Testing Times

Programme Outline

The programme is divided into three sections.

(00:00—06:18)

The official opening of the Scottish Parliament on 1 July 1999. A chronology of events up to 6 May 1999 (elections to the Scottish Parliament), with analysis of how the political parties battled for every vote during the campaign. The views of the leaders of the main political parties (Donald Dewar, Scottish Labour Party; Jim Wallace, Scottish Liberal Democrats; David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Party; Alex Salmond, Scottish National Party).

(06:18—11.40)

The second section, ‘A Day in the Life of Andrew Wilson’, looks at basic aspects of electioneering: reading the papers, talking to the press, preparing for television debates, visiting local businesses, meeting voters at clubs, handing out leaflets, knocking on doors, and phone-polling.

(11:40—20:00)

The final section outlines some last-ditch attempts by the parties to rally support, and considers what candidates of smaller parties have to do. The result is examined in terms of seats won on first and second votes. There is also an attempt to ascertain from key MSPs what the parties learned from the campaign and, in particular, how factors such as funding, newspaper advertising, the press and voter turnout influenced the result.