NEW SCOTTISH POLL SHOWS SUPPORT GROWING FOR SNP GOVERNMENT.

NEW SCOTTISH POLL SHOWS SUPPORT GROWING FOR SNP GOVERNMENT.

SNP POSITION STRENGTHENS AS LABOUR CREDIBILITY DROPS.

Scottish voters have given their backing to the SNP as a new poll gives the party an 8 point lead over Labour on the constituency vote and a 4 point lead in the regional vote. The YouGov poll of 1556 voters, commissioned by the SNP, shows the party’s support has increased by 3% from a YouGov poll conducted ten days earlier, where the constituency lead was just 2 points. Labour support has deteriorated as the debate over the release of Megrahi has continued and as the SNP Government set out its Programme for the coming year.

The poll – which shows support for the SNP in the Constituency vote at 36%, up by 3% on the 2007 result, with Labour on 28 (-4%), Conservatives on 16 (-) and the Lib Dems on 14% (-2%) – shows that the SNP are setting the political agenda, and exposes the impact on Labour of Iain Gray and Richard Baker’s bad judgment in politicising the Megrahi issue. SNP Depute Leader and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said;

“These are excellent poll ratings, and demonstrate that the SNP Government are winning the debate as we start the new parliamentary session. “In rejecting what we now know to be a tainted Prisoner Transfer application and granting compassionate release to send al-Megrahi back to Libya to die, the Justice Secretary took a difficult decision. It was the right decision for the right reasons, and therefore one which attracts widespread and growing support, both at home and abroad.

“This poll shows support for the SNP rising over the last ten days as the debate over Kenny MacAskill’s decision took place. “In contrast the actions of Labour have lost public support as their attempts to attack Kenny MacAskill’s decision for party political gain backfired.

“Our Programme for Government shows that we are setting the Scottish political agenda, with a commanding poll lead – putting the SNP in a stronger poll position over Labour than when we won the election in 2007.” “With new legislation coming forward that will protect homes, tackle the problem of alcohol in our society, invest in our economy and fulfil our commitment for a referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future this poll shows the SNP is continuing to take Scotland forward with the support of the Scottish people.”

SCOTTISH POLLING DETAILS 7/09/2009.

1. Results YouGov poll, Commissioned by the SNP of 1556 Scottish adults on the 1st and 2nd September 2009 Scottish Constituency Vote (2007) SNP 36 (+3%) Labour 28 (-4%) Con 16 (-) LD 14 (-2%) Other 7 Scottish Regional Vote SNP 30 (-1%) Lab 26 (-3%) Con 17 (+3%) LD 12 (+1%) Other 14

2. Change in support (YouGov polling) from 24th August to 2nd September Constituency YouGov/Daily Mail 24-26th August SNP 33% / Lab 31%

YouGov/Mail on Sunday 26-28th August SNP 34 %/ Lab 27% YouGov/ SNP 1st-2nd September SNP 36 %/ Lab 28% Regional Vote

YouGov/Daily Mail 24th - 26th August SNP 27% / Lab 28% YouGov/Mail on Sunday 26-28th August SNP 30% / Lab 26% YouGov/SNP 1st-2nd August SNP 30 %/ Lab 26%