Sir Michael William Hirst (born 2 January 1946) is a former Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party politician, chartered accountant and public relations consultant, company director and past president of the International Diabetes Federation.
Before entering politics, Hirst had a career as a chartered accountant and partner in Peat Marwick, now KPMG.
He attempted to retake Strathkelvin and Bearsden in 1992 election but was beaten again by Galbraith, the same year he was knighted.
In 1997 he was forced to resign his position as Scottish Conservative Chairman and Westminster candidate for the seat of Eastwood, in the wake of revelations about his private life, as he had had several previous homosexual affairs with other, younger Scottish Tories.
In his spare time he enjoys golf, hill walking, theatre and skiing.