New poll sparks row over election votes

Sep 25 2009 by Stuart Wilson

CATHY Jamieson is on the verge of losing her seat in the Scottish Parliament.

That’s the view of political rival Adam Ingram, who says the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley seat is about to change hands.

A national opinion poll, which suggests a large swing to the SNP at the next Holyrood election, has delighted Mr Ingram.

And he reckons the end is nigh for Labour in the constituency held by Ms Jamieson, the former justice minister.

The Ipsos-Mori poll reveals the SNP are on course to win 55 seats, compared with Labour’s 35 at the next ballot.

And Mr Ingram said: “Obviously I am delighted with this survey and it shows people believe the SNP government is delivering for them, unlike the previous Labour administration or the Westminster government.

“SNP voters are clearly more motivated than Labour ones and that is down to the SNP fighting Scotland’s corner both at Holyrood and Westminster.

“The voters here are clear in their message that they respect a party that is prepared to take hard decisions and a party that stands up for investment in Scottish public services.”

But Ms Jamieson poured scorn on the idea that a national survey had any relevance to her constituency.

She enjoyed a majority of just under 4000 at the last election and insists poll results like this one must be taken with a pinch of salt.

She said: “As far as I can see, this is just wishful thinking from Adam Ingram.

“The poll takes no account of local circumstances and, with the proposed boundary changes due to take place, it’s actually predicted that I could end up with more of the vote.

“Adam Ingram has serious issues to deal with as children’s minister and he would be better served to focus on them instead of things like this.

“The only poll that matters is the one on election day – and I prefer to focus on that.”

The poll, which appeared in Holyrood magazine, quizzed 1000 people at the end of last month.