RECORD VIEW: It ain't broke so don't fix it.
RESHUFFLE fever is sweeping through the Scottish Executive. Ministers are breaking out in a sweat at the thought of losing their portfolios and their official limousines.The one man who can cure it is First Minister Henry McLeish - with a dose of common sense and a declaration of confidence in the members of his team who are doing a good job.
Top of the list is Education Minister Jack McConnell, who is being touted for a move, perhaps to health. Nothing of the sort must happen.
Given what was seen as a poisoned chalice, McConnell is the undoubted success of the administration. He acted swiftly and decisively to sort out the SQA shambles, restored the morale of the teaching profession and is raising standards in Scottish schools.
Typical is his support for Patna Primary School in Ayrshire which, although serving one of the most deprived areas in Scotland, has been given a rave review by inspectors. The lesson is that every school can provide quality education - and McConnell is the man to make sure they do.
Health Minister Susan Deacon has her critics, but McLeish knows it would be hard to replace her with anyone better. Instead of publicly snubbing her, as he did last week, it would make sense to give her a little more support in a role that is vital for the success of his administration.
There are some obvious flops, but shuffling the pack for the sake of change would be short-sighted. If it ain't broke, Henry, don't fix it.
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| Title Annotation: | Leader |
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| Publication: | Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Date: | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Words: | 254 |
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