John Swinney receives "Politician Of the Year" and "Best Debater" accolades

Nov 24 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

JOHN Swinney MSP, North Tayside MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, has been named Scottish Politician of the Year.

He was awarded the accolade, which was presented by The Herald newspaper, for his role in dealing with the recession and delivering a “council tax freeze”.

Mr Swinney was also named Donald Dewar debater of the year, in an award sponsored by eaga, at the ceremony at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh.

Donald Martin, editor-in-chief of Herald and Times Group, said of Mr Swinney: “John Swinney has handled a very difficult brief in the teeth of the recession very well and thoroughly deserved to be named Scotland's Politician of the Year.”

Michael McMahon, group operations director for eaga, said: “We were pleased to sponsor the Donald Dewar Debater of the Year Award and we offer our congratulations to John Swinney.

“Political debate has never been more important as we face environmental challenges. Eaga, a green support services company, hopes that in the future the issue of climate change will be one all parties can unite on.”

Commenting on receiving his awards, Mr Swinney said: “It is a great honour to receive these awards, particularly against such strong competition particularly amongst my SNP Cabinet colleagues.

“I will continue to work hard in my ministerial role and for the people of North Tayside. I am grateful to my colleagues and constituents for their ongoing support.”