SNP to hit third-term wall, says former MP

THE wheels will come off the SNP juggernaut if it wins a third term, claims a a former MP running for Holyrood.

Alan Reid, who used to represent Argyll and Bute in Westminster, said governments in their third term often come “unstuck” as they lose the ability to deflect criticism.

The ex-parliamentarian is now running for the seat of Argyll and Bute at the Holyrood elections next year.

He said: “If the SNP do get back in, the third term is when governments often get unstuck. It’s difficult to sustain a government beyond a third term. So I think even if they get back in the chickens will come home to roost.

“The Forth Bridge is an example of what happens to governments. I think the wheels will come off in the third term.”

Unlike many of his former Westminster colleagues, Mr Reid, a Liberal Democrat in a marginal seat, was always realistic about his chances at this year’s General Election.

He lost his constituency of 14 years with a swing of 14.5 per cent to the SNP candidate, Brendan O’Hara.

But despite the tsunami leaving just three non-SNP MPs left in the UK parliament, Mr Reid is optimistic that his party can rise again.

“I think we’ve a reasonable chance of making a good comeback, we will no longer be defending a government’s record, which was always a difficult thing to do,” he said.