STURGEON HAILS GROWING SUPPORT FOR SNP AT HOLYROOD

STURGEON HAILS GROWING SUPPORT FOR SNP AT HOLYROOD


POLL SHOWS SNP ON COURSE FOR TEN ADDITIONAL SEATS

The SNP’s Depute Leader and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has
welcomed the results of the TNS-BMRB (formerly TNS System 3) poll
conducted for STV’s Politics Now programme which shows that the SNP would
boost their number of seats at Holyrood to 57 – an increase of ten.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“This is a hugely encouraging poll for the SNP and shows that our
popularity continues to grow among the people of Scotland two years into
government.

“The SNP’s support has substantially increased since our victory at the
Scottish Parliamentary election in May 2007 - on the constituency vote, we
have increased from 33% to 39% and on the regional vote from 31% to 39%.

“The seat projection on the basis of this poll demonstrates the tremendous
progress the SNP is making and satisfaction with our performance as the
Scottish Government – we would increase our representation by ten seats to
57 MSPs, while Labour, the Tories and Liberals would all lose seats.

“The figures for the parliament itself are encouraging with 73% viewing
its achievements favourably - an increase of 17% since the question was
asked in September 2004. Those with a negative opinion has dropped from
36% to just 15%.

“The devolved parliament has made substantial gains and implemented a
number of progressive policies, but an independent parliament with far
greater responsibilities would be able to deliver much more for the people
of Scotland.

“That is why the SNP Government will introduce a Referendum Bill on
Independence next year and offer the people of Scotland a democratic vote
to determine Scotland’s future.”