Scotland: the Challenge of Devolution

Contents: Overview: Introduction; Scotland’s parliament: a mini Westminster, or a model for democracy?; Some constitutional aspects of devolution, James G. Kellas; Scottish politics after the election: towards a Scottish political system?, Alex Brown. The 1999 Election and Political Parties: How Scotland voted in 1999, Ian Clark; Small parties in a devolved Scotland, Lyne G. Bennie. Inter-Governmental Relations: Scotland-UK: ’Layers of democracy’: making home rule work, John Fairly; Quasi government in Scotland - a challenge for devolution and the renewal of democracy, Greg Lloyd. Inter-Governmental Relations: Ireland - EU - Global: New relations between Scotland and Ireland, Gerard Murray; Scotland and the EU: all bark and no bite?, Alex Wright; An oxymoron: the Scottish parliament and foreign relations?, Trevor Salmon. Pressure Groups and Civic Society: Redemocratizing Scotland. Towards the politics of disappointment?; On the Scottish road to sustainability?, Kevin Dunion; The Scottish parliament and Scottish culture: the opportunity of a new era, Paul Henderson Scott. Devolution, Economics and the UK Territorial Project: Devolution and the political economy of Scotland, Mike Danson and Karen Gilmore; The politics of devolution finance, Arthur Midwinter; Setting the pace: Scotland and the UK devolution project; Index.

Biography

Alex Wright

’Alex Wright has brought together a range of contributors - from diehard anti-devolutionists, enthusiastic devolutionists to supporters of Scottish independence as well as some distinguished scholars - in a fascinating and important contribution to the revolving politics of Scottish devolution. Many of the issues which have dominated the first year of the Scottish Parliament are analyzed and debated here. Wright’s introduction sets out the debates lucidly and informatively.’ Professor James Mitchell, University of Strathclyde, UK ’...this book, at present, represents the best available for lecturers teaching Scottish politics...’ The British Journal of Politics and International Relations ’...a work of high standard...’ Parliamentary Affairs ’...particularly insightful in highlighting the uncertainity and flux surrounding many of the financial arrangements of the devolution settlement...’ Scottish Geographic Journal ’...there are clear signs that Tony Blair little realises the implications of the [devolution] process his Government has set in motion...a title such as this would be useful bedside reading for him...’ Talking Politics 'This book...does provide a valuable overview and analysis of the issues. It will...be a useful point of reference for future analysis of the impact of devolution, outside as well as inside Scotland.' Public Administration