There are now bigger issues than Indyref2

The prospect of another independence referendum sucked all of the oxygen out of Scottish politics yesterday. It has a habit of doing so whenever the subject arises, dominating the debate and diverting attention in a way few other issues can.

The reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday suggests the phenomenon is likely to continue for some time to come

Nicola Sturgeon has signalled she will make a second referendum her target at the next general election, saying a vote for the SNP will be considered a vote for independence.

That is her prerogative. Her allies would expect nothing less.

But there is no shortage of urgent business in her in-tray as she refocuses on the humdrum routine of governing Scotland.

The challenges were laid before her at First Minister’s Questions yesterday and they will be apparent to anyone leafing through the pages of The Courier today.

Teachers from across Tayside and Fife walked out on strike for better pay this week. Nurses are preparing to follow suit.

A&E patients in Fife are facing long waits for treatment, with fewer than 60% being seen within four hours.

In Tayside, patients are pressing the Scottish Government to order an inquiry into disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel.

Dundee’s drug crisis is showing no signs of abating, despite repeated pledges from Ms Sturgeon and her colleagues that it is being treated with the utmost urgency.

And delays to dualling the A9 are looking ever more costly in the light of the latest tragedy on the route. That is just a local snapshot.

All this is taking place against the unfolding backdrop of a cost-ofliving crisis, rising inflation, soaring energy prices, a climate emergency and any number of other concerns.

Securing a second independence referendum would be a tremendous prize for Nicola Sturgeon – the icing on a remarkable career.

But most Scots will be content with a decent income, good health and a secure roof over their heads this winter.

The first minister would do well to remember this and to focus on the job in hand.