McConnell points to “big change” in attitude towards new parliament
The Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell has pointed to a “big change” in people’s attitudes towards the new parliament building at Holyrood.
Speaking on BBC Radio Four’s ‘Today’ on Saturday, Mr McConnell admitted that there was “genuine anger and dismay” across Scotland over the escalating cost of the building, which was completed three years late at a cost of £431 million – more than ten times the original estimate.
But, speaking on the day of the official opening of the building, he said people were now feeling freshly optimistic about the future of Scottish politics.
“I think over the past month there has been a big change in Scotland. I think people in Scotland want to see the Parliament work.
“They don’t want the Parliament to be a failure. They don’t want Scotland to be run down – they want Scotland to be a success.
“I think that today is an opportunity for a fresh start.
“It’s a chance to move on, and to celebrate the building that will become an international icon, and at the same time ensure that the policies we pursue and the changes we make reflect modern Scotland and give Scotland a proper voice in the world.”
Mr McConnell said the layout of the building would inspire a more open and transparent style of politics.
“Because the parliament is more open and transparent, the politicians are more accessible, decisions are perhaps more accountable than they would normally be at Westminster.
“I do think over that five years a brand new parliament has matured much more quickly than could have been expected, and it has made a real difference. I genuinely believe this month has been a turning point.”
A public inquiry into the spiralling cost of the building criticised civil servants but did not single out any individual for blame.
