The Scottish Greens: kingmaker?

The 2007 election saw the elevation of the Greens to national prominence in Scotland, as the party's two MSPs – Robin Harper and Patrick Harvie – chose to prop up the SNP's minority government. The move was far from the formation of a coalition: rather, it demonstrated a more rational, progressive form of political nous that is absent from Westminster politics.

Nick Clegg insisted recently that the Scottish electorate “will see through the SNP and Labour”, but he failed to pay attention to the events at Holyrood four years ago, when the Greens were able to play the role of kingmaker without becoming a pawn.

There were a few substantial rewards for the party: Mr Harvie became the convener of Holyrood's committee on transport, infrastructure and climate change, and the Green 'voice' in Scottish politics became far more resonant in the halls of Holyrood.

Scotland has become the focal point of a Green Conscience: the £6.4 million renewable energy technology deal between Scotland and China, the floating of Edinburgh for the UK’s new green investment bank to channel private sector funding into low carbon businesses and the role of Transition Edinburgh all represent the Green identity transcending social labels.

The Greens have to some extent come to represent a civilizing power within Scottish politics, gaining a solid political base in Edinburgh, where there are councillors on the Leith Walk, Southside/Newington and the Meadows/Morningside wards. Equally, they are gaining ground in Glasgow, where five wards have Green councillors. With a reasoned and transparent election campaign, they should be able to reach those who are currently apathetic towards mainstream politics.