EDITORIAL COVERAGE

Kerr and island campaign win top awards
By Tom Gordon

Publication Date: 17.11.06

HEALTH Minister Andy Kerr was last night named The Herald Diageo Scottish Politician of the Year 2006 in recognition of his work to bring in the controversial smoking ban in public places.

Mr Kerr accepted the prize in front of 450 guests at the Prestonfield Hotel in Edinburgh, after beating off competition from his fellow nominees, Environment Minister Ross Finnie and Nicola Sturgeon, the deputy leader of the SNP.

The ceremony was sponsored by Diageo, the drinks company behind some of the world's best known brands, including Johnnie Walker and Guinness.

Mr Kerr was the eighth winner of the most prestigious political prize north of the border, following in the steps of Donald Dewar, Jim Wallace, Jack McConnell, Malcolm Chisholm, Margaret Curran, and George Reid (twice). He said: "Success has many fathers. I strongly believe it was the Scottish people that made the smoking ban such a success – that pride in doing things differently that Scotland has."

Also honoured was the amazing community spirit shown by the people of Shetland, who rallied behind Thai-born Sakchai Makao when he was facing deportation. More than a third of the islands' 22,000 population petitioned the Home Office.

Their faith in 23-year-old Sakchai was confirmed when a court upheld his appeal and he returned to the warmth of his adoptive home. The campaign was nominated by the public, and the award was accepted by Sakchai and campaigners Davie Gardner, James Johnstone and Joe Irvine.

Mr Gardner said: "This was not only a victory for the campaign itself but a victory for justice, compassion and humanity."

The SNP's Angus MacNeil was the Best Scot at Westminster for instigating an inquiry into possible abuse of the honours system.

Also honoured, as Debater of the Year at Holyrood, was Transport Minister Tavish Scott.

The Justice 1 Committee was the Committee of the Year for its attempt to get to the bottom of the Shirley McKie fingerprint scandal.

Karen Gillon, the Labour MSP who fought doggedly to introduce a member's bill on corporate killing, was Free Spirit of the Year.

The Johnnie Walker Award for Progress, which is given to those showing the greatest development through the year, was won collectively by the seven Green MSPs.

The ceremony was hosted by STV political correspondent Michael Crow and Sarah Smith, the presenter of More4 news.

Among those presenting the awards were Kate Dickie, the Bafta Scotland-winning star of the film Red Road; Alex McLeish, the former Rangers manager; Alison Watt, one of Scotland's most acclaimed painters; Simon Taylor, the Scotland rugby star; and Libby McArthur, the actress from the BBC soap River City.

Charles McGhee, editor of The Herald, said: "I should like to congratulate all our winners this evening. These awards celebrate the positive and significant contributions they have made to Scottish political life in the past year and we are delighted, once again, to have had the support of Diageo in recognising that.

"Andy Kerr has one of the most difficult roles in the cabinet and his tenure as Health Minister has not been without controversy, particularly over hospital closures.

"But Mr Kerr's successful implementation of the smoking ban in public enclosed spaces, in the face of hostile opposition, has dominated the health agenda and has made Scotland a healthier place for everyone."

It was the third year the event had been sponsored by Diageo. Ian Wright, its global corporate relations director, said: "The Politician of the Year Awards are a landmark in the Scottish political calendar. Diageo's purpose is to celebrate life, everyday, everywhere.

"We are proud to sponsor these awards which give us an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, commitment and contribution to Scotland of our politicians.

"My congratulations once again to all those nominated for awards and particularly to those who have been fortunate enough to win."

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