Making it work

When I became a Minister in May 2007 the then Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government , John Elvidge, described the role of Ministerial Private Secretaries to the incoming Administration as " your voice in the civil service and the civil service's voice to you".

Almost seven years later I think he under estimated the pivotal role of Private Offices in making the machinery of Government work.

At their best those who take the role of Private Secretary, running the Private Offices, are adviser, , confidant and deliverer rolled into one. They need diplomatic, intellectual, charm and bullying (in the nicest way) skills in equal measure - and infinite patience.

I have been fortunate in enjoying that high calibre of support from Scott , Darren , Brian, Laura and now from Ellen. So on the last day of this Parliamentary term let me celebrate in blip the last two of those who were at our departmental Christmas drinks this evening.

Thanks.....to you both and to all of you.