Sorry is not enough to make this right
IT must rank as one of the most grovelling political apologies ever made.
But can Nicola Sturgeon really hope to win back the trust of parents and pupils by saying sorry?
Last week she and her beleaguered Education Secretary insisted the methodology for deciding exam results was sound.
Now John Swinney is preparing to execute his latest U-turn, after heeding the ‘anger’ of the thousands of pupils affected.
The threat of a no-confidence vote – and the possibility that the Greens would not back the Government – have led to an abrupt tactical switch.
Miss Sturgeon also revealed individual appeals would not be needed as youngsters – many from deprived areas – should not have to pay the price for a systemic fault.
The ferocity of the backlash, and the prospect of losing votes at next year’s election, forced the First Minister’s hand.
Worse, her apology had to be dragged from her after days of stubbornly refusing to change her position.
Why did it take so long for Miss Sturgeon to acknowledge that she and Mr Swinney had got it so wrong? Incompetence on this scale cannot be dismissed with a mere expression of remorse, given the possible repercussions for children’s life chances.
Muddle and chaotic policy-making have become hallmarks of Mr Swinney’s performance during the pandemic, and indeed before. After Miss Sturgeon’s belated admission of responsibility, her Education Secretary is now under acute pressure to ensure youngsters are not penalised for her administration’s mistakes.
It is possible Mr Swinney can hang onto his job if he receives the backing of his party’s Green allies. But the months ahead will be challenging, as pupils return to school after five months away from the classroom.
On any reasonable analysis, a minister who has presided over a mess of these proportions simply cannot be trusted to remain in charge during this tumultuous period.
Miss Sturgeon once claimed education was her top priority – a claim that cannot be taken seriously while Mr Swinney remains in his post.