I’m now starting to think that maybe the SNP can actually rule forever after another predictable win at Holyrood.

A slightly deflating victory, however, as the party’s dream of an overall majority of seats to justify another independence referendum evaporated.

Like hitting a dartboard, but missing the bullseye.

When they looked invincible just before the last referendum a top party spin-doctor laughed when I suggested that they might rule forever.

Voters would tire of them if their record hung on a shoogly peg, he warned.

I could see his point, but I’m not so sure now.

Swinney’s support holds firm even though the glue has peeled off here and there – lacking an outright majority with total power, which means they can’t stand on their own feet without the Greens.

The party’s longevity has less to do with its own record, but more to an electoral pattern in Scotland which appears to have an SNP victory calibrated automatically – to deliver the same result every time.

Solid, but not spectacular.

This happens when its candidates win between 33 and 44 per cent of the constituency vote.

In a normal parliamentary election, it gives Swinney a comfy blanket and enough protection from the icy grip of opponents with larger combined........

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