This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Dedication ceremony for Cardinal Winning
28/02/2003
First Minister Jack McConnell was a principal speaker at
a dedication ceremony for the late Cardinal Thomas Winning
at Our Lady's High School, Motherwell, today.
He said that Cardinal Winning had been a supporter of
devolution and the creation of the Scottish Parliament
while sharing the Executive's commitment to achieving a
modern Scotland that had no place for racism or religious
intolerance.
"He wanted three things from the Parliament. He wanted
us to focus on building quality public services, because he
understood their importance in giving communities the
opportunities for prosperity matched by the security of
support. Opportunities for all - no matter what your
background or standing, and support for all in times of
need.
"I believe he would have recognised the start we have
made. Increasing educational choice and opportunity, and
tackling Scotland's killer diseases. But, I know that he
would have agreed with me that there is much more to
do.
"He wanted a compassionate Parliament with a commitment
to social justice at its heart. We have made a start.
Tackling homelessness, putting victims at the centre of our
justice system and our work to protect children from abuse,
and increase the quality of their care. There is more to
do, but I am sure Cardinal Winning would have recognised
the start we have made.
"And, Cardinal Winning wanted a Parliament to represent
Scotland well. Our record here is mixed! We have had good
days and we have had bad ones. But, as our Parliament has
matured we have strengthened our voice in the United
Kingdom and moved out to engage productively in Western
Europe and the USA. We have laid the foundations here,
foundations I am determined we will build upon.
"I think Cardinal Winning would have given us a fair
report. One that said "good start, but you have more to
do"."
The FM also touched on the issue of denominational
schools.
He said:
"In my time as Education Minister and now as First
Minister, I have seen for myself the clear benefits of the
education offered in our denominational schools to all of
their pupils.
"So let me take this opportunity to say again that I
strongly believe in the educational value of our
denominational school system. I am not interested in
narrowing down choice or spurning real education
achievement. It is right that our school system allows
different but similar schools across Scotland to learn from
each other."