Sturgeon faces quite the conundrum

Nicola Sturgeon has found herself in a difficult place of late. After losing the 2014 independence referendum, the SNP would perhaps have been well advised to shelve the issue for, if not a generation, then at least a decade or so.

However, supporters of independence have grown impatient in the intervening period and appear disinclined to wait much longer for what they see as meaningful progress.

The SNP had declared that they would respect the decision of the Scottish people in 2014, but also warned that they reserved the right to go back to the electorate if there was a “material change”. To be fair, the Brexit vote could certainly be regarded as such and so independence supporters were quick to echo the SNP’s pledge to return to the electorate.

But, despite the changing political landscape, the timing remains imperfect and the polls do not show the kind of overwhelming support Ms Sturgeon would far rather secure before entering another exhausting referendum campaign.

The growth commission report, issued yesterday, is only likely to fan the flames on both sides of the constitutional debate. Employing all the bombastic rhetoric so evident just a few short years ago, both sides will be equally strident in their arguments.

Brace yourself...