‘I think Nicola Sturgeon knows indy is out of reach’

LET me start this piece by saying that there are undoubtedly reasons to admire Nicola Sturgeon and top of this list is the shift put in during the pandemic.

From care homes to Covid ID cards, there are things that I would have done differently but there is no denying that her appearances day in, day out showed both resolve and composure in what was an incredibly stressful time.

I also want to acknowledge where Nicola has taken on the ideas of Scottish Liberal Democrats, from appointing a dedicated Minister for Mental Health to the pupil equity fund designed to get extra help in school to those from poorer backgrounds.

However, it has to be said, for seven years in power, her legislative achievements look relatively sparse. It says something that when asked to list the SNP’s achievements, so often members of her own party point to free personal care and free university tuition, both of which predate not just Nicola Sturgeon but the SNP administration entirely. In just eight years, the Liberal-Labour coalition of the early 2000s reshaped the electoral system, repealed Section 28, pioneered the smoking ban, introduced the free bus pass, and set Scotland’s first renewables targets.

With COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland should have been a shining beacon to the rest of the world, but our climate targets are missed year after year.

Likewise, in the NHS, a decade of poor workforce planning has left us with record vacancies and record waits for A&E and cancer treatment.

Even on the issue which Nicola Sturgeon cares most about – independence – the needle marking support for separation from the rest of the UK remains almost unmoved.

Despite favourable political weather – a Brexit result that caused some

No-Remainers to waver and the election of a hapless Prime Minister who could not serve as a better recruiting sergeant for the nationalist cause – I think that in her heart of hearts, Nicola Sturgeon knows that independence is out of reach.

Her promises of more independence legislation, a vote next year, a legal case in the Supreme Court – all feel like desperate gambits designed to enthuse the members of her own party, rather than serious efforts to lay the groundwork for separatism.

All polling shows people want the government to get on with what really matters right now, not least the cost-ofliving crisis and public services on the brink.

While she hunts for more red meat for the independence faithful, Scotland faces the consequences of seven years of missed opportunities.

There has been no replacement for the “unfair” council tax. Closing the attainment gap, once “top priority”, isn’t any more. And there are painful NHS waits. I’m sure that whatever comes after politics, be it plum diplomatic roles, academia or third sector, someone as bright and eloquent as Nicola Sturgeon will be a success.

However, when we look back, the referendum and pandemic will loom large – but it’s possible that the periods that followed will barely be remembered at all.