Asked which issue is most important to them when casting their vote few, if any, Scots would say the cost of building ferries.
Fewer still would mention bottle deposit arrangements, their right to use wood burners or the availability of puberty blockers for teenagers. None of these would be in the top ten important influences on most voters, I’d guess.
The relentless focus on issues such as these by political opponents and commentators may have the opposite effect of that intended, playing into the hands of the SNP and, at least in part, explaining the party’s gravity-defying position in the polls.
For despite an abject record in office and a succession of scandals and public relations disasters for the party and government, it has achieved a remarkable level of resilience.
Ferry costs occupy much media attention (Image: free)
The stratospheric levels of support for Labour in England, indicated in polls, are not replicated north of the border, and some even suggest the SNP could yet win the highest number of Scottish seats at the forthcoming General Election.
Last week’s U-turn by ministers over their target of cutting carbon emissions by 75% by 2030, was notable for the heat it generated on a major policy issue of importance to, and impacting the lives of, a considerable number of people.
While the leadership of the Scottish Greens is putting a brave face on the catastrophe, it could yet lead to the collapse of its power sharing coalition with the nationalists.
That would leave the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, limping towards the next Scottish Parliament election in 25 months’ time as the embattled leader of a minority administration.........