 | ''Blair has had a bellyful of Scotland,' declared one MP. In spite of the anonymity of the speaker, the sentiment - bearing in mind Lobbygate, tales of Dewar/Reid turf wars, the Rafferty debacle, and the Cubie controversy - seemed to have a ring of truth to it.' Michael Seattle in the Herald, 6 th January 2000. |  |
In an article in The Sunday Times, Ian Welsh criticises Labour spin doctors for blaming his resignation on his personal circumstances. His family were particularly upset by the depiction of his disabled son as "severely handicapped".
Welsh, a former leader of South Ayrshire council, makes clear that the decision by Donald Dewar, the first minister, to promote young politicians such as Wendy Alexander and Jack McConnell into ministerial posts at the expense of older MSPs, was the main reason behind his decision.
With his senior role in local government and business experience as chief executive of Kilmarnock football club, Welsh had been widely tipped to secure a cabinet post. "The lack of direct involvement in decision-making was something which I found difficult to adjust to," he writes.
His insight into the life of a Labour backbencher will resonate around the parliamentary group, some of whom are privately unhappy with their lack of involvement in, or knowledge of, executive decisions.
Welsh's distaste for the ineffectual posturing within the chamber will be seized on by the opposition. They have already expressed their anger at some of the parliament's debates, such as measures undertaken by the executive to counter the millennium bug.
He also voices doubts about whether the new parliament could meet its aim of fostering a new political culture, describing the atmosphere as one of "underlying venom". There is, he claims, "a preference for the square 'go' rather than a pavane for progress".
Welsh, who may try to enter local politics, also criticised the government "spin" placed on his departure. The Ayr MSP confirmed that a factor in his decision was his desire to give more support to his family but added: "Even this part of the decision fell prey to the gentle art of the spin and I was portrayed as either a naive carer who should have known better before he went to bat with the big boys in Holyrood or as some sawn-off St Francis of Assisi. Those who know me will know that I am neither.
"During the white-heat of the moment, between Shaun Woodward and the Cubie report, my younger, disabled son was characterised as "severely handicapped" while my perfectly healthy older son was apparently facing a major surgical procedure. The truth is more simple and, of course, more complex than the spin."
The Ayr by-election will take place in March, with the main parties expected to announce candidates next month. The traditional Tory stronghold, was won by Labour by just 25 votes last May and will be keenly contested by the Conservatives and the Scottish National party.
26 th December 1999
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