Report to the People
2000 Christmas Message
Turkey; carol singers; no Scottish football teams left in Europe - the festive season would not be the same without our Christmas traditions.
And it was in the spirit of seasonal tradition that I was asked to write a short Christmas message, recalling, from a personal point of view, the events of the past year.
When politicians write these messages, we tend to concentrate on what we thought was the year’s fiercest fight or most salacious scandal, the most embarrassing gaffe or the greatest speech. This year, however, such matters pale into insignificance next to the main political story: the sad death of our first First Minister Donald Dewar.
As I said at the time, it was not only a loss for his immediate family, or even his wider family in the Labour movement, it was a loss for the whole of Scottish society. I will always remember Donald as a pleasure to campaign with - instantly recognisable and hugely popular. His assured debating style - his amazing ability to dismiss opponents with wit and humour - was always a great morale booster.
But no matter how sad his passing, no one would be more disgruntled than Donald if we allowed it to obscure the work done in the past year by the Parliament he fought so hard to create.
Long-standing problems such as fuel poverty, homelessness and drug abuse are being tackled. The Parliament is also addressing issues such as nursery places, law & order, student finance and problems in the National Health Service.
Indeed, the Parliament’s final act of the year 2000 was to pass the Transport Bill, which will improve bus services, introduce concessionary fares for pensioners and create child-safe home zones.
It has been satisfying to see our new Parliament making progress and to see the number of people who are becoming involved its work. Every day, more and more people, whether as individuals or as groups, are putting their views to their MSPs and the Executive: making proposals of their own, or commenting on the plans of the Government.
But there is, of course, much more to be done. Next year, I look forward seeing more of you getting involved in the Parliament’s work, having your say and helping to create legislation which really makes a difference to our lives.
Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
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