Comedian and Labour leader clash
switch sides. The ageing demographic is also one of Robertson’s big assets. Glasgow North West has the largest pensioner population of any UK constituency. But even here, Labour sources say this core constituency is no longer as reliable as it once was.
Since 2010 many diehard voters have passed away. Meanwhile, young families have moved in, bringing with them the most likely SNP demographic, males aged 25 to 45.
In this campaign more miles have been pounded and conversations had, Robertson says. Unlike previous contests there isn’t the resources to farm out to other areas where the fight may be tougher.
It’s more like a by-election this time, he says. Everything is being thrown at it.
So are the polls getting to him? “Yes, sometimes they do. But we’ll see on the day.” He is blessed though with some of the highest profile and most able Labour councillors in the city within his network, their local efforts something visible Labour can point to.
He also dismisses as a caricature the image he represents an old school on the receiving end of a kicking by the New Politics. “People forget it’s the SNP in government, not Labour. I often find myself being asked to explain policies, like NHS issues, which have nothing to do with Labour but are the responsibility of the SNP.”
He also has successes he can point to whilst in Government; reducing tariffs on pre-paid meters, non-charging ATMs and increasing the disability allowance for blind people.
But while Dewar still wins Labour local votes, what of the other local stalwarts of yesteryear?
Members of former Lord Provost Alex Mosson’s family are now SNP, ex-council leader Charlie Gordon was at least sympathetic to a Yes vote and his successor Steven Purcell, still a close friend of Robertson