Testing loyalties

NICOLA Sturgeon wasn’t speaking at the opening of the SNP’s three-day conference.

She didn’t appear on the cover of the conference agenda. Even the party merchandise stall was notable for an absence of Nicola-inspired goodies.

In fact, this was a conference clearly trying to prove the SNP are more than just a leader.

The warm-up man, John Swinney, was on and off in 15 minutes. The headline act isn’t until tomorrow, when the First Minister finally takes the stage.

Despite the rudderless feel, there were times when the conference came alive.

Real policy arguments on the military age of recruitment proved there’s a spark, particularly among the fired-up youth.

With a date for IndyRef2 kicked somewhere into the distance, the impact of Brexit hung around like a bad smell.

Delegates overwhelmingly back the party position, but there is dissent creeping in.

In one debate, it looked like senior SNP figures were trying to convince members the EU is worth fighting for.

Perhaps it was all just the distraction of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier. Sturgeon’s spinners said she left promptly to watch the match at 5pm.

Outside, a band of committed Yes campaigners were gauging opinion.

They asked people to place a ball in a box depending on whether they’d rather see World Cup success or IndyRef2.

Just one ball had been placed in the World Cup box by the close of play yesterday.

But neither were looking particularly likely.