Jim Wallace is unique: a Liberal Democrat MP, he also holds a senior position in government.

When Labour failed to win an outright majority in the Scottish Parliament elections, he negotiated a coalition and won himself the second top job in the new executive.

A soft-spoken former QC who represents the islanders of Orkney, Mr Wallace also holds the post of Justice Minister north of the border. His dual role and prominence represents a massive advance for his party and a great personal achievement.

Trouble at the top

But it has not been a trouble-free ride. Entering into partnership with Labour and First Minister Donald Dewar forced the Scottish Lib Dems to fudge their demand for the abolition of student tuition fees.

A committee of inquiry has been set up to look into the issue, but Mr Wallace has admitted it retains the potential to explode the coalition administration if Labour sticks to its position.

Killer dilemma

A less predictable dilemma has been responding to a court's decision to free mentally ill murderer Noel Ruddle - a convicted killer who shot dead his neighbour with a Kalashnikov rifle - on the grounds he could not be treated.

The justice minister moved promptly to close the legal loophole, but still became the focus of opposition attacks on its handling of the issue.