Getting to know...
John Finnie reflects on a decade as an MSP
The Highlands and Islands MSP speaks to Jack Thomson about a decade in the Scottish Parliament What was your first day as an MSP in the Scottish Parliament like?
The thing that struck me from day one and remains the case is the privilege of actually being able to work for folk and work for them in such an interesting building. I was taken in by the architecture on day one. I think it’s a magnificent building. I was taken by the courtesy of the staff, the engagement of the staff, and that’s from the cleaners who do a hugely important job, as we all know now – some of us knew before because their mum was a hospital cleaner – and right up – everyone’s very helpful.
Did it take long to get to know your way around the parliament?
It certainly did and I remember very cockily thinking I had mastered it about six months in only to find myself in the basement unable to extricate myself very easily. It’s a warren and it’s a fascinating building. I particularly like the old and the new joined. I like the tension of old buildings along with the new structure, so yes, it’s fascinating and I’m absolutely certain that there’s plenty nooks and crannies I’ve never been anywhere near.
Have you ever got lost in the building then?
On one occasion yes, but it’s amazing you then get your head around the various staircases because I’m not a fan of lifts and I’ve always used the stairs, so I don’t know if that’s given me a better or a less clear understanding of the building, but I think a better understanding.
What’s been the highlight of being an MSP?
Undoubtedly the passage of the equal protection bill and the privilege to have led that because, of course, that wasn’t about an individual MSP. This was about
a long-standing campaign, some unfinished work, so to have had the honour to have led that and my name to be at the forefront of the legislation, as part of a huge team – Steven in my office [was a] tremendous help, all the children’s charities, a whole range of people. That was undoubtedly the highlight.
What’s been your most embarrassing moment in parliament?
I wouldn’t say embarrassing, but I remember enthusiastically waiting to propose an amendment at a stage three very early in my career and I stood up to propose it wrongly twice. It can still be a bit of a mystery, the process at stage three, and eventually the presiding officer said, “please sit down” and someone told me when it was the right time to get up. I’m most certain I’ve made faux pas; I wouldn’t be human if I hadn’t. I think the most important thing is to accept your mistakes with good grace, apologise and move on.
Is there a friendship you’ve made across party lines that would surprise people?
I first and foremost treat everyone as individuals and of course we all have our badges, quite literally, that we often wear. In 2012, at the end of the Israeli offensive, I was part of a European parliamentary delegation that went to Gaza to visit the devastation there. I went with my colleague Claudia Beamish and I have very warm affection for Claudia based on our journey to and from there and what we encountered. I think she’s a fine parliamentarian and we share a common interest. I would hope that wouldn’t surprise people that it’s someone in the Labour party but likewise my Highlands and Islands colleague Gail Ross. I’ve known Gail for many years and we’ve always tried to work constructively together.
Have there been any memorable nights out from over the years?
I think others would say I’m perhaps not the most sociable person, but we’ve had some very nice evenings. I was probably more a spectator than participant at karaoke on one occasion. I think these occasions are very important to build on friendships.
Is there someone who was particularly bad at karaoke?
I would just say all the participants were jewels of singers, maybe some higher value jewels than others.
What will you miss most about being an MSP?
I’ve enjoyed my time. My outlook on life has always been once you’ve finished, you’re finished. I was a police officer for 30 years, I still have many friends in the police, I still have professional dealings with the police, but I’ve never gone back. I’ve not been involved in much in the way of socialising. Similarly, my time as a Highland councillor. That was finished, I moved on and it will probably be very much that way with the parliament.
Is there anything that you wish you’d done differently?
I think it’s important not to beat yourself up on issues. There’s maybe approaches I’d take differently. I thought I knew everything when I was in my 20s, 30s, 40s and of course I think you could go through life reflecting back on what you’d do differently and of course there’s many things I would have. We’re learning as we go through life every day; there’s something unusual if you don’t encounter something that makes you think every day, and I’ve no regrets. I think sometimes you think you have a grasp on an issue and you perhaps haven’t, but we can all redouble our efforts sometimes. Acting in good faith is the philosophy, I think. You can make mistakes; you’re going to make mistakes, but if you’ve done it in good faith then it’s important to move on.
What’s your best bit of advice to pass on to new MSPS?
The important thing is to be yourself. We’re all different. There’s 129 different people in there. I imagine what we all have in common is the idea, perhaps a little bit arrogantly, that we can make a difference, that we can make things better. It’s important not to lose that, but also not to lose focus on why you’re there; you’re there to represent people. I often think you might think you’ve made a very eloquent speech in the chamber – the public are blissfully unaware of that. If we manage to assist someone with housing that can make things better for the entire household, for the neighbours, for the friends, for all sorts. So, don’t lose focus on the purpose of being there and that’s to serve the public. •