Dangers lurk for the allies

THE seeds of the power deal between the SNP and the Greens were sown in the last term of the Parliament.

Nicola Sturgeon’s allies believe her minority government was subjected to a war of attrition by pro-UK parties with the aim of bringing down ministers, not scrutinising their actions.

Even niche legislation became an outlet for Punch and Judy politics, while a string of no confidence votes in ministers sapped energy.

The temperature reached boiling point when the opposition parties tried to topple the FM over the Salmond Inquiry. The view of Sturgeon’s top team was there would be no repeat. The pact was motivated by a desire for stability.

Policy opt-outs have been negotiated by the Greens but on budgets, no confidence votes and a subjects like housing and climate the Government looks like having a 71 seat comfort blanket. It also formalises a majority at Holyrood for IndyRef2.

But there are problems for both sides with a deal that can be described as historic.

Unlike the SNP, the Greens are suspicious of large corporations and the firms will be alarmed at party MSPs being in Government.

The Greens also favour an end date for oil and gas exploration which, although a matter for Westminster, could see the SNP lose votes in its north-east heartlands.

Some SNP figures believe the risks of a deal outweigh the advantages, and fear short-term stability could be offset by voter loss.

The benefits are obvious for the Greens. They would secure ministerial positions for the first time and shape vital policy areas.

But danger also lurks. Two junior ministers could easily be flattened by the SNP juggernaut. Co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater will be held to account for all Government decisions. But if Greens secure higher benefit payments for low income Scots, voters could be impressed.

Come the next election, the SNP and Greens will be more closely aligned than ever. Sturgeon, Harvie and Slater will stand or fall together.