliament that fully lives up to voters’ expectations and delivers better legislation. Just two things I would like to see change are the introduction of a Finance Bill process which would allow greater scrutiny of how government spends taxpayer’s money and the election - rather than party appointment - of committee convenors. Whoever becomes the next Presiding Officer has a big task ahead to put in place reforms that will rekindle trust in the institution and therefore within politics.
What have I achieved in two decades? Well, I leave that to others to decide but I hope my work in the field of education, including the passing of my Member’s Bill to allow all youngsters to access residential outdoor education, has made a difference to the opportunities that lie ahead of the next generation, and I also hope that my work representing my constituents, including those such as the former patients of the disgraced neuro-surgeon Sam Eljamel, has helped to hold government and our public agencies to account.
I hope my successors – whoever they are after the May election – will find their time in Parliament as fulfilling as I have and may I thank this newspaper for its co-operation over the years.
