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Maybe it is a sign of old age, but the year in politics is definitely getting shorter.
This time last year we were still digesting the 670-page independence White Paper which had been launched a few weeks previously. Politicians and campaigners, realising that holidays would be in short supply during 2014, were hoping for a few days of festive rest and recuperation before the referendum campaign refuelled for the last 9 months.
And within the first few months of the year, the referendum debate did indeed become rocket-fuelled, when a succession of speeches and briefings on currency union (including this one from the “unnamed Minister”) made it clear that this would be one of the fundamental issues of the campaign. And, of course, though we didn’t know it then, it became one of the defining debating points from the televised debates in August. For a quick review of the year, check out the first 5 minutes of Scotland Tonight from Thursday 18th December, made more fun by the choice of soundtrack for each clip.
An important legislative measure this year was the vote in February on same-sex marriage, which has, in the last few days, allowed couples in an existing civil partnership to convert to a marriage, with the first ceremonies expected on Hogmanay (31st December). Talking of Hogmanay, did you know that in Scotland, Christmas only became a public holiday in 1958?
When noting down all the memorable events and issues of 2014, it is noticeable that parliamentary activity is very much the understudy. This was to be expected when the future direction of the country was at stake and the list of Bills was full of dry topics like bankruptcy, landfill, procurement reform, revenue/tax powers, joint working and tribunals. Just in case clients are reading this, I’m not for a moment suggesting that these weren’t vitally-important measures, but as for sausages, the public are probably happy to appreciate their importance without wishing to know the details of their manufacture!
And despite the year passing by in a flurry of campaign activity, including the European elections, everything pre-18th September now seems like ancient history. Holidays were yet again put on hold as we stayed busier than ever assessing and monitoring the timeline pledge in “the Vow”, the Smith Commission, Alex Salmond’s resignation (and comeback), membership surges, the SNP/Labour leadership campaigns and the reshuffles that followed.
And what to the future.
For many of us, there’s a commitment to do our bit to ensure that public engagement with politics continues and that a voter turnout of 84.6% does not become a fluke, but a historical-high-point within an upward trend.
Lord Smith in the preface to his Commission recommendations urged more to be done on parliamentary oversight, inter-governmental working, public awareness and devolution to communities – elements which will underpin a healthy democracy in Scotland going forward.
To this, I’d add a couple of my own…
Talking about the low public opinion of politicians might be accurate but it doesn’t set the bar high enough. By all means discuss the low reputation of some politicians but in doing so, lets urge the rest to be excellent.
Secondly, in his recent Reith Lecture series, Dr Atul Gawande talked about the importance of “the important not losing out to the measurable”. As we head into a period where manifesto pledges are being finalised and candidates selected, that’s a pretty good motto for policymaking.
And finally, spare a thought for Scottish writer James Robertson who has been writing a 365-word story every day in 2014. Currently at number 353, he has only 12 more to go. The story published on Day 147 was our favourite. It is called “The News Where You Are”. You can read it here, but it works best when you hear James reading it aloud…
With best wishes to your and yours for the festive season.