For immediate release 15 August 2007
STUC pays tribute to Jack McConnell
STUC General Secretary, Grahame Smith, today paid tribute to Jack McConnell.
“Jack McConnell has a proud record of commitment to social justice and to strong, devolved Scottish government going back to his membership of the Constitutional Convention. As one of only two MSPs who served in Cabinet for every day of the first two terms of the Parliament, Jack can rightly claim a place as one of the architects of effective Scottish self-government.
“In judging Jack’s record, it is easy to underestimate the difficulties he faced during the second and third term UK Labour governments. And the difficulties were not all external; Jack became First Minister in 2001 at a time of peril for the Scottish Parliament and an incredibly difficult time for Scottish Labour. The vision and skill that he showed in steadying the ship and in forging an effective coalition government will only be fully appreciated as others attempt similar feats in years to come.
“His commitment to working in partnership with Scottish trade unions was always well appreciated by the STUC and led to a range of measures, often unsung, which contributed to the protection of Scottish workers.
“Initiatives such as the ban on smoking in public places and measures to combat sectarianism are testament to his political bravery.
“It is great news that Jack will take up a role promoting international development and education. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel as an ambassador for Scotland and a passionate advocate of justice around the world.”
ENDS
For further information, contact:
Anna Ritchie - 0141 337 8100