‘WITH the General Election now only a few short weeks away, this is my final contribution to the popular ‘Politician’s Opinion’ feature in the Central Fife Times, and it is very much a farewell.

As readers and constituents will know, I am not seeking re-election, having decided that after working in education and politics in Fife for over four decades, it is now time to pursue some other interests and spend more time with my family.

I enjoyed my time immensely working in Fife schools – nothing gave me greater pleasure than to see youngsters getting off to the best possible start in life, and it was a very rewarding career.

Turning to politics at a late age – I was 59 when I was elected as the Labour MP for Glenrothes and Central Fife - came as something of a surprise to most people, not least myself!

Although I was a life-long member of the Labour Party, I had never had any intentions of going into politics, never mind standing for Parliament, until I was asked to become the candidate at the By-election following the untimely death of John MacDougall.

I was duly elected and returned again with an increased majority at the General Election in 2010. I sincerely hope that the forthcoming election will be conducted in the respectful and dignified manner that such an important event deserves.

Being an MP has been completely different to my life in teaching, but in many ways has been equally fulfilling – indeed, to have one rewarding career is good, so to have two has been absolutely incredible.

Mind you, I thought leading school assemblies was a real challenge until I went to the House of Commons and saw the behaviour of some MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions!

Taking part in debates and votes at Westminister is only part of the job, much of the real hard work is done in the constituency and I am fortunate to have had a skilled and talented team working not for, but with, me.

It is a real joy to be able to help people deal with a range of issues they face. Many are at their wits’ end when they come to us and some are totally bamboozled by the different layers of Government and their varying responsibilities.

Problems and heartache caused by the cruel bedroom tax, cuts in welfare, immigration issues, complaints about the health service, bad neighbours – the list is endless.

But by working closely with colleagues in the UK and Scottish Parliaments and Fife Council, we are frequently able to cut through the red tape and help those who for whatever reason need additional support. I have found that the vast majority of politicians are decent people who have gone into the job because they genuinely want to help others. Just like teachers, they want to make a difference.

I have had the real pleasure of being able to do that in both my careers - what more could a body ask for.’