SNP TOP POLLS IN TWO-HORSE RACE WITH LABOUR

SNP TOP POLLS IN TWO-HORSE RACE WITH LABOUR

LABOUR'S 9% ADVANTAGE EVAPORATES AS SNP TAKE LEAD BY 2%

SNP's EURO ELECTION VICTORY FOLLOWED 11% EURO POLL DEFICIT

A comparison of the final Westminster opinion polls in Scotland for 2009
and 2008 shows that the SNP is in its strongest ever polling position
before a general election and confirms that the electoral battle is a
clear two-horse race between the SNP and Labour in Scotland.

The final Westminster voting intention poll of 2008 - by YouGov for the
Sunday Times - had Labour on 38% to the SNP on 29%. This compares to the
final poll of 2009 by MORI which has the SNP on 34% to 32% for Labour.

Even more encouraging for the SNP is that not only did the 9% poll deficit
in 2008 precede the SNP's victory in the 2009 June European elections but
that the only all-Scotland opinion poll for those European elections had
Labour on 41% - 11% ahead of the SNP. On the day the Labour party trailed
home with 21% - 8% BEHIND the SNP.

Commenting on the analysis SNP Westminster campaign co-ordinator, Stewart
Hosie MP, said:

"This comparison is very encouraging news for the SNP as we start what
will be a Westminster election year. It clearly indicates that Scottish
politics has changed for good. That the election will be a clear choice
between the SNP and Labour.

"It shows the historic sea change in Scottish politics with the SNP, for
the first time in its history, overtaking Labour in the final year's poll
for Westminster.

"That we overtook Labour in a final Westminster poll from our high point
in 2007 is immensely significant for the SNP.

"The European election victory also underscores the significance of this
final year poll. At the end of 2008 we had a 9% deficit to make up in
voting intentions but went on to win the European elections by 8% over
Labour. Not only that but the only European election poll taken in
Scotland had us trailing Labour by 11% over two months from the election.

"It shows that the advantage is with the SNP and we are on track to
seriously challenge Labour in a two horse race for the Westminster
elections. It reflects how the SNP in Government is delivering for the
people of Scotland in these hard times.

"The latest unemployment statistics show just how the SNP Government has
made a difference in Scotland by protecting and creating jobs. It is the
SNP which is doing everything it can within its power to deliver help for
families and business in these troubled economic times.

"We've put more money back in people's pockets with a council tax freeze
and lowering prescription charges; and we've put more money back into high
street businesses with our small business bonus.

"The SNP offer people hope with a party focussed on jobs for Scotland and
an end to Labour's age of irresponsibility. It is the SNP which is
offering the people of Scotland a better future with an age of
responsibility. The choice is clearly between the SNP offering a positive
vision of jobs and responsibility compared to a Labour party obsessed with
negativity and irresponsibility."