Scottish Government's Popularity Soars (extract from Scots Independent)

 Commenting on a poll by MRUK which puts the SNP 8% ahead of Labour on the constituency vote and 10% on the regional list vote, and has Alex Salmond on a +53% approval rating Deputy First Minister and SNP Depute Leader Ms Nicola Sturgeon MSP has said the poll shows the SNP's fast pace of delivery continues to gain the trust of the people.

 The MRUK Cello poll published in the Sunday Times shows that:

     * The SNP's lead over Labour has soared to 8% on the constituency vote and 10% on the regional list vote

    * The SNP are projected to win 57 seats – 13 more than Labour

    * Alex Salmond's ratings are +53%

    * Wendy Alexander's ratings are -22%

    * Among Labour voters, 66% say Alex Salmond is doing a good job, compared with 39% who believe Wendy Alexander is doing well

    * Three times as many Scots trust Salmond over Alexander to deal with all the main areas of devolved government

    * 40% of Scots are less likely to vote Labour as a result of Wendy Alexander's illegal donation problems

    * A quarter believe they are serious enough to warrant her resignation, while a further 15% think she should quit for other reasons

    * Two-thirds of Scots say that they would vote for independence in certain circumstances.

 "There is no good news for Wendy in this poll," says Ivor Knox, of MRUK Cello.  "The first 10 months of SNP government has clearly strengthened its support...on the key issues of the economy, education, health and law and order, far more voters trust Salmond rather than Alexander to look after their interests."

 Deputy First Minister and SNP Depute Leader Ms Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:

 "These are fantastic poll ratings for the SNP and the Scottish Government.  As we approach the anniversary of our first year in office, the poll shows that our fast pace of delivery continues to gain the trust of the people with sky high approval ratings under the leadership of Alex Salmond.

 "Alex Salmond's +53% rating demonstrates his outstanding leadership of the Scottish Government.  By contrast, Wendy Alexander's leadership is in deep crisis.

 "Next month sees a swathe of government measures take effect – including policies that will freeze the Council Tax to help hard pressed householders; cut the burden of business rates on small businesses across Scotland; restore free education in Scotland by scrapping the graduate endowment; and start the phased elimination of prescription charges in this the 60th anniversary year of the National Health Service.

 "These measures will bring real and tangible benefits to communities across Scotland and the wider Scottish economy, and make a lasting difference to people's lives.

 "Labour, meanwhile, have got every single aspect of opposition wrong. Wendy Alexander has been tarnished by her donation scandal, and has failed to set out any credible policies or leadership.

 "In a staggering error of judgement, Labour have attacked the government on issues, such as local income tax, where we have overwhelming public support.  In a bizarre re-run of Labour's failed election campaign, Ms Alexander has joined with the Tories to defend the deeply unpopular Council Tax.  Labour have become obsessed with issues such as Trump and Aviemore, where every piece of evidence shows that the government acted entirely properly and in the public interest.

 "And it is clear that Wendy Alexander's illegal campaign donation, and incompetent handling of the issue, has done massive damage to her leadership and the standing of Labour in Scotland.

 "The Labour Party's celebration that Ms Alexander was not referred to prosecutors by the Electoral Commission despite her admitted illegality is premature – the true test of public opinion is much more important and overwhelming."

 Detailed Poll figures:

 The poll's findings showed that:

 Scottish Parliament constituency vote:

SNP     39%     6

Lab      31%     -1

Con      15%     -2

Lib       12%     -4

Oth      3%       1

 Scottish Parliament regional vote:

SNP     40%     9

Lab      30%     1

Con      13%     -1

Lib       11%     0

Oth      5%       -10

 Projected seats:

SNP     57

Lab      44

Con      16

Lib       12

 How is Alex Salmond doing as leader of the Scottish Government

Well     70%

Badly   17%

Don't know      13%

 POSITIVE RATING: +53

 How is Wendy Alexander doing as leader of the Scottish Labour Party

Well     30%

Badly   52%

Don't know      18%

 NEGATIVE RATING: -22

 MRUK Cello interviewed 1,028 adults across Scotland between 29 February and 9 March.