By stewartb

To the question: ‘Whatever happened to the heroes?‘ I’m strongly inclined to take the Stranglers’ advice when musing about the state of the world and those in leadership positions: ‘No more heroes anymore’!

So why write the following? When evidence-free opinions are given in derogatory terms – ‘Wee Nippy’, ‘worst FM’, ‘disgrace to Scotland’ and Prof Robertson singled out as ‘coming across as a dafty’ – on a topic that is (surely) more nuanced, it’s hard not to be motivated to offer some balance, some perspective: seems to me that’s something TuS always strives to do!

My humble opinion of one FM has little weight. So what follows is a quickly put together compilation (the internet is truly wonderful! ) of positive remarks from very diverse sources on the occasion of Ms Sturgeon’s resignation as FM back in February 2023. It’s lengthy, deliberately so for the sole purpose of emphasising contrast with a prior BTL contribution. (Others can compile the negatives if they wish: I recommend the Scottish Daily Express and The Scotsman as prime sources to aid that task!)

In no particular order, and with no ranking of significance of the source:

1. From Cosmopolitan magazine (February 15, 2023): Nicola Sturgeon has announced her resignation, but what has she done for women? – We take a look back at what Scotland’s longest-serving first minister has achieved during her time in office

‘She tackled women’s health inequalities: During Sturgeon’s time as first minister, Scotland became the first country in the UK to publish a Women’s Health Plan. The plan set out 66 action points to ensure all women have access to the best possible healthcare and outlined ambitious improvements to areas impacting women’s health, including menopause, menstrual health (including endometriosis) and sexual health.’

‘She strived to make workplaces more inclusive: Under Sturgeon’s leadership, the SNP launched the Workplace Equality Fund to champion workplace equality with a focus on gender, age, race and disability. The Workplace Equality Fund – backed by £800,000 in funding – aimed to improve diversity in the workplace and included initiatives such as the Women Returners Program to support women who have had a career break get back into work.’

‘She pushed for psychological domestic abuse and controlling behaviour to become a crime: To support survivors of domestic abuse, Sturgeon pushed to make Scotland one of the few countries across the world where psychological abuse is a crime. This means that there is dedicated legislation that not only covers physical abuse but also coercive and controlling behaviour which was difficult to prosecute under the previous criminal law.’

‘Of course, it would be impossible to summarise Sturgeon’s many wins in one article, and there is much to unpack about her time in office, which also saw her fight against the Conservative’s ‘Rape Clause’ (which requires women to prove they’ve been raped in order to receive financial support for more than two children) and support the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign. It’s clear that across her decades-long political career, Sturgeon has repeatedly championed women’s rights and women in both Scotland and the rest of the UK have a lot to thank her for. ‘

2. BBC News website (February 15, 2023) Nicola Sturgeon: NI politicians pay tribute.

‘SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Ms Sturgeon had made “an immense contribution to her country as first minister, her party as SNP leader and the politics of these islands as the leader of the Scottish independence movement”.’

‘Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill paid tribute to Ms Sturgeon’s “dedication, commitment and energy”.’

(On February 15, 2023 Ms O’Neill @moneillsf tweeted: ‘It’s with deep regret to see Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation. Nicola is a formidable leader who very ably represented the best of Scotland as First Minister. She made huge strides in advancing Scottish independence & standing up for Scottish interests. Her leadership will be missed.’)

Also from the same BBC piece: ‘Republic of Ireland, Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar said he had always found the Ms Sturgeon to be “a very warm person, articulate and thoughtful, and a very capable politician who showed huge commitment to her country”. And: “She was also a true European”.

‘The President of Ireland also hailed Nicola Sturgeon’s “freshness and enthusiasm”. Michael D Higgins said Ms Sturgeon’s contribution to public life had been recognised in Scotland and abroad as a “particularly distinguished one”.

3. Civil Society (February 16, 2023) Charities respond to Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation.

‘Frances Guy, chief executive officer of Scotland’s International Development Alliance, told Civil Society News: “Nicola Sturgeon was a leader in calling out global injustices and we’re sorry to see her step down as first minister.

“As one of the first nations to sign up to the Sustainable Development Goals (then Global Goals), Sturgeon led the way in supporting a crucial framework to create a fairer world for all. Sturgeon showed leadership in creating a loss and damage fund which acknowledges the role that nations like Scotland have played in creating the climate crisis. We thank Sturgeon for her support of the global sustainable development sector in Scotland, and look forward to working with the next first minister to tackle the many ongoing injustices faced by the global community.”

‘Scottish Refugee Council noted that there are “lots of different views” about Sturgeon’s resignation, but added that as “first minister she was consistently positive and committed to supporting people seeking refugee protection in Scotland”.

‘Christians Against Poverty Scotland tweeted: “Nicola Sturgeon has been the longest serving first minister in Scotland. Under her leadership, [the Scottish government] has taken groundbreaking steps to tackling poverty in Scotland, including the Scottish child payment.’

‘Who Cares? Scotland, who won the Overall Award at the Charity Awards 2018, thanked Sturgeon for her “tireless commitment to our cause”. Chair Ryan McCuaig said: “Throughout her tenure, Nicola Sturgeon has been alongside care experienced people with open arms. She’s listened to us, amplified our voices and made us feel valued and supported. She’s also committed to delivering transformational change to ensure we all grow up feeling nurtured and loved.” And: “From listening to more than 1,000 voices of care experienced people and delivering the Independent Care Review, to walking the Kiltwalk with our members, and joining us at countless events, she’s been a true ally to the care experienced community.”

‘In a statement, Stonewall thanked Sturgeon for “her unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of all marginalised people in Scotland, including women, those with disabilities and LGBTQ+ communities”. “As deputy first minister, she helped steer through Scotland’s equal marriage legislation. In 2018, as first minister, she became the first serving first minister in Scotland to lead a Pride March.

“The same year saw legislation proposed by her government to pardon gay and bi men convicted of having consensual sex with other men before it was decriminalised, which passed unanimously in the Scottish parliament. In 2021, Scotland became the first country in the world to embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans inclusive education across the school curriculum.”

4. STV News (February 15, 2023) ‘Reaction pours in as Nicola Sturgeon resigns as FM after eight years’. ‘

Speaking to STV News, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “Despite my many disagreements with Nicola Sturgeon, despite my many arguments, I think that record and that time of service is worthy of respect and worthy of thanks.”

‘In a statement he said: “Nicola Sturgeon has led Scotland through some of the most challenging times in our history.“It is right that today we pay tribute to those achievements, particularly during the pandemic.

“Regardless of our differences, she is an able politician who has stood at the forefront of Scottish politics for more than 20 years. On a human level that is worthy of respect and thanks. To lead your country for almost a decade is a political achievement that secures her place in history.”

‘He said that, while they “disagreed passionately about what is best for our people” he has never “doubted her passion for Scotland”. He added: “All too often it is easy to forget that those on the frontline of our politics carry a heavy burden – not only for themselves but for their friends and families. “I – and my entire party – wish her the best in whatever she does next.”

‘.. former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said she was “proud” to live in Nicola Sturgeon’s Scotland. Dugdale wrote that she was “a formidable politician and she leaves office on her own terms and in a strong position to define her own legacy”.

The UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “Nicola Sturgeon has been at the forefront of not just Scottish but UK politics for over two decades. She’s served with dedication and passion. I wish her all the best for her next steps.”

‘Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Today is not a day for political attacks. So I pay tribute to Nicola Sturgeon and her service to our country. Our politics are different but I recognise the dedication and immense personal commitment with which she applied herself to the role of First Minister.” ‘He added: “We have never been friends, but I will always remember the kindness she showed me immediately after the occasion I had to resuscitate my daughter. There was a genuine warmth and concern in the words she offered me.”

‘Scottish Greens co-conveners Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater issued a joint statement in which they thanked Sturgeon for her “decisive, tireless and collaborative leadership”. The statement says: “She is the most significant political figure of the devolution era. Whoever replaces her will have the strongest foundation to build forward the argument for delivering independence, for how we ramp up efforts to tackle the climate emergency and manage the cost of living crisis which continues to impact lives daily.”

The statement added: “The Sturgeon era has been built upon compassion, determination and selflessness which have helped anchor our nation through all manner of stormy seas, particularly throughout the Covid pandemic where she led with empathy, strength and dignity.”

Murray Etherington, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “As the country’s longest serving First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon’s contribution to Scotland has been substantial. Her tenure saw some enormous challenges, not least the global Covid-19 pandemic. She provided a resilient, steadying, and reassuring presence for many during that time. “As a former Scottish solicitor, she always understood the critical importance of a fair justice system and the needs for everyone to have access to that system, irrespective of their status or financial background.”

Journalist Robert Peston @Peston on February 15, 2023 tweeted: ‘That was a truly remarkable resignation statement by Nicola Sturgeon. Whether or not you back her ideas and convictions, she has been one of the most important politicians of this generation. Her call for less irrationality and hysteria in politics should be heeded.’

So yes, it’s probably very sensible to have ‘no more heroes’ – it limits the risk of disappointment later. However, that adage doesn’t preclude seeking to balance at a point in time – with evidence – what are disparaging and belittling assertions!