- EFGP
delegate in Vienna 1994
- first Green member
of Scottish Parliament 1999
I first got involved in the European dimension of Green politics at the Antwerp conference and at a previous meeting in London. My memories are of great debates, and wonderful evenings of music and conversations deep into the night. I travelled to Helsinki to put the case for Scotland’s inclusion as a distinct member, rather than as part of the UK.
I knew in my heart even then that we would get our own Parliament sometime in the future, and that the extent of the devolved powers would make a country that was at least 80% independent in the choices it could make over Health, Education, the Law, and our Environment, because we already had separate systems, dating back to before the Union of the Crowns 400 years ago.
It was not an easy argument to put, as I must have sounded nationalistic, and this word, of course, has deeply unpopular resonance in modern day Europe. The vote, I remember, was by no means unanimous, but I won, and celebrated in traditional fashion by getting a little bit excited, drinking a little, and singing a lot. All night, but of course, the sun did not set on our conference in Helsinki - a very strange experience.
Paris and Vienna were well organised, and inspiring. The main reason I attend these conferences is to experience that adrenaline boost that comes from being with like-minded people who are making progress in taking forward the Green Agenda.
I feel ashamed that I have not attended a single European conference in the last four years, but as the one and only Green in the Scottish Parliament, I have had to work extremely hard to make as much of an impression as possible. With the help of a deeply committed and hard working team, we have done quite well, averaging 20 media hits a week, including regular radio, photo opportunities, and some television.
Our second Scottish Parliament election was on the 1st of May this year ...... and we now have six more people in with me this next time.
