Letter: Challenge for SNP

Can the SNP benefit at all in next year's Holyrood elections from the "vision thing"? Deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon's remarks do give us some hope that the campaign can be conducted at a mature level (your report, 14 October). It was in marked contrast to Eddie Barnes' pessimistic view that it might be better to have the poll now and get it out of the way (Perspective, same day).

The real challenge for the SNP is to show it can retain its vision while illustrating it is the more competent choice to manage the economy. Ms Sturgeon has kicked off in the right direction. But we need to await the comprehensive spending review next Wednesday to see what she, her leader Alex Salmond, and finance secretary John Swinney are made of. How to cope with the inevitable pruning of the Scottish budget, whilst still exciting the voters about the future, is a test of leadership. What measures can be put forward to demonstrate it?

A vigorous assertion that a referendum on Scottish independence is still on the cards is part of the answer. It needs to be backed by a commitment to a council tax freeze and the introduction of a local income tax. Complement this with putting the case for more fiscal powers for the Scottish Government, together with a strong case for promoting growth partly through renewable energy industries. The SNP needs to show, too, that it is better equipped to promote Scottish interests abroad.

It has already cleared the hurdle of showing voters it can at least run a government. Its credibility now depends on showing that experience can be developed to take Scotland forward.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court

Glenrothes