The Educational Institute of Scotland’s ballot on renewing its political fund has produced a 77 per cent vote in favour. Only 41 per cent of members voted. All unions with a fund are required to hold a ballot every 10 years.
Support for a political fund was lower than the 85 per cent recorded in the first ballot in 1987. But Ronnie Smith, the institute’s general secretary, said the political circumstances were different and it was significant that despite the introduction of more acceptable Government policies members still saw the importance of a campaigning role for the institute.