Getting Organised
Our editorial about the First Minister's visit raises some points about the management of the 'Conversation' event.
Written by Alison Prince
Thursday, 26 March 2009
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Any practical move that brings the Scottish Government into closer contact with the people of Scotland is greatly to be welcomed. The Scottish ‘Conversations’ are a splendid idea, and last week’s visit impressed many people who had not met Alex Salmond before and were charmed by his easy, relaxed manner. Coupled with a shrewd overview of the national and international situation, it gave him both authority and popular appeal. Roughly 150 people were seated in the Community Theatre promptly at 5.30 on Monday evening, many of them with questions prepared. Very clearly, this was an occasion that was felt to be a rare and important opportunity. It is in the nature of official tours to fall a little behind time as the close-packed events in the schedule each take up a few minutes longer than expected, so nobody was greatly surprised to have to wait for 15 minutes before the First Minister appeared. Backed by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson and the Minister for Finance, John Swinney, he gave a fluent, impressive introduction, then opened the proceedings for questions.
Barely 45 minutes later, Mr Salmond left to get the boat back to the mainland, and a large proportion of the audience left as well. Those who stayed continued to put their questions, ably fielded by the two remaining ministers, but when the star quits the show, it is difficult to keep the same buzz going. This had been anticipated, and a form with space for a question had been handed out to everyone on arrival in the hope that it would provide a means of conveying views or queries after the proceedings ended. However, as people went out to the now sparsely populated car park, there was a feeling that the visit could have been better managed, and consequently of greater value.
The good intention is unquestioned. The First Minister was welcomed whole-heartedly, and came over as a genuine, warm-hearted man who couples huge ability with a rare gift for straightforward communication. But somewhere further down the chain, there had been a failure to grasp exactly what was proposed, and how it should be organised. Arran's 'Conversation' was initiated in the form of limited personal invitations. A week or two later it widened into a broader scope, with requests from the Government to the local press to publicise the event. This was done most willingly, but the uncertain start had planted a lingering doubt as to whether the High School event was open to the general public. Compounding this, several people in significant positions received dismaying e-mails at the end of last week to say the whole event had been cancelled. This was quickly rescinded, but as late as the day before the visit, enquirers were being told no seats were available.
The idea of the ‘Conversation’ remains excellent, but good policy needs to backed by effective administration. On this occasion, an impression of confusion and uncertainty made it difficult for the great worth of the project to shine through.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
1 view 0 commentsAny practical move that brings the Scottish Government into closer contact with the people of Scotland is greatly to be welcomed. The Scottish ‘Conversations’ are a splendid idea, and last week’s visit impressed many people who had not met Alex Salmond before and were charmed by his easy, relaxed manner. Coupled with a shrewd overview of the national and international situation, it gave him both authority and popular appeal. Roughly 150 people were seated in the Community Theatre promptly at 5.30 on Monday evening, many of them with questions prepared. Very clearly, this was an occasion that was felt to be a rare and important opportunity. It is in the nature of official tours to fall a little behind time as the close-packed events in the schedule each take up a few minutes longer than expected, so nobody was greatly surprised to have to wait for 15 minutes before the First Minister appeared. Backed by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson and the Minister for Finance, John Swinney, he gave a fluent, impressive introduction, then opened the proceedings for questions.
Barely 45 minutes later, Mr Salmond left to get the boat back to the mainland, and a large proportion of the audience left as well. Those who stayed continued to put their questions, ably fielded by the two remaining ministers, but when the star quits the show, it is difficult to keep the same buzz going. This had been anticipated, and a form with space for a question had been handed out to everyone on arrival in the hope that it would provide a means of conveying views or queries after the proceedings ended. However, as people went out to the now sparsely populated car park, there was a feeling that the visit could have been better managed, and consequently of greater value.
The good intention is unquestioned. The First Minister was welcomed whole-heartedly, and came over as a genuine, warm-hearted man who couples huge ability with a rare gift for straightforward communication. But somewhere further down the chain, there had been a failure to grasp exactly what was proposed, and how it should be organised. Arran's 'Conversation' was initiated in the form of limited personal invitations. A week or two later it widened into a broader scope, with requests from the Government to the local press to publicise the event. This was done most willingly, but the uncertain start had planted a lingering doubt as to whether the High School event was open to the general public. Compounding this, several people in significant positions received dismaying e-mails at the end of last week to say the whole event had been cancelled. This was quickly rescinded, but as late as the day before the visit, enquirers were being told no seats were available.
The idea of the ‘Conversation’ remains excellent, but good policy needs to backed by effective administration. On this occasion, an impression of confusion and uncertainty made it difficult for the great worth of the project to shine through.
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