McConnell: devolution regrets

Scotland's first minister Jack McConnell has conceded that devolution has failed to live up to the public's expectations.

Admitting that there is a widespread sense of "disaffection" with the Scottish parliament, McConnell said the Holyrood executive had failed to focus on the issues relevant to Scottish people.

Whilst he claims that voters' expectations were too high initially, McConnell concedes that "the first couple of years of the parliament were a disappointment".

"I have no doubt there's a level of disaffection with the parliament. One of the reasons I wanted to be first minister is because I sensed that disaffection," he told the FT.

"Partly because expectations were far too high, partly because of the way in which presentation was skewed to the negative and away from the positive.

"But partly also because in the executive and in the parliament we took our eye off the ball and didn't concentrate all the time on things which were seen as being critically important, did not seem to sense and value the importance of value for money in public expenditure.

"And I think we need to be focusing on these issues to build confidence."

The first minister also warns the chancellor that it would be "damaging and divisive" to review the formula used to fund Scottish government.

"My view would be that if the choice was made to review the Barnett formula, one, you create substantial tension between Scotland and England, at a time when developments like English regional government are being looked at, at a time of economic concern and a bit of a downturn in the overall British economy," he warned.

"I think the Barnett formula has that added benefit, yes, of playing to both sides of the argument. It's not perfect for anybody. It should reassure an English-spending minister that their budget in percentage terms is coming closer to the Scottish budget.

"But it reassures Scotland that the differential in some form continues to be there and that we get a fair share of national resources.

"I think in the short term, the formula is a good thing for Scotland and a good thing for the UK. And it would make sense to leave well alone."