SNP Remain Top of The Polls in Local By-Elections

'The SNP have proved that they've been very popular in Government, they've been very effective - they've been very Scottish.' Former Labour First Minister of Scotland the Rt Hon Henry McLeish 17 th February 2008.

McLeish on SNP - Very Popular, Very Effective, Very Scottish

From the Scottish National Party 17 th February 2008

SNP MSP Brian Adam today welcomed the comments of former First Minister Henry McLeish who praised the success of the SNP Government saying in an interview with Good Morning Scotland that it is "very popular, very effective, very Scottish".

Mr Adam said:

"Henry McLeish has said what people across Scotland are thinking.

"After nine months in office the SNP is seeing unprecedented levels of popularity for a Scottish Government, is delivering effectively for the people of Scotland and is standing up for Scotland.

"As recent by-elections and opinion polls show, the SNP in government is receiving the overwhelming support of the Scottish public.

"Considering many in Henry McLeish's party spent the election campaign predicting doom and gloom if the SNP won his comments are very welcome indeed.

"Former First Minister McLeish's comments are in stark contrast to Gordon Brown who in an interview this weekend seemed unable to even say Alex Salmond's name or to acknowledge the success of the SNP.

"With the shambles of Northern Rock nationalisation and the constant dithering of the UK Government Mr Brown might want to pick up a few tips from the SNP."

ENDS

1. An analysis of all by-election results since May 2007 shows the SNP winning more votes and seats.

SNP Gain 2, SNP Hold 1, LD Gain 1, Lab Hold 1

Party Votes %

SNP 4,797 34%
Labour 4,126 29%
Tory 1,858 13%
LibDem 1,835 13%
Other 1,575 11%

2. Figures from the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2007 (Jan 2008) show that 71% of people trust the Scottish Government to work in Scotland's best interests while only 35% trust the UK Government to act in Scotland's interest.