Beginning of the end for independence

THE long- drawn- out independence referendum campaign has reached a tipping point with the findings of the Ashworth poll surveying 10,000 voters: it records just 26 per cent supporting independence, with 65 per cent having decided to vote No.

This is devastating news for the SNP; it is difficult to see the struggling separatists coming back from this rebuff.

The public is dissatisfied with the SNP Government’s obsessive focus on the independence issue.

Nearly half of voters see independence as the SNP’s priority, though only 3 per cent think it ought to be.

Understandably, 41 per cent of voters think that the government should focus on the economy and jobs. Now Alex Salmond is faced by the nightmare prospect of a by-election in Dunfermline, due to the resignation of disgraced MSP Bill Walker.

The majority is only 590. Considering the SNP majority fell by 5,000 votes in the most recent by- election, at Aberdeen Donside, Dunfermline looks precarious.

The loss of this seat would provide the worst possible prelude to the referendum vote. This poll also sends a warning to opposition parties. Under plans for further devolution, which they propose to introduce, 59 per cent of voters think Scottish taxes would rise.

The poll shows there is little support for increased powers for Holyrood. Unionist leaders should heed public opinion: on the evidence of this poll, independence is doomed without the need for unnecessary concessions to the SNP that would subject Scots to increased taxes.