Year Zero: An Inside View of the Scottish Parliament by Mike Watson

by Mike Watson

This study offers an insight into the inner workings of the Scottish Parliament, and a hands-on, insider view of the events witnessed since its inception. The author asks whether the Parliament has delivered what it promised the people of Scotland - a modern, accessible, transparent and responsive legislature, quite unlike Westminster - and explores the extent to which the new Parliament's aims and powers were realistically set, illustrating the ways in which it has reacted to the unpredictability of events. Starting with events on 7 May 1999, the day following the elections, in the course of the book Mike Watson looks at the formation of the Labour-Liberal Democrat partnership, party politics, the media, the workings of the Committees, the Cubie report, Section 28, the Ayr by-election, and the role and relationships between MSPs. He concludes by looking at lessons to be learnt and what the future may hold.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001