The SNP begin their conference in Perth today. It will be interesting to watch their progress this week. There is no doubt that they are in a much stronger position than even a year ago, but this is undoubtedly more down to the fall in Labour's support rather than any substantial positive switch to the SNP.
That is the SNP's problem. To date their increase in the polls does not seem to be due to any shift in their presentation or policies. Indeed, weeks can go by without hearing anything of note or newsworthiness from them. One SNP insider has even suggested that their current strategy is to keep their heads down, do and say as little as possible and try to reap the benefits from a mid-term Labour government.
So far, the SNP's support looks to have once again peaked too soon. As John Curtice pointed out in the Scotsman today, they have a huge mountain to climb if they are to form the next Executive. On current form I can't see them making major headway with constituency seats.
Comments