Labour ahead, but Salmond goes further
Labour has edged ahead of the SNP in voting intentions for the Scottish Parliament, according to a poll published last night.
But the same poll shows contrasting figures for the leadership ratings, with the SNP's Alex Salmond placed far ahead of his rivals in other parties.
The confusing conclusions have caused a leading polling expert, Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University, to cast doubt on their reliability.
The First Minister was reckoned to be doing the best job by 65% of those questioned, while Wendy Alexander, the Scottish Labour leader, was seen as the best performing leader by only 17%.
Annabel Goldie, the Scottish Conservatives chief, was on 11%, and Nicol Stephen, the LibDems leader, was on only 6%.
On Holyrood voting intentions for both the constituency and regional votes, the Nationalist government has slipped behind its main opponent, according to the
Progressive Scottish Opinion polling company.
The survey of 1034 adults, questioned from January 3 to 8 for STV's Politics Now programme, found that Labour had a one-point lead over the SNP on the constituency vote, by 37% to 36%. Conservatives were on 13% and LibDems on 12%.
At last May's elections, on the constituency vote, the SNP won nearly 33%, Labour won just over 32%, Conservatives had 17% and LibDems 16%.
On the regional vote, by which 56 list MSPs are elected, Labour had a wider margin over the SNP, by 38 to 34%. Conservatives were on 14% and LibDems on 11%, while Scottish Greens registered 2% backing and 2% for others.
On the list vote last May, the SNP had 31% to Labour's 29%, while Tories had 1% and LibDems 11%, with Greens winning only 4%.
Professor Curtice said of the poll: "I would exercise extreme caution before I would take this as any evidence that the Labour Party has staged any kind of significant recovery in Scotland."
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Posted by: Rab the Ranter, Carluke on 12:19am Fri 11 Jan 08
[bold]Who owns STV?[/bold]
Posted by: ratzo on 12:32am Fri 11 Jan 08
[quote]The confusing conclusions have caused a leading polling expert, Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University, to cast doubt on their reliability.
Professor Curtice said of the poll: "I would exercise extreme caution before I would take this as any evidence that the Labour Party has staged any kind of significant recovery in Scotland."[/quote]
The confusing conclusions have caused a leading polling expert, Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University, to cast doubt on their reliability.
Professor Curtice said of the poll: "I would exercise extreme caution before I would take this as any evidence that the Labour Party has staged any kind of significant recovery in Scotland."
Posted by: Mike Simpson, Glasgow on 12:35am Fri 11 Jan 08
Labour has edged ahead of the SNP in voting intentions for the Scottish Parliament, according to a poll published last night....
and you were saying??!!!
Labour has edged ahead of the SNP in voting intentions for the Scottish Parliament, according to a poll published last night....
and you were saying??!!!
Posted by: Stevie, Bo'ness on 12:36am Fri 11 Jan 08
i.e.
it's a pile of crap, to try to inspire the depressed Labour mob out of the trenches.
i.e.
it's a pile of crap, to try to inspire the depressed Labour mob out of the trenches.
Posted by: Mike Simpson, Glasgow on 12:46am Fri 11 Jan 08
Isn't it funny when the polls start to go against the SNP, the usual suspects (ie the Nat fanatics) on here start to blame the messenger, and not the message...just an observation of course! Just watch, wait and see, I bet the next opinion poll will show a similar picture, ;o)
Isn't it funny when the polls start to go against the SNP, the usual suspects (ie the Nat fanatics) on here start to blame the messenger, and not the message...just an observation of course! Just watch, wait and see, I bet the next opinion poll will show a similar picture, ;o)
Posted by: ratzo on 12:54am Fri 11 Jan 08
[quote]The confusing conclusions have caused a leading polling expert, Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University, to cast doubt on their reliability.
Mike Simpson, Glasgow on 12:46am today Isn't it funny when the polls start to go against the SNP, the usual suspects (ie the Nat fanatics) on here start to blame the messenger.
Professor Curtice said of the poll: "I would exercise extreme caution before I would take this as any evidence that the Labour Party has staged any kind of significant recovery in Scotland."[/quote]
The confusing conclusions have caused a leading polling expert, Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University, to cast doubt on their reliability.
Mike Simpson, Glasgow on 12:46am today Isn't it funny when the polls start to go against the SNP, the usual suspects (ie the Nat fanatics) on here start to blame the messenger.
Professor Curtice said of the poll: "I would exercise extreme caution before I would take this as any evidence that the Labour Party has staged any kind of significant recovery in Scotland."
Posted by: Huntly Loon, Aberdeenshire on 1:16am Fri 11 Jan 08
What is peculiar about the poll is comparing the regional results between May and now. The Conservatives and Libdems appear unchanged on 14% and 11% respectively. The SNP have gone up 3% and Labour by 9%. In May 15% went to others, whereas the current poll allows for only 3%. In May the small parties were virtually wiped out, it is hard to beileve that they have even less support now and that the vote has gone 3 to 1 to Labour compared with SNP.
It does not square with the huge support for Salmond compared with other party leaders, especially when in this very 'presidential' age party fortunes are so tied up with that of the leaders. There is also a percieved notion that governments lose elections rather than oppositions win them. I do not feel that the present SNP administration has done anything detrimental to cause their support to tail off. Indeed they have been generally well received. My hunch is that it is including Labour voters who could not be bothered to vote Labour nor for any party back in May. It is a very bizarre poll, especially in that the parties' support and the leaders' support are so completely contradictory. I think we need to see more polls to draw any sensible conclusions.
What is peculiar about the poll is comparing the regional results between May and now. The Conservatives and Libdems appear unchanged on 14% and 11% respectively. The SNP have gone up 3% and Labour by 9%. In May 15% went to others, whereas the current poll allows for only 3%. In May the small parties were virtually wiped out, it is hard to beileve that they have even less support now and that the vote has gone 3 to 1 to Labour compared with SNP.
It does not square with the huge support for Salmond compared with other party leaders, especially when in this very 'presidential' age party fortunes are so tied up with that of the leaders. There is also a percieved notion that governments lose elections rather than oppositions win them. I do not feel that the present SNP administration has done anything detrimental to cause their support to tail off. Indeed they have been generally well received. My hunch is that it is including Labour voters who could not be bothered to vote Labour nor for any party back in May. It is a very bizarre poll, especially in that the parties' support and the leaders' support are so completely contradictory. I think we need to see more polls to draw any sensible conclusions.
Posted by: Frances on 1:20am Fri 11 Jan 08
Mike Simpson - "the usual suspects (ie the Nat fanatics) on here start to blame the messenger". And would you describe Professor John Curtice's scepticism as that of a Nat fanatic?
No matter where I look, I can't seem to work out which polling organisation carried out the survey, which is what you really need to know to discover if it's got much credibility - ie. ICM, YouGov, Populus are all fairly reliable, whereas MRUK and Scottish Opinion are utterly hopeless. System Three are somewhere between the two extremes, although they did rather implausibly put Labour comfortably ahead last January.
Mike Simpson - "the usual suspects (ie the Nat fanatics) on here start to blame the messenger". And would you describe Professor John Curtice's scepticism as that of a Nat fanatic?
No matter where I look, I can't seem to work out which polling organisation carried out the survey, which is what you really need to know to discover if it's got much credibility - ie. ICM, YouGov, Populus are all fairly reliable, whereas MRUK and Scottish Opinion are utterly hopeless. System Three are somewhere between the two extremes, although they did rather implausibly put Labour comfortably ahead last January.
Posted by: Wee Wendy's Cellmate, Cornton Vale on 1:26am Fri 11 Jan 08
Yet another dodgy poll - when will these nose in the trough dinosaurs accept the fact that Labour are in free fall, It doesn't matter how many of these polls they publish the man in the street doesn't believe it any more. May 2007 showed that the lies and fear spread by the labour party for many years is now being realised for what it is - total rubbish, designed to keep the labour cooncillors helping the mp's to run down our country whilst keeping themselves well heeled through dodgy donations in the hip pocket!!
The can is open, the word is out so how about giving us the results of a real poll and not one carried out in the Glasgow City Council HQ.............
Yet another dodgy poll - when will these nose in the trough dinosaurs accept the fact that Labour are in free fall, It doesn't matter how many of these polls they publish the man in the street doesn't believe it any more. May 2007 showed that the lies and fear spread by the labour party for many years is now being realised for what it is - total rubbish, designed to keep the labour cooncillors helping the mp's to run down our country whilst keeping themselves well heeled through dodgy donations in the hip pocket!!
The can is open, the word is out so how about giving us the results of a real poll and not one carried out in the Glasgow City Council HQ.............
Posted by: Graeme, Hamilton on 1:42am Fri 11 Jan 08
[italic][bold]Carried out by Progressive Scottish Opinion polling company[/bold][/italic]
This is an organisation which is not a member of the British Polling Council - says it all as far as i'm concerned.
I mean cmon i'm sure the herald can do better than this, why not go the whole nine yards and tell us that Wendy is the best performing leader..............
.. I'd believe it honestly!
Carried out by Progressive Scottish Opinion polling company
This is an organisation which is not a member of the British Polling Council - says it all as far as i'm concerned.
I mean cmon i'm sure the herald can do better than this, why not go the whole nine yards and tell us that Wendy is the best performing leader..............
.. I'd believe it honestly!
Posted by: doonhamer on 5:33am Fri 11 Jan 08
At the risk of being attacked as a daft Nat, how is polling individuals who watch a TV show a representative of the Scottish electorate. Was the poll conducted with the proper procedures as outlined in the British Polling Council regulations? It is my understand that if it was a proper poll, the full results must be published.
During the election, I was very happy when a similar poll by this group put the SNP ahead. I was immediately attacked by AM2 who commented that the poll was taken by a marketing company and not a proper polling company. I assume that this still is the case.
I would encourage the Herald to hire a proper company and do a poll to confirm or reject this finding.
At the risk of being attacked as a daft Nat, how is polling individuals who watch a TV show a representative of the Scottish electorate. Was the poll conducted with the proper procedures as outlined in the British Polling Council regulations? It is my understand that if it was a proper poll, the full results must be published.
During the election, I was very happy when a similar poll by this group put the SNP ahead. I was immediately attacked by AM2 who commented that the poll was taken by a marketing company and not a proper polling company. I assume that this still is the case.
I would encourage the Herald to hire a proper company and do a poll to confirm or reject this finding.
Posted by: donald, glasgow on 8:28am Fri 11 Jan 08
[quote]Posted by: Rab the Ranter, Carluke on 12:19am today
[bold]Who owns STV?[/bold]
Who owns STV?[/quote] Whoever Lord Gus Labour/SWP sold it to.
Posted by: Rab the Ranter, Carluke on 12:19am today
Who owns STV?
Who owns STV?
Whoever Lord Gus Labour/SWP sold it to.
Posted by: george on 8:58am Fri 11 Jan 08
Its a conspiracy - these unionists and their mind controlling drugs. Tin foil hats are available at the SNP HQ to protect you from the evil hoards.
Its a conspiracy - these unionists and their mind controlling drugs. Tin foil hats are available at the SNP HQ to protect you from the evil hoards.
Posted by: Nirvana, nevermind on 9:04am Fri 11 Jan 08
As soon as I read on Douglas Fraser's blog that "an interesting poll result is about to be published" I knew what the reading would be.
An SNP poll lead, on the other hand, would never merit a mention by Dougie, even though this would be arguably more newsworthy - given the generation of Labour dominance Scotland has endured.
Still waiting for your comment on Wendy and the electoral commission, Mr Fraser. Your silence here has been deafening.
As soon as I read on Douglas Fraser's blog that "an interesting poll result is about to be published" I knew what the reading would be.
An SNP poll lead, on the other hand, would never merit a mention by Dougie, even though this would be arguably more newsworthy - given the generation of Labour dominance Scotland has endured.
Still waiting for your comment on Wendy and the electoral commission, Mr Fraser. Your silence here has been deafening.
Posted by: Not so Auld Reekie on 9:19am Fri 11 Jan 08
Agree this polling organisation is not one of the recognised organisations.
AS Bill Millar said on TV last night given the huge lead in Alex Salmond's popularity then in an actual election where all the spotlight is on the leader the SNP would still win by more than in May 2007.
But no room for complancy for SNP supporters.
Agree this polling organisation is not one of the recognised organisations.
AS Bill Millar said on TV last night given the huge lead in Alex Salmond's popularity then in an actual election where all the spotlight is on the leader the SNP would still win by more than in May 2007.
But no room for complancy for SNP supporters.
Posted by: JohnMcDonald, London on 9:24am Fri 11 Jan 08
One poll hardly matters but it is indicative of the progress the SNP has made over the past year. I have no doubt that the Labour Party has got quite a bit of spark still in it and will improve its performance in 2008.
But the ground has shifted and shifted irredeemably. Any improved Labour performance will be from within that altered environment.
The next phase of Scotland's story is going to incredibly interesting and exciting.
One poll hardly matters but it is indicative of the progress the SNP has made over the past year. I have no doubt that the Labour Party has got quite a bit of spark still in it and will improve its performance in 2008.
But the ground has shifted and shifted irredeemably. Any improved Labour performance will be from within that altered environment.
The next phase of Scotland's story is going to incredibly interesting and exciting.
Posted by: Disgusted Dorothy, Glasgow on 10:12am Fri 11 Jan 08
Given the poll conducted in the USA putting Hillary out of business, then having to deal with the little upset of her winning in New Hampshire,can anyone believe any poll anywhere?
Given the poll conducted in the USA putting Hillary out of business, then having to deal with the little upset of her winning in New Hampshire,can anyone believe any poll anywhere?
Posted by: John J. Sheridan, Z'ha'dum on 10:40am Fri 11 Jan 08
From your picture Doug, I estimate your weight to be between 13-15 stones, do you think those straws are capable of taking that kind of bulk?
From your picture Doug, I estimate your weight to be between 13-15 stones, do you think those straws are capable of taking that kind of bulk?
Posted by: Joe on 11:38am Fri 11 Jan 08
If I'm right this is the opinion polling company that has produced all kinds of peculiar results throughout the last year. This company had projected everything from Labour winning the May elections to the SNP getting 48% within a few short months.
If I'm right this is the opinion polling company that has produced all kinds of peculiar results throughout the last year. This company had projected everything from Labour winning the May elections to the SNP getting 48% within a few short months.
Posted by: jim mitchell, Sauchie, Clack's on 3:32pm Fri 11 Jan 08
Mike Simpson, you are perfectly entitled to your opinion.
Could you say please if you support increased powers for the Scottish Parliament and if so what ?or do you agree with the Gordon Brown line?
A bit off topic i know, but I'm sure you will find this easy to answer.
Thank's
Mike Simpson, you are perfectly entitled to your opinion.
Could you say please if you support increased powers for the Scottish Parliament and if so what ?or do you agree with the Gordon Brown line?
A bit off topic i know, but I'm sure you will find this easy to answer.
Thank's
Posted by: Mike Simpson, Glasgo on 7:07pm Fri 11 Jan 08
[quote][bold]jim mitchell[/bold] wrote:
Mike Simpson, you are perfectly entitled to your opinion. Could you say please if you support increased powers for the Scottish Parliament and if so what ?or do you agree with the Gordon Brown line? A bit off topic i know, but I'm sure you will find this easy to answer. Thank's[/quote] Jim Mitchell,
Thanks for your courteous response, I am in full agreement with giving the Scottish Parliament increased powers, and I don't agree with the 'reported' Gordon Brown line...
Hope that helps.
jim mitchell wrote:
Mike Simpson, you are perfectly entitled to your opinion. Could you say please if you support increased powers for the Scottish Parliament and if so what ?or do you agree with the Gordon Brown line? A bit off topic i know, but I'm sure you will find this easy to answer. Thank's
Jim Mitchell,
Thanks for your courteous response, I am in full agreement with giving the Scottish Parliament increased powers, and I don't agree with the 'reported' Gordon Brown line...
Hope that helps.
Posted by: jim mitchell, Sauchie, Clack's on 8:45pm Fri 11 Jan 08
Thank's mike, but what sort of increased powers would you like it to have?
Thank's mike, but what sort of increased powers would you like it to have?
Posted by: Strathturret, Montrose on 9:54pm Fri 11 Jan 08
Looks like a v dodgy poll. Curtice who is not an SNP supporter rubished it. Looks like they added the don't knows to the labour vote? Salmond thrashed Alexander in the leader vote. Surprised she got 17%!
Looks like a v dodgy poll. Curtice who is not an SNP supporter rubished it. Looks like they added the don't knows to the labour vote? Salmond thrashed Alexander in the leader vote. Surprised she got 17%!
Posted by: Strathturret, Montrose on 9:57pm Fri 11 Jan 08
Looks like a v dodgy poll. Curtice who is not an SNP supporter rubished it. Looks like they added the don't knows to the labour vote? Salmond thrashed Alexander in the leader vote. Surprised she got 17%!
Looks like a v dodgy poll. Curtice who is not an SNP supporter rubished it. Looks like they added the don't knows to the labour vote? Salmond thrashed Alexander in the leader vote. Surprised she got 17%!
Posted by: Brian Hill, Edinburgh on 2:27am Sat 12 Jan 08
Professor Bill Millar on The Politics Show and Professor Curtice are both well known Labour supporters and if neither of them are wiling to give this poll credibility you can bet you boots it has none.
As Prof Millar said. The idea of Salmond getting 65% against Labour leader Alexander' s 17% and the Labour Party pulling ahead of the SNP does not compute, especially as elections have been getting increasingly presidential.
As it happens we have 2 council by-elections coming up in February and possibly one other in Wendy's constituency if one of the current councilors is charged by the police (he is currently suspended from the Labour whip). Those council elections will be a much better indicator of people's voting intentions.
Professor Bill Millar on The Politics Show and Professor Curtice are both well known Labour supporters and if neither of them are wiling to give this poll credibility you can bet you boots it has none.
As Prof Millar said. The idea of Salmond getting 65% against Labour leader Alexander' s 17% and the Labour Party pulling ahead of the SNP does not compute, especially as elections have been getting increasingly presidential.
As it happens we have 2 council by-elections coming up in February and possibly one other in Wendy's constituency if one of the current councilors is charged by the police (he is currently suspended from the Labour whip). Those council elections will be a much better indicator of people's voting intentions.
Posted by: Mike, Edinburgh on 1:27pm Sat 12 Jan 08
The Herald poll just before the end of the year put the SNP independance figures at 80% for to 20% against. I'd like to say that unless a poll is conducted by a credable polling organization, I will not accept it even if it is in favour of my party, the SNP.
Curtices poll have consistently way off target over the last twelve months, but if it lets you poor battered and exposed Numpties feel better then go for it.
The Herald poll just before the end of the year put the SNP independance figures at 80% for to 20% against. I'd like to say that unless a poll is conducted by a credable polling organization, I will not accept it even if it is in favour of my party, the SNP.
Curtices poll have consistently way off target over the last twelve months, but if it lets you poor battered and exposed Numpties feel better then go for it.
Posted by: Jock in the Box, embra on 7:59pm Sat 12 Jan 08
The facts are that Labour will get humped silly down south and have as much chance of winning as Linlthgow Rose have of winning the Scottish Cup (and yes I know they went out today).
Since Labour are more of a non starter ,han a three legged horse,it makes anybody who declares they intend to vote for them even [bold]THICKER THAN YOUR AVERAGE MINCE![/bold]
When are you people going to get it through your numpty heads LABOUR have been [bold]dead[/bold] for years,and the replacement [bold]Nu Labour is about to join its predecessor![/bold] Even if by some miracle Nu Labour could recover enough to stand a chance its still a [bold]RIGHT WING WATERED DOWN TORY PARTY.[/bold]
Opinion polls which suggest Nu Labour are still breathing ,are of no consequence,because in England THEY ARE ALREADY DIGGING THE GRAVE !
Does Glasgow and Scotland want to be noted as the first city in the world to vote for a party which does not even exist,never mind have a chance of winnng, and even if they did exist in any meaningful form we would have to get them out of prison first !
The facts are that Labour will get humped silly down south and have as much chance of winning as Linlthgow Rose have of winning the Scottish Cup (and yes I know they went out today).
Since Labour are more of a non starter ,han a three legged horse,it makes anybody who declares they intend to vote for them even
THICKER THAN YOUR AVERAGE MINCE!
When are you people going to get it through your numpty heads LABOUR have been
dead for years,and the replacement
Nu Labour is about to join its predecessor! Even if by some miracle Nu Labour could recover enough to stand a chance its still a
RIGHT WING WATERED DOWN TORY PARTY.
Opinion polls which suggest Nu Labour are still breathing ,are of no consequence,because in England THEY ARE ALREADY DIGGING THE GRAVE !
Does Glasgow and Scotland want to be noted as the first city in the world to vote for a party which does not even exist,never mind have a chance of winnng, and even if they did exist in any meaningful form we would have to get them out of prison first !
Posted by: Sally, Glagow on 1:38am Sun 13 Jan 08
[bold]Funny that the SNP make a meal of any poll that suits them, but ridcule any poll that makes them look like total W@nkers. :-D[/bold]
Funny that the SNP make a meal of any poll that suits them, but ridcule any poll that makes them look like total W@nkers. :-D Posted by: Brian Hill, Edinburgh on 2:16am Sun 13 Jan 08
Sally, as I said in my 2.27am early Sat morning post, it's not just the SNP who is questioning the figures, even stalwart5 Labour supporters like professors Curtice and Millar both expert pollsters say it doesn't make sense in relation to Salmond standing at 65% to Wendy's 17%.
Also the polling agency is not recognised by the UK Polling Association. That says it all really.
Sally, as I said in my 2.27am early Sat morning post, it's not just the SNP who is questioning the figures, even stalwart5 Labour supporters like professors Curtice and Millar both expert pollsters say it doesn't make sense in relation to Salmond standing at 65% to Wendy's 17%.
Also the polling agency is not recognised by the UK Polling Association. That says it all really.
Posted by: Bobo on 8:51am Mon 14 Jan 08
John Curtice is a Lib Dem for goodness sake - he's never supported Labour.
Poll looks like nonsense............
.......
John Curtice is a Lib Dem for goodness sake - he's never supported Labour.
Poll looks like nonsense............
.......
Posted by: Curious, RoS on 1:19pm Mon 14 Jan 08
I think the main polls will be the by-elections in West / Central Scotland when a few Labour MSP's are forced to resign in order to cover up for Wendy's 'unintentional' lawbreaking.
I'm sure Eck wouldn't mind another couple of seats lead over Labour in the parliament.
I think the main polls will be the by-elections in West / Central Scotland when a few Labour MSP's are forced to resign in order to cover up for Wendy's 'unintentional' lawbreaking.
I'm sure Eck wouldn't mind another couple of seats lead over Labour in the parliament.
Posted by: Wee Iain, Aberdeen on 1:22pm Mon 14 Jan 08
Everyone - please note the similarities of the names of the organisations involved in the extracts from the Herald below:
(a) Labour's dodgy funding
[quote]But critics said there were still many unanswered questions, particularly surrounding the [bold]Progressive Policies Forum[/bold] , a mysterious think tank via which donations were channelled to Mr Hain's fund[/quote]
(b) Dodgy poll reported by The Herald
[quote]On Holyrood voting intentions for both the constituency and regional votes, the Nationalist government has slipped behind its main opponent, according to the [bold]Progressive Scottish Opinion[/bold] polling company[/quote]
An old name for the Tories in Scotland at Local Gov. level was the [bold]Progressives[/bold] - I put it to you that this name has now been taken on by the [bold]New Tartan Tories[/bold] - ie [bold]New Labour[/bold]
Everyone - please note the similarities of the names of the organisations involved in the extracts from the Herald below:
(a) Labour's dodgy funding
But critics said there were still many unanswered questions, particularly surrounding the Progressive Policies Forum , a mysterious think tank via which donations were channelled to Mr Hain's fund
(b) Dodgy poll reported by The Herald
On Holyrood voting intentions for both the constituency and regional votes, the Nationalist government has slipped behind its main opponent, according to the Progressive Scottish Opinion polling company
An old name for the Tories in Scotland at Local Gov. level was the
Progressives - I put it to you that this name has now been taken on by the
New Tartan Tories - ie
New Labour Posted by: Colin McDonald, Walton-on-Thames on 2:38pm Mon 14 Jan 08
[quote][bold]Sally[/bold] wrote:
[bold]Funny that the SNP make a meal of any poll that suits them, but ridcule any poll that makes them look like total W@nkers. :-D[/bold] [/quote] Sally,
I fail to see how any poll can make anybody look like a w*****... perhaps you can enlighten me?
The only person left looking foolish is you for your abusive and nonsensical comment.
For what it's worth, I never believe what any one poll says, the sample sizes of ~1000 really aren't, in my opinion, large enough to represent a legitimate cross section of society. I am more inclined to watch the polls over a number of months to establish a trend. I think that is where polls are at their most useful, not in predicting exact % splits.
It will be interesting to see the trends over the coming weeks and months, as an SNP supporter I believe that this poll is a statistical anomoly caused by poor polling practices or simply a small sample size. Time will tell though.
Sally wrote:
Funny that the SNP make a meal of any poll that suits them, but ridcule any poll that makes them look like total W@nkers. :-D
Sally,
I fail to see how any poll can make anybody look like a w*****... perhaps you can enlighten me?
The only person left looking foolish is you for your abusive and nonsensical comment.
For what it's worth, I never believe what any one poll says, the sample sizes of ~1000 really aren't, in my opinion, large enough to represent a legitimate cross section of society. I am more inclined to watch the polls over a number of months to establish a trend. I think that is where polls are at their most useful, not in predicting exact % splits.
It will be interesting to see the trends over the coming weeks and months, as an SNP supporter I believe that this poll is a statistical anomoly caused by poor polling practices or simply a small sample size. Time will tell though.
Posted by: Big Eye on 10:14am Tue 15 Jan 08
The previous poster could not be more correct the You Gov poll in today's Daily Express has the SNP 9% ahead of Labour in the constituency vote and 3% ahead on the regional vote!
The poll referred to in this article was clearly a rogue one and I would not be surprised to dicover that the funds raised to cover the cost came from a range of donors who all donated £950 from their homes abroad.
The previous poster could not be more correct the You Gov poll in today's Daily Express has the SNP 9% ahead of Labour in the constituency vote and 3% ahead on the regional vote!
The poll referred to in this article was clearly a rogue one and I would not be surprised to dicover that the funds raised to cover the cost came from a range of donors who all donated £950 from their homes abroad.
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