NEXT May’s elections seem a very long way off when all our focus and energy are turned towards dealing with the devastating effects of the Covid-19 virus. 

However, as we all know, living in a democracy our election cycle will inevitably, and rightly, come back round.

So far, with the increased volume of work that has come through my office in terms of all the constituent and systems changes to be dealt with, until writing this article, I hadn’t really given next year’s Scottish Parliament elections a great deal of thought. 

I had, of course, followed the party’s rules in declaring myself as a candidate for selection within the allowed timeframe, but just left it at that.

Quite frankly, there are so many immediate things for myself and my staff to be dealing with on behalf of constituents and their families and the local businesses concerns who are all coping with the necessary changes to all our lives, that thinking of elections hasn’t hit the headlines. 

To the forefront of our considerations has been making sure our NHS and its staff aren’t swamped by the volume of people that could become ill.

However, when we do start to come out of this lockdown period, myself, my office and, as the party of government, the SNP, will continue to focus on how we can introduce all those changes, big and small, that will firstly get life and business and the economy moving again. 

How and when we can look at opening schools and colleges; how we can continue to manage our precious National Health Service, its workload and its employees and improve terms and conditions there as well as in the social care sector; how we can balance stimulating the economy and avoid the feared second wave of this pernicious virus, have all to be at the top of the list. 

I’m sure by that time we will look to spare some time to address all the very necessary democratic paraphernalia that surround our election process, from targets and messages, to election agents and campaign planning, through to the run-up to the election and then the day itself. 

I’m certain that, as before, we’ll see our stalwart supporters give generously of their time and efforts to enable the Scottish National Party and all our candidates to continue to show Scotland that we are the credible party of government. 

I believe that we are worthy of again asking the Scottish electorate for their trust; for a further chance to continue to represent the people and go towards independence and social justice. 

Nonetheless, as a constituency representative, I’m currently happy to turn the tired old Tory mantra on its head and say that we’re busy getting on with the day job — because, believe me, there is personal and community sadness, genuine heartache and, to many ordinary decent people, a real devastation and a feeling of loss visiting us just now. 

It’s currently my job to help my constituents deal with as much of that as we possibly can, and look to elections in their turn.

Bill Kidd is MSP for Glasgow Anniesland.