EDITORIAL COVERAGE

The winners

Publication Date: 17.11.06

• SCOTTISH POLITICIAN of the YEAR

Winner: Andy Kerr (Lab)

Also nominated: Ross Finnie (LibDem), Nicola Sturgeon (SNP)

ALREADY talked of as a potential successor to Jack McConnell, the Health Minister added to his reputation this year by getting to grips with one of the trickiest government portfolios. Andy Kerr dumbfounded sceptics by simultaneously taking on the tobacco lobby and the licensed trade and the ban on smoking in public enclosed places came into effect on March 26 without any of the predicted fuss. His other big achievement was on NHS waiting times, delivering on the commitment to a six-month maximum at the start of 2006.

• PUBLIC CAMPAIGN/CAMPAIGNER of the YEAR

Winner: The Shetland Sakchai Makao Campaign

Also nominated: Families Against Corporate Killers, Clydeside Action on Asbestos/Clydebank Asbestos Group

SAKCHAI Makao had been living in Shetland more than half his life when the Home Office announced in June he would be deported. With a criminal record for an out-of-character fire-raising attack in 2003, he was targeted in a clampdown on foreign criminals.

However, his adopted community rose to his defence, successfully petitioning for him to stay.

• BEST SCOT at WESTMINSTER

Winner: Angus MacNeil (SNP)

Also nominated: John Reid (Lab), Mohammed Sarwar (Lab)

Although he entered Westminster only last year, the likeable and sharp-witted MP for the Western Isles has already managed to strike fear into both the Labour and Tory leaderships. By reminding the police of a 1925 Act criminalising the sale of honours, he kick-started an inquiry which is now lapping at the door of 10 Downing Street and reform seems inevitable.

• DONALD DEWAR DEBATER of the YEAR

Winner: Tavish Scott (LibDem)

Also nominated: Patrick Harvie (Green), Alex Neil (SNP)

ONE of the most articulate MSPs, the generally mild-mannered Transport Minister turns combative during debates, taking on opponents' arguments rather than indulging in knock-about. A recent high was his mauling of the SNP after it dropped support for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link.

• THE COMMITTEE AWARD

Winner: Justice 1 Committee

Also nominated: Environment Committee, Finance Committee

By taking on both the executive and the Crown Office by holding an inquiry into the Shirley McKie fingerprint scandal, Justice 1 probably flexed more muscle than any Holyrood committee before it, setting a new standard for parliamentary scrutiny. Labour convener Pauline McNeill overcame early reluctance to join a cross-party raid on the establishment which extracted hitherto secret reports and blunt witness testimony.

• FREE SPIRIT of the Year AWARD

Winner: Karen Gillon (Lab)

Also nominated: Fergus Ewing (SNP), Tommy Sheridan (Solidarity)

The ebullient backbencher for Clydesdale turned a constituency tragedy into a national campaign for justice, clashing with her own ministers in the process. After four members of a family were killed by gas explosion in Larkhall in 1999, she has fought tirelessly for tougher laws on corporate killing.

Lack of executive backing forced her to withdraw a member's bill in September, but it may return.

• The JOHNNIE WALKER AWARD for PROGRESS

Winner: The Green Group

Also nominated: Dennis Canavan (Ind), Stewart Maxwell (SNP)

From being a parliamentary one-man band in 1999, the Scottish Greens have grown greatly in numbers and clout. While other small parties have moved no nearer to power, the seven Green MSPs elected in 2003 could well be king-makers next year if the election produces a close result. Their ideas for sustaining a minority government intrigue both Labour and the SNP. By branching into civil liberties, they have also positioned themselves as Holyrood's conscience.

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