Chance to capitalise on relative stability

For many months the mantra from the opposition parties at Holyrood has been the same.

“Get on with the day job” has been the somewhat monotonous cry.

However, the SNP hierarchy appeared steadfast in its determination to pursue a second independence referendum at the earliest opportunity.

Yesterday, all that changed as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon put those proposals on hold – at least for now.

It has been a period of almost unprecedented turbulence both north and south of the border.

Referendum has followed election with remarkable regularity.

Of course, another general election may yet be on the cards as – with the ink not yet dry on the Conservatives’ agreement with the DUP – Prime Minister Theresa May finds herself under huge pressure.

However, a period of at least relative stability at Holyrood may be imminent.

Nicola Sturgeon has been at pains to stress that, despite all the talk of a second independence referendum, her party has never taken its eye off the ball on the home front, with education, employment and the economy all at the forefront of her mind.

With a split from the UK now on the back-burner it is an opportunity for her to prove she is indeed more than ready to tackle the day job.