Sturgeon’s dilemma

NICOLA Sturgeon is in a political bind.

To maintain support for the Scottish National Party she needs to keep the flame of independence burning.

But she also knows she could struggle to win a second referendum, with recent polls showing a small but consistent majority of Scots wanting to stay in a United Kingdom.

To play for time the First Minister asked the Supreme Court to rule on the validity of Scotland holding a referendum without the UK government’s consent.

The Court ruled against such as The Scotland Act specifically states that holding a referendum is a decision for Westminster.

Ms Sturgeon responded by claiming the result of the next general election will be a “de facto” poll on independence.

Many will have sympathy with Scots not wanting to be ruled by the Tories in London.

And observers in Northern Ireland will be keeping a keen eye on proceedings – it could signpost some of the difficulties surrounding a possible border poll that lie ahead.