The challenge of filling Dewar's shoes

By Robin Oakley, CNN.com European political editor

LONDON, England (CNN) -- An early enthusiast for the Scottish Parliament and an obvious choice to head the Scottish Executive, Donald Dewar will be remembered as the man who led his homeland to devolution, working with Liberal Democrats and Scottish Nationalists for a “Yes” vote in the Scottish referendum.

He was head and shoulders above the rest of Labour’s other Scottish MSPs and will be hard to replace.

As a former chief whip and previously a valued member of Tony Blair's British cabinet, Dewar was one of the Labour Party’s most respected figures.

Although a moderniser he was never a factionalist and was well regarded both by old and new Labour.

A lean, almost gaunt figure with a nimble brain and something of a reputation as a workaholic, his apparently dour manner was leavened by a dry wit and a rapid-fire speaking style. But he was always more of a thinking politician than a despatch box bruiser.

There had been problems in the early days of the Scottish Parliament over the costs of the building and the personal problems of leading advisers. Dewar weathered the storms.

It is likely that his place as Scotland’s first minister will be taken by his popular deputy Jim Wallace, who took over while Mr Dewar was absent for his heart operation earlier this year.

Mr Wallace is a Liberal Democrat, however, and the majority party in Scotland will want their own Labour man in the post before too long.

The favourite is probably Henry McLeish, the Scottish Minister for Enterprise and a close associate of Mr Dewar.

From CNN.com Europe

Scottish Parliament
Scottish Executive

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