SNP Conference: Tom Peterkin: The future is now as SNP Labours the point on personality politics

If THERE are any budding Mystic Megs out there wanting to predict what the future holds over the next few months on the Scottish political scene, they can throw away their crystal balls right now.

The SNP's Perth conference means that psychic powers are not required to see into the future. The events of the last four days have determined the areas where the May 2011 election will be fought.

Expect months of the SNP making unflattering comparisons between their "charismatic" and "dynamic" leader Alex Salmond and Labour's "dull" and "ineffectual" Iain Gray.

In his speech, Mr Salmond signalled in the strongest possible way that the SNP wants this campaign to be dominated by personalities - yesterday the campaign got personal.

Expect the SNP's cabinet's most competent performers - Mr Salmond, John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon - to be feted as stars that out-dazzle their opposite numbers, Mr Gray, Andy Kerr and Jackie Baillie.

To what extent this is true is a moot point. But it is clearly a strategy the SNP believes can deliver success, despite Labour looking clear favourites at this early stage in the campaign.

Also, expect incessant SNP sniping about Labour being the party of council tax rises, while the SNP are the ones guaranteeing a two-year council tax freeze.

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This time, the moot point is whether or not such a freeze can be afforded. But by making that policy commitment, the SNP has opened up an ideological gulf between the two parties.

The SNP were determined to start this campaign on the front foot and by holding a successful and buoyant conference, they have done so.

The big question now is: how will Labour respond? At the end of the month, the Scottish Labour Party heads to Oban for its conference. So far, there has been next to nothing from Labour on their policies. Labour may be favourites, but Mr Gray has to fight back with some ideas of his own.

Labour will have to work hard, as the SNP are always the most enthusiastic campaigners. Labour can no longer expect a divine right to rule. And, judging by the mood of this conference, Mr Salmond is not prepared to hand over power without an almighty dust-up.