Scottish Parliament Election 2011: Meet the candidate Mark Ruskell is standing for the Green Party on the regional ‘2nd Vote’ in May’s Holyrood election. Mark served as Green MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife Region from 2003 - 2007. Here he discusses his approach to politics.   Why are you standing again for election to the Scottish Parliament?   Mark Ruskell: I believe the Green approach offers a bold, progressive and honest type of politics, and this is needed more than ever. The opportunity to give voters that choice is very exciting. As an MSP I learnt a great deal about how Holyrood works and I’m passionate about using the Parliament creatively to change lives for the better. I am not afraid to put myself and my political career on the line to make that happen. I think some of our supporters who switched to other parties last time round will look back on the last four years and ask, what has really changed for the better?   How did you make a difference the last time you represented Mid Scotland and Fife?   MR: I led the successful campaign in Parliament against ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth, brought forward legislation on climate change and regulation of GM crops, and supported campaigns on issues as diverse as community land ownership, fair prices for farmers, rail station re-openings, support for the voluntary sector, animal welfare and stopping Trident. If the Greens are in a strong position of influence after 5. May I think I could achieve a lot more for communities across the region the second time round.   How can the Greens ‘win’ at this election? Won’t you be squeezed out by big parties like Labour and the SNP?   MR: The biggest party in the Scottish Parliament will never be able to govern alone because of the way the proportional voting system works. Our two Green MSPs who currently sit in Parliament have been able to use their crucial votes to make demands on, for example, action for warm homes. Even with small numbers we can be influential, but only if enough people split their votes and use their 2nd or regional vote for the Greens.   You talk about honest politics, but how can we be sure you wouldn’t compromise your policies like the Lib Dems have done?   MR: I know many people including personal friends who voted Liberal Democrat in the last Westminster election, but were shocked at how key polices such as student fees, maintaining public services and proportional voting were dropped by them in coalition. Politics often needs compromise, but parties need to be upfront as to what areas they may negotiate on in entering a coalition and what policies are off limits.   What are the big issues that you think the Greens - if elected - can make a difference on after 5. May? MR: We have all the big parties in Scotland now arguing for cuts in public spending, which will be disastrous for the economy and for the most vulnerable in our society. Many people are now losing their jobs as a result, while investment in areas of business growth such as housing and renewable energy is lacking. Scotland needs to play its role in reducing the deficit, but we also need to find ways to raise more tax revenue using the parliament’s powers in a fair and progressive way.   Mark Ruskell lives in Doune, near Stirling, with his wife and two young sons. He has worked on anti-poverty and regeneration projects for councils and in the voluntary sector, served as Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife between 2003-2007 and has since worked in the renewable energy sector. Mark enjoys mountain and road biking, good food and whisky, and is a novice beekeeper. Stirling and Clackmannanshire Greens