Praise for intern scheme

A Renfrewshire politician has welcomed the work being carried out by a leading public policy centre.

Barrhead-based Paul O’Kane has taken on an intern provided by Glasgow’s John Smith Centre as a permanent part of his team.

West Scotland MSP Paul, says the centre, which carries out political research and supports young people by offering them the opportunity to enter the political sphere through internship and leadership programmes, provides“wonderful work opportunities”.

Labour’s Shadow Health spokesperson was one of a number of MSPs who took on an intern for a ten- week period.

The MSP said:“In Parliament this week we’ve watched a few presentations that really brought home the important work the John Smith Centre is doing namely research that backs up a civilised and facts based political discourse but also the wonderful work opportunities it is providing to young people.

“Listening to some of the young people speak about how their enthusiasm for a role in politics has increased since becoming part of the John Smith centre programmes is a testament to what the centre is all about.”

He added:“I’m delighted to say that the intern who came to my office is actually joining my team on a permanent basis.

“She made such a great impact from the minute she joined and over ten weeks demonstrated that she has the skills and determination that I was looking for in my team.

“I’m now personally indebted to the John Smith Centre for offering me the chance to add an impressive young person to my parliamentary team.”

An evening reception and afternoon lunch were part of events held at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate the work of the John Smith Centre and the achievements of interns from its programmes.