Scottish leader ‘a fantastic role model’
SCOTTISH politician Nicola Sturgeon has been described as a ‘good listener’ and ‘a fantastic role model’ by deputies who met her, following announcing her resignation as the country's first minister and SNP leader.
Ms Sturgeon met Guernsey politicians on a number of occasions when she represented Scotland at meetings of the British-Irish Council.
She was most recently in the island in July when Guernsey hosted a summit.
Former chief minister Deputy Gavin St Pier, who attended a number of BIC summits alongside Ms Sturgeon, said that, while he did not share all of her politics or policy positions, he always enjoyed meeting her.
‘She is engaging, unfailingly courteous and a good listener. She was one of the most impressive politicians of her political generation with whom I dealt,’ he said.
Deputy St Pier added that Ms Sturgeon was always well briefed and clear in articulating her own and her government’s position.
Deputy Heidi Soulsby was president of Health & Social Care when she first met Ms Sturgeon at a BIC summit in Dublin.
‘We were the only women in the room and she came over purposefully to shake my hand and say hello,’ she said.
Deputy Soulsby added that she thought Ms Sturgeon had been impressive during the Covid pandemic, and would be difficult to replace following her resignation.
‘I think she was a fantastic role model. Deciding to resign is difficult but it showed strength to do what she has done, as well as real leadership.’
