The University's Politics lecture series has got off to an auspicious start with lectures from some of Scotland's key political players.
John Swinney MSP, Leader of the SNP, Mike Watson MSP and former Scottish Minister and Ross Finnie MSP and Minister for Environment and Rural Development have visited Dundee for the annual New Scotland: New Politics? lecture series, run by the Department of Politics. Their presentations addressed many of the key issues affecting post-devolution Scotland.
Swinney kicked off the series by presenting the case for further tax powers for the Scottish Parliament. Dr Norrie MacQueen, Head of the Politics Department, said, "We are absolutely delighted that John was our first speaker this year. This series of lectures has been running since autumn 2000 and we have been very fortunate in securing such high profile speakers. In recent years the number of students studying politics at the University has risen markedly and students relish the chance to listen to and question some of Scotland's top flight politicians."
Mike Watson, MSP and former Scottish Minister gave an intriguing account of his work as a minister and the first term of the Scottish Parliament. The member for Glasgow Cathcart, former Dundee High School pupil and life peer is author of Year Zero: An Inside View of the Scottish Parliament exploring the first year of devolution.
Ross Finnie addressed how coalition politics has characterised Scottish devolution and the Executive. He also considered the maturing parliament and maturing Scotland.